Will I Have to Appear in Court?

If you’ve been injured in any sort of accident caused by someone else’s careless behavior, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses. Losses, in this case, include not only your expenses, but also lost wages and even the pain and suffering you’ve experienced. However, you may be hesitant to seek legal help because you don’t want to have to go to court.

Don’t be. There are two things many people may not realize about personal injury claims.

Many Cases Settle out of Court

Many, and in fact most, personal injury claims are settled without involving the courts. In most cases, you’ll file your claim, negotiate a settlement amount with the insurance adjuster, and collect whatever compensation you mutually agree upon.

Legal Representation Can Increase Your Settlement Amount

Insurance companies pay a higher settlement, on average, to victims who are represented by an attorney than to those who elect to go it alone. Insurance companies know the law, and often employ attorneys as claims adjusters. Injury victims who choose to be represented by a lawyer put themselves at an advantage when negotiating with an adjuster.

Working with an attorney doesn’t mean you have to file a lawsuit. In fact, your lawyer may be able to help prevent you from needing to sue in order to get the compensation you deserve.