If you have been seriously injured in an accident, you need to make a lot of decisions about how to move forward. One of those decisions is whether you should hire a Fort Walton personal injury lawyer to pursue a claim for compensation. Unfortunately, many people make the wrong decision based on the following false assumptions.
I Have Health Insurance.
Many people think they don’t need to pursue a personal injury claim because their losses will be covered by their health insurance. While this is true, it’s also important to understand that your health insurance won’t cover all of your losses, such as lost wages or your pain and suffering.
In addition, you will have to pay your deductible and any copays out of pocket. Depending on the nature of your coverage, these costs could be significant. Many deductibles are so high that people are forced to forgo the medical treatment they need. Copays can add up if you require extensive medical treatment. Lastly, your health insurance may not cover all of the treatment you need, especially if you have suffered emotional or psychological trauma as a result of your accident.
An experienced Fort Walton personal injury lawyer can review your health insurance coverage and explain what it will cover and what it won’t so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed with your claim.
The Insurance Company Has Already Offered Me a Settlement.
Many people are surprised by how quickly the insurance company will offer to settle their case. Unfortunately, these are typically lowball settlement offers designed to limit the amount that insurance companies pay out in claims. They will offer to settle your claim before you know what your total losses will be, and the offer of quick payment is difficult for many people to turn down. However, accepting the insurance company’s settlement offer means that you release them from any further and future claims related to your accident. As a result, you won’t be able to negotiate for additional funds if your settlement doesn’t cover additional medical expenses, lost income, or other losses.
If you have received a settlement offer, a Fort Walton personal injury lawyer can review your offer and tell you whether it is fair. They can explain what it will cover and what it won’t, and help you understand your options.
Lawyers Are Expensive.
While it is true that some lawyers are expensive, personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not get paid unless they are able to successfully recover compensation for you. In addition, you never have to pay legal fees upfront or out of pocket, which can be a tremendous advantage when you may be unable to work due to your injuries. It also incentivizes the lawyer to make a candid and thorough assessment of your claim before deciding to proceed. This means that a Fort Walton personal injury lawyer can help you maximize your recovery without having to pay expensive attorney’s fees while hoping your claim will be successful.
Talk to a Fort Walton Personal Injury Lawyer at Powell, Powell & Powell Today
If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should at least speak with an experienced Fort Walton personal injury lawyer to understand your options. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today at 805-682-2757.