If you have been involved in an accident and suffered injuries or property damage, you may be wondering whether you need a St. Louis personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the aftermath. While not every case requires legal representation, there are several compelling reasons why you should consider hiring a lawyer to help you.

As per the Insurance Research Council’s report, individuals who seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer tend to recover 3.5 times more on average in settlements compared to those who do not. This means that if you hire a St. Louis personal injury lawyer, you are more likely to receive fair compensation for your injuries and other losses resulting from the accident.

It’s worth noting that not every accident warrants the hiring of a personal injury lawyer. However, TorHoerman Law Firm says that if you have suffered injuries, emotional distress, property damage, or other financial loss as a result of an accident or injury that was at least partially the fault of another person or party, it is in your best interest to consider hiring a St. Louis personal injury lawyer.

In this article, we’ll discuss five of the top reasons why you need a St. Louis personal injury lawyer after an accident.

Reason #1: Your Lawyer Can Help You Maximize Your Compensation

One of the main reasons to consider hiring a St. Louis personal injury lawyer after an accident is to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages. Insurance companies are known for offering lowball settlements to accident victims in an attempt to save money. When you have a lawyer on your side, you can be confident that you are getting a fair settlement that takes into account all of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

For example, let’s say you were involved in a car accident in St. Louis, and you suffered injuries that required medical treatment and forced you to miss work. In 2020, the Insurance Information Institute reported that the average compensation sought for bodily injury after a collision was $20,235. 

This amount can vary significantly depending on the severity of your injuries, but having a personal injury lawyer can help ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.

In addition to bodily injury claims, you may also have property damage to contend with after an accident. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the typical property damage claim following a car accident was $4,711 in the year 2020. Your personal injury attorney can assist you in negotiating with the insurance provider to guarantee that you are fairly compensated for any property damage.

Reason #2: Your Lawyer Can Navigate the Legal System on Your Behalf

The legal system can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with an injury. By hiring a St. Louis personal injury lawyer, you can look after your recovery while your lawyer handles the legal battle. Your lawyer can file paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

Reason #3: Your Lawyer Can Help You Determine Fault

Determining fault is a crucial part of any personal injury case, and in Missouri, it can have a significant impact on the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive. Under comparative negligence laws, if you are found to be partially at fault for an accident, your damages can be reduced or even eliminated entirely.

For instance, let’s say you were involved in a car accident that caused $10,000 in damages, and the other driver was found to be 40% responsible for the collision while you were 40% responsible. In this scenario, you could only make a claim to recover 60% of the total damages, which would be $4,000, and not the full amount of $10,000. 

However, the other driver is entitled to sue you for the 60% damage you caused, so it’s essential to have a personal injury lawyer on your side to help determine fault and establish liability for the accident. They can investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to prove the other party’s fault.

Reason #4: Your Lawyer Can Help You Avoid Costly Mistakes

One mistake can cost you thousands of dollars in a personal injury case. For example, if you inadvertently sign a waiver or accept a settlement offer without understanding its full implications, you could be leaving money on the table. 

A personal injury lawyer can help you avoid these costly mistakes and ensure that you’re making informed decisions throughout the legal process.

Reason #5: Your Lawyer Can Provide You with Peace of Mind

Finally, hiring a personal injury lawyer can provide you with peace of mind during a difficult and stressful time. Your lawyer can handle the legal details of your case, leaving you free to focus on your recovery and your family. You can rest assured that you have a legal professional on your side, fighting for your rights and your best interests.

Conclusion

If you’ve been injured in an accident, hiring a St. Louis personal injury lawyer can provide you with many benefits. Your lawyer can help you maximize your compensation, navigate the legal system, determine fault, avoid costly mistakes, and provide peace of mind. To ensure that you receive the best possible outcome for your case, it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer to represent you.