Personal injury cases can arise under a broad range of circumstances. Whether you are involved in a car accident, motorcycle accident, dog bite, or slip and fall, the outcome of your case will depend on clear documentation of your injuries and losses, as well as evidence of the other party’s negligence.

In some situations, especially minor accidents, it may be tempting to settle your personal injury claim on your own. Insurance companies typically get involved early in a case, and you may receive an initial settlement offer that will cover some of your initial medical expenses. However, insurance companies do not have your best interest in mind. They may not be accounting for things such as pain and suffering, lost wages, or ongoing medical expenses.

That is where an experienced Santa Monica personal injury attorney can help.

Settling Your Own Case

If you are thinking of negotiating your own settlement, ask yourself how well you understand the laws that govern the personal injury process. Not only is managing a personal injury claim time consuming, there are many potential pitfalls that nonlawyers often fall into unaware they are doing so. In addition, statements made without the presence of an attorney, or papers that are signed without attorney review, may end up limiting the amount of money you will receive.

Fortunately, you do not have to navigate the claims process alone. An experienced personal injury attorney will help you organize your medical bills, document your losses, collect witness statements and build the strongest case possible. In addition, an attorney can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, giving you the time you need to focus on your physical recovery.

Getting Fair Compensation

Individuals represented by lawyers tend to obtain more substantial settlements than those who handle their case on their own. On average, a person with legal help receives compensation that’s about four times greater than those that handle their claim alone. This is a significant aspect to consider when hiring a personal injury attorney.

Most people seldom understand what their claim is truly worth. Insurance companies may place a dollar amount on your case from the outset, and pressure you to settle for significantly less than your case is worth. A personal injury attorney can evaluate the facts of your case, collect medical bills and ongoing treatment plans, and help you calculate non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. Armed with this information, your attorney can then demand full compensation for your losses.

The Severity Of Your Injuries

If you sustained seemingly minor injuries, such as whiplash, you may not feel the urge to hire an attorney. If the insurance company is willing to pay for your medical expenses and property damage, why not take their offer? The truth is that sometimes, even minor injuries can result in months if not years of recovery. Visits to the doctor, chiropractor, and physical rehabilitation may end up costing you more than what the insurance companies are initially willing to pay. If your injuries are more severe, there could be lifelong implications for your health, employment and overall well being that should be taken into account.

Contact Schwimer Weinstein for Expert Representation

Any time you sustain injuries due to someone’s negligence and you are dealing with insurance companies, you should consult with an attorney. At Schwimer Weinstein, our team of personal injury attorneys is always ready to help you handle the claim process to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Please contact us online or call us at 310-957-2700 today.