Many accident claims can be handled without the assistance of an attorney. However, in some cases, it is more beneficial to have an experienced attorney on your team than to attempt to work with the insurance company on your own. If you are injured or have a significant property loss, you may need help interpreting the laws that apply to your claim.
Personal injury laws are complicated. While it is possible for you to research the law without an attorney, lawyers who have extensive experience helping accident and injury victims have more direct experience working with insurance companies and are in a better position to negotiate fair settlements.
If you don’t know how much compensation you are entitled to receive, you may accept less than you need to pay for your medical bills or replace your property. An experienced Insurance Claim Attorney in Gig Harbor may be able to help you put a monetary value on your injuries or property loss so you are able to evaluate any settlement offers made by the insurance company. You may be entitled to more than you think. In addition to medical bills and property loss, some victims are lost income, lost time from school and emotional damages.
When a victim and insurance company are not able to agree on a fair settlement, an attorney can take the case to court. An Insurance Claim Attorney in Gig Harbor who has trial experience can represent you throughout your case. Many insurance claims are settled out of court before or during the trial. Your attorney may work with the insurance company’s representative to ensure your settlement is fair and reasonable.
A trial often involves expert witnesses who are paid for their time. Before agreeing to a trial, be sure you understand the attorney’s fees and other costs involved and, if your attorney works on contingency, how much of your settlement will be paid to your lawyer. For more information about personal injury claims or to talk to an attorney about your experience with an insurance company, contact Anthony Otto Attorney At Law. Anthony Otto has been practising law since 1980 and has extensive personal injury experience.