Many accident victims prefer to avoid lawyers. They try to handle their own injury claims hoping that the insurance company involved will settle as promptly and fairly as they advertise. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always respond in that matter. Their obligation is their stockholders and policyholders, not to injured people. Insurance companies have enormous advantages: vast wealth, armies of sharp, experienced adjusters and lawyers and at least 67 LEGAL REASONS to reduce or deny compensation. (Ask for our “67 Reasons” brochure.) Negotiating alone or waiting until the insurance company “makes an offer” can be frustrating and costly. Delay or guessing about the value of your case can result in the loss of valuable rights and thousands of tax-free dollars.
The best way to find out if you need a personal injury lawyer is to ask an experienced accident specialist. He can tell you in just a few minutes whether you have a case, if you injury is serious enough to require a lawyer’s service and whether the company is treating you fairly. At The Scranton Law Firm, over half the injured people we talk to DO NOT need a lawyer. An accident specialist should be willing to explain how to handle your case yourself (if that is appropriate), how soon you should settle and where to get medical attention, if necessary. Although and experienced accident specialist is busy, it makes sense for him to give you a few minutes of free advice – advice that can save you time, money, and worry. The lawyer who is interested only in a consultation fee may not be your best choice. To a successful accident specialist, a consultation fee is insignificant compared to establishing confidence and trust with an accident victim. That’s why, at The Scranton Law Firm, we NEVER require consultation fees.
It is imperative that an injured person seek legal advice when:
1. He has sustained anything but a “minor” injury. A minor injury requires no more than a few doctor visits with symptoms that disappear within a few weeks. Any injury more serious than that necessitates legal advice.
2. He has been the victim of Medical Malpractice, a Dangerous Product, Lawyer Malpractice, or carelessness by a city, county, or state. It is almost impossible to handle these complex areas of litigation without experienced legal representation.
3. The adjuster uses tactics designed to minimize benefits. Keep in mind that the “adjuster” is hired and trained by an insurance company to minimize the company’s obligation to pay compensation to accident victims.