Summary
- What does a personal injury lawyer do? They do a great deal to help clients obtain maximum compensation.
- One of a personal injury attorney’s most important jobs is to investigate an accident to collect the proof needed to strengthen a client’s case.
- A lawyer will also negotiate with insurers to obtain a fair settlement.
- If the insurer refuses to make that offer, an attorney will be ready to take them to court.
- Other essential responsibilities include performing legal research, advising clients, and providing post-settlement or post-trial assistance.
If you’re wondering, “What does a personal injury lawyer do?” here’s some information to answer the question. An attorney will help you obtain the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered an injury due to another’s carelessness. But they’ll do much more than that, as you’ll see in this article.
The Eberst Law Firm is ready to help you get justice from those responsible for your suffering. We value our clients and we are invested in helping you recover fair compensation for your damages. Our accomplished legal team can offer you individualized attention and access to our resources. You can use our online contact form to schedule a free case review, or you can call 772-225-5566.
Personal Injury Attorneys Start by Investigating Accidents
More than 130,000 people suffered unintentional injuries in Florida accidents in 2022. It’s not a stretch to say a good portion of them filed personal injury lawsuits against those who caused those accidents. The people filing those claims needed proof to show they deserved the money they demanded. Personal injury attorneys work to get that proof.
So, what does a personal injury lawyer do to gather evidence? They perform exhaustive investigations to determine how accidents occur. Personal injury attorneys go to the accident scene, interview witnesses, obtain police reports, and more. They may also consult with accident reconstruction experts or other professionals to analyze the details of the accident and determine liability.
Once they’ve gathered sufficient evidence of negligence, personal injury lawyers assess the strength of their clients’ cases and advise them on their legal options. They provide guidance on the likelihood of success in pursuing a claim and help clients understand their rights under the law. These are just a few reasons to hire an attorney after sustaining a catastrophic injury.
In cases where liability is clear, and damages are significant, personal injury attorneys may proceed with filing a claim against the at-fault party or parties. Then, they prepare and submit legal documents, such as complaints or petitions, to initiate the legal process and formally assert their clients’ claims for compensation.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies is a Key Duty of an Accident Injury Attorney
After filing a claim, personal injury lawyers negotiate with insurers to secure fair settlement offers. Insurance adjusters may offer settlements to resolve the claim without going to court. However, these initial offers often fail to compensate injured parties for their losses adequately.
A personal injury attorney will work to convince the insurer to compensate an injury victim equitably. This is especially important in cases involving catastrophic injuries, where the victim will likely be dealing with the fallout of their accident for years to come. The personal injury lawyer will have to present the evidence to prove the victim’s damages, or financial losses. Examples of damages include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
The best personal injury lawyers keep their clients informed throughout the negotiation process and advise them on whether to accept or reject settlement offers. They provide honest assessments of the strengths and weaknesses of the case. This empowers their clients to make informed decisions about their legal options.
Personal Injury Lawyers Handle Going to Court If It is Necessary
What does a personal injury lawyer do if the insurance company refuses to settle? They take the insurer to trial. However, there’s a very slim chance you’ll have to step foot in a courtroom since 95% of cases settle without going to trial. But your attorney will be prepared nonetheless.
When a case goes to court, attorneys present evidence, question witnesses, and argue legal points before judges and juries. They advocate zealously for their clients’ interests and work tirelessly to secure favorable outcomes in court.
Attorneys handle all aspects of the litigation process, including pretrial motions, discovery, and settlement negotiations. They navigate complex procedural rules and legal standards, always protecting their clients’ rights.
Other Essential Responsibilities of a Personal Injury Lawyer
In addition to investigating accidents, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing clients in court, personal injury lawyers perform a variety of other important tasks to support their clients’ claims. These include the following:
- Legal research and analysis – Personal injury lawyers conduct legal research. They will analyze relevant statutes, case law, and legal precedents to build strong arguments supporting their clients’ claims.
- Client counseling – Attorneys also provide ongoing guidance and support to their clients. Part of their role is addressing their concerns, answering their questions, and keeping them informed about the progress of their cases.
- Mediation and alternative dispute resolution – Sometimes, personal injury lawyers may participate in mediation or other alternative dispute resolution to resolve claims outside of court. They work to negotiate fair settlements and avoid the time and expense of litigation.
- Post-settlement assistance – After obtaining settlements or court judgments on behalf of their clients, personal injury lawyers assist with resolving outstanding medical bills, liens, and other financial obligations. They ensure that their clients receive the compensation to which they’re entitled and help them move forward with their lives after an injury.
Find Out More By Contacting The Eberst Law Firm
We hope we’ve helped answer the question, “What does a personal injury lawyer do?” If you have questions for a personal injury lawyer, our team is available to discuss your case in greater detail. To find out more about how The Eberst Law Firm can help you get the money you deserve, please schedule a free consultation by contacting us online or calling 772-225-5566.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I afford to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Yes. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. They can only collect a fee if they win their client’s case. This fee is typically a percentage of the total amount recovered. Clients don’t have to pay any upfront costs or fees.
How long will my personal injury case take to conclude?
There are a lot of factors that go into answering those questions. If the case is complex, or the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, the case could stretch for months or even years. If the facts are straightforward and the insurer knows they can’t win, they may offer an equitable settlement in just a few weeks.
What if I’m partially to blame for the accident?
Florida follows a legal principle known as comparative fault. If the court finds you’re partly to blame for an accident, it will reduce your compensation by the percentage of fault it assigns.
