An accident can happen in the blink of an eye, but the impact of the associated injuries can last a lifetime. If you’re unable to work while you recover, you’ll probably start feeling those effects in a matter of days.
Thankfully, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help. These professionals specialize in tort law, which includes civil litigation for conditions or injuries caused by another party’s negligence or intentional misconduct.
The ultimate goal of such attorneys is to enable injured parties to make their lives “whole” again. Should you choose to hire one, you can expect them to assist with your claim in the following ways:
1. Guide Your Claim Through the Proceedings
From statutes of limitations to caps on damages, personal injury cases can be incredibly complex. As such, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed.
Fortunately, a seasoned lawyer can help you navigate every stage of the process. In the legal landscape, you can think of your attorney as both a tireless advocate and a knowledgeable tour guide. They will take care of the labyrinth of paperwork required for your case, gather the evidence needed to prove both liability and damages, and handle all settlement negotiations on your behalf.
What’s more, if you enlist legal help early on—before corresponding with the insurance adjuster, for example—they can keep you from missing critical deadlines or making major mistakes that might otherwise hurt your chances of recovering a payout.
2. Seek the Maximum Payout Possible
Resourceful lawyers are equipped to conduct comprehensive investigations that hopefully yield evidence of fault. To ensure their clients can hold all liable parties accountable, the best attorneys won’t rest until they have a clear understanding of what happened in the moments leading up to the accident.
They also make sure to track damages diligently, so not a single recoverable loss is overlooked. This includes both economic damages, like medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress.
3. Represent You in Court
The vast majority of personal injury claims are settled during the negotiations. If the insurance company disputes liability, refuses to offer a fair payout, or otherwise denies your claim, though, it may be in your best interests to file a formal lawsuit.
Whether your case is resolved in your favor will depend on your ability to adhere to the procedures. It will also be determined by the standard of proof that the evidence you present meets. Since even a minor misstep at any stage can bring your entire case crashing down, taking a personal injury action to trial is a job best left to a professional.
Speak with a South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney
At Hodge and Langley Law Firm, we know just how devastating unanticipated injuries can be for the whole family. If you or someone you love was seriously hurt at the hands of another, we’ll help you pursue the funds needed to restore your family’s financial security. To request a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in South Carolina, call 864-585-3873 or complete our Contact Form.