It can be easy after being involved in an accident to take whatever the insurance company offers. Unfortunately, this causes a person to receive significantly less compensation than what they would receive otherwise. This is why attorneys always advise potential clients or clients to not speak with the insurance companies about specifics. But what if you don’t want to take the easy settlement and you wish to pursue more meaningful compensation on your own?
This is something that you can do, as you are given the legal right to do so when someone’s careless action has caused you to suffer monetary damages. You can recover compensation by settling a claim without having to go to court or by having to file a formal lawsuit. The big question is whether or not you wish to take all of this on without the help of an experienced Philadelphia personal injury law firm.
Because Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, you don’t have the right to sue someone unless your injuries exceed a certain level. The level of injury is determined by the nature of the injury or the cost of medical treatment. Because you are limited to recovering damages from your own insurance, it is possible that you can handle the matter on your own. You are restricted by the limits of your policy, so it is rather cut and dry.
However, it is possible that your injuries are serious enough to qualify you for filing a lawsuit. This is an instance where it is a good idea to hire a lawyer. The personal injury legal system is complicated and the insurance companies and attorneys for the negligent party can be very difficult to deal with.
Another instance in which you may be able to handle matters on your own is when you are already receiving the maximum compensation allowed by the insurance policy. If the defendant’s insurance policy covers up to $100,000 and you’ve been offered a settlement of $100,000, there is no need to negotiate more. Pursuing more money than the policy offers means having to pursue direct payments from the defendant. If the defendant has no assets or money, you may never collect on those damages. If the defendant does have money and assets, then it may be worth your while to pursue additional compensation and that is going to require the assistance of an experienced lawyer.
Many people don’t want to hire a lawyer for minor injuries since what the insurance company will pay may cover the medical expenses. What should be noted is that minor injuries can turn into major issues. If a minor injury turns into something more serious after a settlement has been accepted, there is nothing that the injured can do. Taking the settlement removes the right to make any future claims to cover injury costs.
Anything from infection to hidden issues that come about later can cause a seemingly minor injury to become something very expensive and painful. Good attorneys typically tell clients to wait until the full extent of the injuries are known while remaining within the statute of limitations. This can be the difference between recovering meaningful compensation and recovering compensation that is not enough.
Also, pain and suffering and emotional distress can be considered when a case goes to court. A settlement that doesn’t include these non-economic damages may be a settlement that isn’t complete. Your attorney can advise you of the damages you’re entitled to and then you can make the decision regarding what you want to do. You don’t lose power when you hire Brotherly Law to help you. You still make the decisions, but your attorney helps you navigate the legal system and educates you so those decisions are informed ones.
Being injured due to no fault of your own is very difficult on a number of levels, which is why you want to hold the responsible party accountable for the monetary damages that you have suffered. This is something that can be difficult for you to do on your own because the laws are complex and so is the process. Negotiation with insurance companies can also be quite difficult. To learn more about how Brotherly Law can help you, call us at (215) 545-8500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
If you have been injured due to no fault of your own, you may be able to hold the responsible party accountable for the monetary damages resulting from the accident. Fill out the form below to request a free consultation so we can evaluate your case.