5 Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney if a Loved One Is Injured

Yesterday, I got a call from a long-time friend. She and her husband have been friends of mine for over 15 years. As soon as I got the call, I knew something was wrong. Her husband, my good friend, was in a car crash and was in the hospital. She was calling me as her friend, but also for help. These are the moments when I am so grateful that I have skills that can relieve tremendous burdens from people who need help.

When a loved one is involved in a car crash, the emotional and physical toll on the family can be overwhelming. The woman who called me – let’s call her Janet – is a smart, level-headed and proactive person. But her husband’s scary injuries had understandably rattled her, and she was feeling vulnerable, scared and lost.

Already, insurance companies were calling her, expecting lucid answers to very difficult (and sneaky!) questions. She just wanted to be with her husband and talking to his doctors.

So, she immediately asked me to serve as her attorney, and it is my greatest honor to help her and her husband in this terrifying moment.

All this preamble is a way of explaining what it can be like for family members whose loved ones have been hurt in a car crash. Janet should not have to answer calls from insurance companies, contact the police for their report, investigate the scene of a crash… she should just be with her husband.

By hiring me, she took all of those burdens off her own shoulders and handed them to me. Her phone is no longer pinging with calls and questions she can’t answer.

There are many reasons to hire a personal injury attorney after a car crash, and this story illustrates many of them. Below are the five most important aspects of engaging a personal injury attorney in such circumstances:

1. An Attorney Will Shield You from Insurance Companies

After a car crash, dealing with insurance companies becomes an inevitable part of the process. But those insurance company representatives aren’t on your side. Insurance adjusters are skilled in minimizing payouts and often use tactics that are not in your best interest. I used to work for the insurance industry and I saw the terrible, manipulative tactics that their people would use to trap car crash victims and their family members into saying things that undermined their cases.

When you hire a personal injury attorney, all communications from insurance companies are redirected to your attorney, who has the expertise to handle such interactions effectively. This legal representation ensures that your rights are protected and prevents insurance companies from potentially taking advantage of your vulnerable situation. A personal injury attorney acts as a buffer, allowing you to focus on healing rather than the stress of negotiations.

2. Car Crash Lawyers Conduct Thorough Investigations

Investigating a car crash is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the law, as well as resources and time. Personal injury attorneys bring their vast experience and access to a network of professionals who can meticulously investigate the incident. This investigation is crucial for establishing liability and gathering the evidence necessary to support your claim.

For example, in complex crash cases, I have relationships with crash scene investigators who can reconstruct accidents, helping me to prove that my client was the victim so that I can secure a proper settlement for them.

As someone caring for an injured loved one, your primary focus should be on their recovery, not on the intricacies of legal procedures. An attorney’s expertise in handling such investigations ensures that no stone is left unturned in seeking justice for your loved one.

3. Having a Personal Injury Attorney Provides Peace of Mind

The aftermath of a car crash can be one of the most challenging times in your life, especially when a loved one is suffering. The thought of engaging in legal battles with insurance companies can be daunting.

My friend Janet, for example, was being hounded to provide copies of her insurance declarations. She had no idea what this was or how to find it. (Insurance companies like to make this information difficult to access.) I knew exactly how to help her, and told her to put it out of her mind. I was on it.

Hiring a personal injury attorney offers peace of mind, knowing that an experienced professional is advocating for your loved one’s best interests. This support allows you to dedicate your time and emotional energy to the recovery process, alleviating the burden of legal worries.

4. Personal Injury Attorneys Use a Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Costs

Even though Janet and I have been friends for over a decade, she had no idea how I am compensated for my work. This can be awkward between friends, right? But I was happy to tell her that I – and all personal injury attorneys – work on a contingency fee basis, meaning she and her husband pay nothing until I secure a settlement for them.

A common misconception is that hiring a personal injury attorney is expensive and requires upfront payment. However, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. This arrangement aligns the attorney’s interests with yours and ensures that quality legal representation is accessible without the need for immediate financial investment. It allows individuals from all financial backgrounds to seek justice and compensation without the fear of upfront legal fees.

5. You’ll Receive Personalized Attention from an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Of course, Janet called me right away, without entertaining the idea that she’d call other attorneys. That’s friendship. But it’s also important to make sure you choose an attorney who is going to give you the same attention that I give my friends. A lot of personal injury firms are built like machines that churn out widgets. An experienced attorney, who has built his or her practice to be in service to the community, would never hand your case off to an “account manager,” never to speak with you again.

Choosing the right personal injury attorney is crucial. It’s important to seek out attorneys who offer personalized attention and are directly involved in your case from start to finish. Opt for a small, boutique law firm where experienced attorneys, rather than clerks or junior associates, handle your case.

These firms, like The O’Sullivan Law Firm, often build their reputation on personal service and a commitment to their clients, as opposed to larger firms that may prioritize quantity over quality. An attorney who is personally invested in your case will go the extra mile to ensure the best possible outcome.

Hiring a personal injury attorney is a critical step in navigating the aftermath of a car crash involving a loved one. An attorney not only provides legal expertise and peace of mind but also ensures that your loved one’s rights are vigorously defended, all without the burden of upfront legal fees. The right attorney will offer personalized attention, making the legal process less daunting and allowing you to focus on what matters most—your loved one’s recovery.