Why Hiring a Lawyer for Your Personal Injury Case is a Wise Decision
Introduction
Whenever someone is faced with having to deal with an insurance company, one big decision is whether or not to hire a lawyer. Understanding the complexities of legal proceedings, from how to file to how to present and preserve evidence, is crucial for a successful outcome. This blog discusses the benefits of hiring a lawyer, including the requirements for getting a case in front of a judge or jury, the advantage of local legal expertise in areas like Columbus, Georgia, and how representation can positively impact your dealings with insurance companies.
- Criminal vs. Civil Law: Who Controls What?First, it is essential to understand the difference between criminal and civil law. Criminal cases are prosecuted by the government in the name of the state. Civil court matters, including personal injury claims, are initiated and “prosecuted” by the individua who was harmed. A lawyer specializing in civil law can guide you through the legal process, make sure deadlines are not missed, caution about certain interactions, make sure the necessary facts are preserved and presented and help organize your case long before the case reaches the courthouse steps.
- Remedies Through Lawsuits or Civil Lawyers:Personal injury lawsuits have been allowed in order to provide remedies not available in other legal areas, such as compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A skilled civil lawyer can effectively navigate these legal waters, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Even if the defendant responsible for the injury is charged by the local District Attorney, these damages are usually not part of the punishment rendered by the court – and they certainly wont make an insurance company pay what is fair.
- The Burden of Proof and Evidence Preservation:In civil cases, the burden of proof is on the plaintiff. This means that you must provide sufficient evidence to support your claim; it is not the defendant’s responsibility or obligation to disprove your claim. A lawyer and his staff can be crucial in gathering and preserving evidence, a process that can be complex and requires legal expertise.
- Navigating Legal Regulations:Legal regulations surrounding personal injury cases can be intricate and vary from one jurisdiction to another. An experienced lawyer, especially one familiar with local laws throughout east Alabama and west Georgia, can navigate these regulations effectively and help you avoid common pitfalls like notice provisions, Statutes of limitations, medical proof, identifying all of the potential responsible parties and getting their insurance involved in the case.
- The Advantage of Local Legal Expertise:Having a local lawyer who understands the medical and legal landscape of your area can be invaluable. They can offer insights into local legal precedents, have connections with medical professionals for expert testimonies, and provide personalized attention to your case. They are also well-acquainted with the jury pool in your jurisdiction, which is essential when valuing personal injury claims.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Finally, and maybe most important, Insurance companies often treat unrepresented individuals differently than those with legal representation. A lawyer can level the playing field, ensuring that the insurance company takes your claim seriously and offers a fair settlement. Without the ability to push a case into court, an individual is left at the mercy of the adjuster handling the file and without disclosure of significant information about the case, the reason it happened, the coverage available and the reasonableness of an offer. The peace of mind from having the help of a lawyer, who generally works on a contingency fee which is not paid unless the client approves, can allow an injured person to concentrate on getting back to normal instead of dwelling on the anxiety of dealing with the unknown.
Watch what Gary Bruce Says About Speaking to Your Insurer After an Accident:.
When you are resolving a personal injury claim, representation matters. The Law Office of Gary Bruce is here to help. With over 30 years of experience in dealing with insurance claims and defending individual rights, Gary Bruce offers free, no-obligation consultations to answer your legal questions and explore your options for recovery. Gary addressed this issue on a recent episode of “Legal Break” during the WTVM morning news. In this episode you can hear his thoughts on why hiring a lawyer can be beneficial to an injured person – and some considerations you should make when talking to different lawyers about your possible relationship. This link will take you to the video: https://www.garybrucelaw.com/video/wtvm-legal-break-should-i-hire-a-lawyer-to-handle-my-personal-injury-case/
Deciding whether to hire a lawyer for your personal injury case is a significant choice. Considering the complexities of civil law, the need for proper evidence preservation, and the advantage of local legal expertise, having a lawyer can provide peace of mind and a higher likelihood of a successful outcome. For residents in Columbus, Georgia, Harris County, Georgia, Ft. Moore, Phenix City, and Lee County, Alabama, the Law Office of Gary Bruce offers over 30 years of experience in personal injury cases. If you have further questions about your legal options and potential recovery for injuries, contact The Law Office of Gary Bruce at 706-576-4279 for a free, no-obligation consultation.