No one anticipates being injured as a result of someone else’s negligence; however, if this occurs to you or someone you know, many questions arise. One of the first and most important questions may be, “Do I need a personal injury attorney?” To best protect yourself follow the old adage – it is better to be safe than sorry. The best way to protect yourself is by retaining counsel.
A personal injury attorney should take the stress off of your back so that you can focus on the most important thing – getting the proper medical treatment so you can get better. Some of these things that a personal injury attorney should do includes the following:
1. Assist with the completion of all of the paperwork that is necessary to file your claim.
2. Obtain all pertinent documentation and medical records.
3. Make sure that the appropriate amount of your medical expenses are reimbursed by the insurance company(s) that are obligated to pay those expenses.
4. Assist the filing of proper claim for any lost wages you may have sustained.
5. Investigate all possible insurance coverages available to you so that you are able to maximize your ability to be compensated for your losses including pain and suffering, lost wages, and past and anticipated future medical expenses.
6. Preserve critical evidence by photographing the accident scene, vehicular damage, and visible injuries; obtain witness statements, all tapes and any other tangible evidence that may disappear with time.
7. Handle all communication with the insurance company who may be attempting to take action which is contrary to your interests.
It is extremely important to promptly contact an attorney to discuss your rights if you have been injured as a result of the negligence of someone else. We often hear of claims where a representative from an insurance company tries to contact an injured victim before that person speaks with an attorney. Insurance adjusters and representatives often try to do so to obtain a quick, and unfair, settlement and release of your entire claim, and before you have had an opportunity to speak with an attorney who can explain all of your options. Remember, the initial consultation with a personal injury attorney is free, so there is no risk to you in educating yourself of your rights. We are a third generation law-firm that has been a fixture in the Palm Beach community for the past 82 years and look forward to the opportunity to explain your rights. Furthermore, if we do represent you in your case, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we obtain a settlement or verdict for you.
