Why skilled personal injury lawyers offer victims an advantage
The average person does not know how to evaluate damages or whether settlement offers are fair. Lawyers employ experts and draw on their own expertise to arrive at settlements that fairly compensate clients. One of the reasons that most cases can effectively settle outside of court is because insurance companies know that competent attorneys take cases to trial when equitable settlements are not on the table. At trial, sympathetic juries often make large awards for pain and suffering. Expensive court costs and excessive jury awards are incentives for insurance companies to compromise during negotiations and settle rather than have a lawyer take the case to trial.
When you put your personal injuries in the hands of a knowledgeable attorney, you usually receive significantly larger compensation, even with legal fees. Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations to determine whether you have a legitimate case, and take cases on contingency, charging no fees unless they recover money awards or settlements.
An understanding of how insurance companies operate can also help you decide about whether to obtain a lawyer.
Insurance company settlement offers
Insurance companies seek to make a profit like any other business. Their settlement offers range from lowest to highest, and they begin with offers at the low end. The offer is always in their best interest, not yours. They do not necessarily base the settlement range on what is reasonable to cover your expenses. In fact, they frequently try to settle cases as quickly as possible before permanent injury becomes apparent.
In most cases, you should take your time to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) (medical evaluation that your medical condition cannot improve further) before settling. If the doctor determines your case as MMI, you and your New Jersey personal injury lawyers have a good idea of the extent of permanent disability, can determine assistive care, assess future medical expenses, and more accurately evaluate projected income loss over the years.
You should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to schedule the initial consultation regarding your case. A lawyer will remain at your side throughout the legal process and help you cope with your unplanned personal injury.
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