Whether you are charged with DUI where someone was injured or someone slipped and fell in your home, anyone can become the defendant in a personal injury lawsuit. Too often, people rely on their insurance company to handle such claims, thinking there is no need for an attorney. The fact is, whenever you are charged in a personal injury lawsuit, you need to hire an attorney who specializes in that type of law.
Claims Assessment Experience
One of the most important reasons you need an attorney when charged with personal injury is that good trial lawyers have experience in assessing claims. They can tell you from the beginning what you are facing regarding the claim and whether or not you may be able to settle out of court or can expect to go to trial. When it comes to settling claims, the advice of an attorney is invaluable.
Investigative Abilities
One of the things that a trial lawyer can do that you cannot is investigate the accident thoroughly. One of the things they will look for is whether the victim was at fault, or even partially at fault, for the injury. In some states, if it can be proven that the plaintiff contributed at all to their own injury, their case can be dismissed or their award reduced. Because trial lawyers have a team of investigators available, they are able to look at the details of the accident and determine whether or not you were totally at fault or the plaintiff contributed in any way.
Knowledge of the Law
The average layperson knows very little about the intricacies of law. For example, if you are pulled over and a breath test shows you are over the legal limit, many people believe that they are automatically guilty. A DWI lawyer would tell you that assumption is wrong. The fact is that there are many different aspects of law that could mean what looks like a “cut and dried” case may not be at all. In a personal injury case, the law is even more complicated as there can be many defenses available that show you were not responsible for someone else’s injury. A highly qualified trial lawyer will understand the aspects of law that apply to your case and be able to advise you on what steps to take to minimize or eliminate the claim against you.
Even if it seems that the claim against you is minor and you believe it will be an easy one to settle, hiring a trial lawyer is highly recommended, especially in personal injury cases. Whether the injuries to the other person seem minor or not, an attorney can provide you with quality advice to be sure your rights are protected.
This article is from Lizzie Weakley, a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. She enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her three-year-old husky Snowball.
