There are two ways to interpret the question above. On the one hand, you might see it as a question of the circumstances under which one should hire a Dallas personal injury lawyer. On the other hand, you could see it as asking how long one should wait before hiring a Dallas personal injury attorney.
Regardless of your stance, both takes on the question are highly relevant when you have been injured by the actions of another party in Dallas. And with a thorough understanding of the answers, you are likely to make the right choice for both your future physical and financial well-being.
In What Circumstances Should I Hire A Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer?
While most people understand that they need an attorney after a dog bite or a slip and fall incident due to negligent property owners, they may not recognize the value of a lawyer after something like a car accident.
When the Accident Involves Clear Fault but Serious Damages
Consider the following scenario: You are driving east on Interstate 20, obeying the speed limit, when you are sideswiped by another car. You break your leg, resulting in $15,000 in medical costs and three months of lost work. The police report definitively states that the other driver was at fault, and there was also a witness at the scene of the accident.
In that situation, you might think that you can afford to let the insurance company handle the claim and avoid the cost of a lawyer. And though that is certainly a comforting belief, it is exactly what the insurance company wants you to think, and that means it’s not the best decision.
Understanding Insurance Company Tactics
That’s because the company has almost complete authority over any insurance claim. It is what designed the claim process in the first place, after all, and its agents are the ones who make decisions throughout the process. When you file a claim without legal representation, you are trusting the insurance company to decide what is in your best interests.
Unfortunately, it has no financial incentive to do so. In fact, the opposite is true; the company can only make its money by denying or undervaluing claims. Even with a legitimate claim, it will search for any reason to pay you less than you deserve.
The Value of Legal Experience
Only those with extensive experience with the insurance process can reasonably protect your rights throughout it. Thus, if you have any reason to believe that another party caused your injuries, it’s best to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Dallas.
Nearly all personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so even in the event that your case simply isn’t strong enough, all you stand to lose is a little time.
Why Time Is of the Essence
With a strong case, however, the faster you can move to hire a lawyer, the better. They can get to work immediately and fight to get you compensation quickly. In almost all situations where a personal injury victim wins their case, they will get more money by hiring a lawyer than they would without one, even after paying the necessary legal fees.
How Long Should I Wait to Hire A Dallas Personal Injury Attorney?
Many injury victims will wait to hire a Dallas personal injury lawyer until they are certain that they want to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Though that is completely understandable, it is, unfortunately, rarely the right decision.
By putting off filing a lawsuit, you’re giving the insurance company ample time and opportunity to deny your claim or offer you far less money than it should for your injuries. That isn’t an impossible position to work from, but it will put you and your personal injury attorney at a major disadvantage.
Furthermore, if you decide to file a lawsuit, deadlines can become problematic. For most personal injury claims, you will only have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. That deadline drops to one year if you are filing a libel or slander lawsuit. With deadlines that tight, you can’t afford to delay consulting with an experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer.
Therefore, the best time to hire a personal injury lawyer in Dallas is as soon as you are injured. Personal injury attorneys will act as your guide through the entire insurance process. Often, you will be able to avoid the need for a lawsuit if you are represented by an attorney from the start.
Contact a Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by the negligence of another party in Dallas, Texas, contact Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation with experienced personal injury lawyers. We’re ready to help you.