Car wreck....should i get a lawyer now,or wait to see what the persons insurance company offers me first?

bad_***_chevelle

Get a lawyer. A lawyer will do most of the leg work and make things easier on you in the end. I recently went through this and found these things to be true: One, get a lawyer. Two, go to the doctor immediately (which I'm sure you have by the extent of your injuries). Three, go to therapy, and keep going. Here's what the Progressive claims adjuster told me. Chiropractors are frowned upon because they aren't considered bonified therapy by the insurance companies. Go to a physical therapy center under a doctor's (real M.D.) supervision. And finally, document everything. All receipts, notes, calls made, time spent, notes about lost work, the number of times you couldn't walk your dog, rental cars, etc. Everything. Your injuries are more serious than mine but I'm sure that many of these same theories apply. Good luck and remember that your health and full recovery are the most important things here, not your settlement.

CowboyBill

Here's the bottom line: insurance companies are NOT afraid of lawyers. Having a lawyer does NOT make your claim worth one cent more. Lawyers ALWAYS get their money. The vast majority of lawyers never see the inside of a courtroom -- they settle with the insurance company after stalling and lots of posturing for little more than what a good insurance company would offer to you directly. They get up to 40% of the settlement. They, despite what they will tell you right to your face, do not give one rats-@ss about you or your case. Lawyers work for themselves 100% of the time and will avoid court at all costs because they are well aware that big companies have dozens of lawyers on staff and can litigate an improper case into the next century. The nearest those bozos that are telling you to hire a lawyer have ever been to a courtroom is on Perry Mason reruns on TV. You would be wise to at least attempt negotiation with the insurance company before you hire a lawyer. Contrary to popular belief an insurer has nothing to gain by not offering a fair and timely settlement. Business is business though, and any company will do their best to save money. You are under no obligation to settle if you speak to them and if you feel they are not being fair then TELL them and ask for a detailed explanation as to why they are offering the amount in dispute. If you just cannot come to a resonable agreement or are stuck with an @ss adjuster (or company -- lots of them out there), THEN it's time for legal help.

Chris

You don't need an attorney to settle your claim, but it's your choice. The fact of the matter is insurance companies will offer what your claim is worth regardless, but the attorney takes 1/3 of it, and the claim will linger longer.

If you wait until you're way into the negotiation there is less of a chance that the attorney will want to take the case. Also, you can ask him to agree that if he gets any more than what they have offered you that he only take the 1/3 from the difference. Some don't like to do that (of course).

Your choice.

Warren D

Most attorneys will give you a consultation appointment at no charge.

I am assuming that the other driver was at fault. You should discuss the matter with your own insurance company, but they will likely advise you to discuss your compensation with the other driver's company.

The insurance company will try to minimize their losses, so you should have full documentation of all your injuries, loss of time, etc. as you deal with them.

My advice would be to seek a fair settlement as soon as it can be agreed on. You should be able to keep this out of court, but that isn't always possible. An attorney can help with the negotiations and it's not a bad idea to at least line one up.

Infinity606

You're friend is right. Wait to get a lawyer. Everyone else on this page is saying get one...they're wrong. As Chris said, they take nearly a third of your settlement. That's YOUR money...why pay them a third of money you've rightfully earned to just do the leg work that you can do yourself. Granted, it's not an easy process but it may be worth it. Depending on the situation of the accident, they may be willing already to settle if the other person was CLEARLY at fault. If there's any doubt that you may have had even a little fault in the accident, you may be facing some negotiations. just don't let someone else take the money that is rightfully yours just because you think they may get you more. attorney's generally make the claims process take 2-3 times longer than it normally does. think about that while making your decision. (mind you, this is not to say that some cases don't warrant getting an attorney. if the adjuster is giving you a hard time and you think you're getting stiffed...at least consult with an attorney before retaining one.)

Diablo

Protect yourself with legal advice. Doesn't mean you have to hire a lawyer. Keep in mind if the settlement process drags on the higher the legal fees will be. Been there! Paralegals are an option also. The one who usually benefits the most in these cases is the Lawyer. Most Lawyers now offer free consultation. It's only free till they're hired..

cork

NO
GET A LAWYER FROM THE START.................

merlin

get a lawyer

undercover_chef

Get a lawyer the more they get you the more they get that's motivation.

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