So a recent question we got from social media is, why do I even need a lawyer?
Can I just handle this accident case on my own?
My answer may surprise you.
It's, yes, you might be able to. If your case is just property damages with minimal or no injury, you may be able to talk to the insurance company, the at-fault driver, and get a settlement that adequately compensates you for your loss.
What I would typically say is, if you are injured to such an extent that you are seeking medical treatment over the course of weeks or months, or you have broken bones, you have a concussion, or other more serious injuries, I would recommend hiring an attorney, for a few reasons.
One, the attorney's going to be more experienced at dealing with the insurance companies. And so you can look on Google and learn about all the tips and tricks that insurance companies and their adjusters may use to minimize the value of your losses and hold that against you. And an attorney will be able to help you understand that throughout the process.
Secondly, an attorney is usually going to be more experienced with dealing with your specific types of injuries and how they may impact you over the long term and the specific types of doctors and medical providers that can help better evaluate your claim to ensure that you are getting adequate compensation for what you have suffered.
And so, yes, while you may handle a claim on your own, if it is a more serious claim, you probably don't want to.
I'm kind of a DIYer myself, and one way I look at it is, you know, if I just have to change the oil in my truck, I can do that on my own. I kind of know the process. I've done it a few times, so a few steps. But if the head gasket blows, and it has to be changed, I'm going to take that to a mechanic because it's a much more serious issue. And even though I may have the skills and ability to ultimately get it done, it's not something that I am personally going to be comfortable doing, given the long-term impact and implications of getting it wrong.
And so I hope that helped answer your question about whether or not you should hire an attorney to help you with your claim. Thank you, my name's Loyd Bourgeois. I'm a Louisiana personal injury attorney with offices in Luling and Metairie.
I'd be happy to talk to you and let you know if in fact you do need an attorney's help or whether or not it's something you may be able to handle on your own. Give us a call at 985-240-9773.
