Fortunately, most people don’t have much experience filing an injury claim after an accident. However, this means that dealing with claims after an accident can be stressful and confusing for accident victims, especially if they’re recovering from injuries and facing mounting medical bills.
Because of this, most accident victims aren’t sure about the best strategy for dealing with insurance claims. One of the questions we get the most is, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer to submit a claim to insurance?”
Whether or not accident victims need a lawyer to file an insurance claim depends on the facts of their case. Below are some factors you should consider to help you decide if you need a lawyer.
What Are Situations Where a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer Isn’t Necessary to File an Insurance Claim?
The reality is that you don’t need to hire a lawyer to help with all insurance claims. There are some situations when injured parties can comfortably handle the claim themselves and feel confident that they’ll get the compensation they deserve.
You can file your personal injury claim without legal representation if you:
- Do not have significant injuries or financial losses from your accident
- Are experienced in insurance laws, are familiar with personal injury laws, and have enough time to deal with the claim
- You caused the accident or were substantially at fault
In these situations, it’s probably okay to file your claim without the help of a personal injury lawyer. If you’re unsure whether you fall into one of those categories, it’s always a good idea to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
When Should I Hire a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer to Help With My Insurance Claim?
There are some situations when you should always hire a personal injury lawyer to help you with your personal injury claim. You should work with an experienced personal injury attorney if:
You have serious injuries or long-term disabilities from your accident.
You will only have one opportunity to get compensation for your losses after an accident. If you have catastrophic injuries that result in significant personal and financial hardship, you need to work with an accident lawyer who can ensure you get the compensation you need.
You’re being partially or entirely blamed for the accident.
Missouri follows an approach of pure comparative negligence. This means that accident victims can recover even if they’re partly at fault. However, their award will be reduced based on the percentage of their fault. For example, if a jury finds that a victim suffered $100,000 in damages and was 40% at fault, the victim would only recover $60,000.
The case involves specialized or complex legal issues.
For example, plane crashes or oil and gas accidents. These claims involve complex issues, and victims can benefit from having an attorney who specializes in the relevant area of law.
There are multiple parties involved.
For example, a commercial truck accident or cases involving a manufacturing defect. Claims with multiple parties can be complicated and hard to navigate. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help with the process and ensure you timely get the compensation you deserve.
The insurance company is acting in bad faith.
Some insurance companies act in bad faith to minimize claims or avoid having to pay a claim. If you’re dealing with an insurance company that uses these tactics, you need a lawyer to fight for you.
Should I Contact a Lawyer Before Filing a Claim?
Another common question we get from clients is, “Should I hire a lawyer before I even file my claim with the insurance company?” The answer is yes.
It’s always a good idea to contact a lawyer before filing your claim. Your lawyer can handle all aspects of your claim, which means less work for victims trying to get their lives back to normal after an accident. Plus, your lawyer can prepare you for dealing with the insurance company and help set you up for success.
Most Missouri personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. This means there’s no downside to meeting with a lawyer before filing your claim. If a lawyer is unnecessary in your case, they’ll let you know. Plus, they’ll usually give you some tips for handling your case.
How Can a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer Help With My Insurance Claim?
Insurance companies are experienced in dealing with personal injury claims, and they have a team of investigators, adjusters, and lawyers working for them. They work hard to minimize claims and payments to injured parties.
To ensure you get the compensation you deserve, you need someone fighting for you too. An experienced personal injury lawyer:
- Knows Missouri laws and how to navigate a personal injury claim
- Is experienced in dealing with and negotiating with insurance companies
- Will investigate your case to determine who was at fault
- Knows how to gather evidence to support your claim
- Can expertly the damages available and gather documentation to support your claim
- Will fight to ensure you get a fair settlement
A personal injury lawyer can, if necessary, file a personal injury lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve.
Contact a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer for Helps
Contact the team at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers if you’ve been injured in a Missouri accident. We’ll schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. In that consultation, we’ll explain your rights and create a personalized plan for recovery.
We’ll help you determine if you need legal representation and the steps you should take to get the best results possible. Call to schedule your free consultation at (314) 444-4444, or visit our St. Louis personal injury office so that we can start fighting for you.
