Timing is everything, and the same holds true with your decision as to whether or not you should hire a personal injury lawyer. In Cortland alone, numerous highly qualified personal injury lawyers, such as the legal team from Greene & Reid, can be of immense help to you should you figure into an accident, or a personal injury as a result of self-defense. However, it is also worth knowing that not every instance of personal injury necessitates a lawyer. How exactly can you determine if it is the right time to hire one? Read through to learn more.
1. Yes, when there is going to be court litigation
Depending on the severity of your personal injury and the circumstances surrounding it, your case may result in court litigation. For example, how exactly is valid self-defense considered an exempting circumstance for liability due to personal injury? Without a doubt, you need that personal injury in Cortland to help you prove your case as lawyers are required to represent you in court.
Beyond this mandatory purpose, however, you can have a better flow of your litigation if you have a lawyer guiding you. For example, it is the personal injury attorney who can make the best ascertainment of the circumstances of your case. It is also the lawyer who can determine whether or not a witness can be credible, and what kind of evidence be presented in court. Without a lawyer, you will only drown in a sea of legal confusion.
2. Yes, when the injuries you suffered are long-term and permanent
If your injuries are only minor, then there might be no need for you to dive into a legal fiasco by hiring a lawyer to assist you. However, if the injuries sustained are already long-term and permanent, then the situation is different. Here, you need a lawyer to assist you. For example, if you have sustained a permanent disability, such as an amputation or paralysis as a result of self-defense, the lawyer then becomes your best recourse. Not only can they do all the necessary legal paperwork for you, but they can also help determine the value of the compensation that you ought to receive.
3. Yes, if you are going to be dealing with an insurance company
When you have to deal with an insurance company, bear in mind that it is like fighting on unequal ground. The representatives of the insurance company that you are going to be dealing with are naturally better versed in the field of insurance law than you are. Hence, by this fact alone, you are already standing at a disadvantage. There may be matters about insurance law that remain to be gray areas for you.
To iron and even these all out for you, therefore, it is necessary for you to seek the help of a personal injury lawyer. This attorney should be by your side on every occasion that you have to meet or interact with the insurance company assigned to your case.
4. Yes, if the liability isn’t clear
Lawyers are equipped with years of study about the law, which you do not have. Unless you are merely dealing with two parties, including yourself, then the specific liabilities and damages can be easily determined. For example, Mr. A hit Mr. B, resulting in grave physical injuries. However, when there are multiple individuals involved, the case is now made even more complicated. At the outset, you might think that Mr. C is the one at fault, however, upon a thorough study of your lawyer, it is discovered that Mr. A is the real one at fault and that the liability is actually more significant than what you first thought. If self-defense is alleged, how exactly is liability determined, if there is any?
When the liability of each party cannot easily be determined, and when the case is starting to get confusing, then it is better for you to go ahead and run to your personal injury lawyer in Cortland.
Conclusion
Getting into an injury, whether it is your fault or another’s, is always a tough situation to be in. One recourse you can take is by seeking the assistance and advice of a personal injury lawyer. However, depending on whether the injury is a minor or major one, you won’t need a personal injury lawyer at all times. Now that you have this guide to help you out, you can better determine the right time and circumstance when you will need to hire a lawyer.