Deciding whether to hire a nearby lawyer for a car crash can be a tough decision. Bringing a personal injury claim can seem like a hassle, or perhaps your injury or property damage seems too minor to bother with. However, without an attorney’s guidance, you could be overlooking certain factors that affect how well you recover from the accident.
If you decide to deal with the aftermath alone, you could be more financially vulnerable to insurance companies or the other party involved. Here are some good reasons to hire a local accident attorney:
Contingency Fee
One of the biggest reasons people choose not to hire an attorney is cost. Fortunately, many lawyers do not charge an upfront fee for most personal injury claims. Instead, they take a certain percentage out of your settlement. Some even waive all fees if they fail to win your case. This arrangement allows injured parties to retain legal representation without taking on an undue financial burden.
Insurance Agent Tactics
If the other party in your accident is liable, you can be sure that their insurance company will waste no time in contacting you. But be forewarned that they want to offer you a quick settlement that won’t likely cover all your costs and damages. Insurance companies’ greatest concern is their bottom line, not your well-being. Without a lawyer going to bat for you, you’re likely to end up with less compensation than what your injury is worth.
Legal Deadlines
Your right to bring a personal injury will eventually expire, and the deadline depends on the state. In Ohio, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim. Although this statute may appear straightforward, there are forms and processes that you might not be familiar with. Your lawyer will help you navigate all the phases of filing and settling a claim, and they’ll make sure all paperwork is filed before the necessary deadlines.
Benefits of Hiring an Injury Lawyer Close to Home
In general, a very minor accident with no sustained injuries, little to no vehicle damage, and no dispute of liability may not require a lawyer. However, if you’re unsure about your situation, consulting with a Cincinnati-area personal injury litigant is always a good idea. Besides, hiring an attorney is your right. With advice from the professionals at Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen, LPA, Co., you don’t have to go at it alone.