If you or a loved one have recently been injured, you may be wondering: Do I need a lawyer? The answer may very well be yes. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, slipped and fell on someone else’s property, or were injured in another way due to the negligence or carelessness of another, the extent of your injuries can make a huge impact on your claim.

If you suffered very minor (or no) injuries, you may be able to handle an injury claim against the other party on your own, through your insurance or small claims court. But if you suffered more serious injuries, or if you are unsure about how to handle your claim, it would be in your best interest to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer Infographic

When to Hire a Lawyer for Your Personal Injury Claim

1. Immediately After an Accident

The insurance on the other side of the claim is immediately working to minimize your claim. There are things that can be done early on that will help you significantly in the long-run.

2. Your Injuries May Be More Significant Than You Think

If you think your injuries are minor, and if the other party’s insurance has offered you compensation for some or all of your bills, it may seem like it’s not worth hiring a lawyer and dealing with the cost of legal representation. However, there are a few different reasons why you may want to discuss your case with a lawyer even if you only have minor injuries.

For starters, your minor injuries may turn into major ones down the line. After a car accident, it can take days or weeks for the full extent of certain injuries to surface. Even worse, if your injuries worsen over time and you have already accepted a settlement, you will not be able to pursue the other party for the new costs of your injuries.

Secondly, you may be entitled to recover intangible compensatory damages such as pain and suffering. Intangible compensatory damages would be calculated by your lawyer and, if your claim went to court, considered by a jury. If you accept a settlement that does not include these or similar damages, you may be missing out on compensation that you could have recovered.

3. You Were Seriously Injured

Whenever you’ve been seriously injured, you need to hire a personal injury lawyer to make sure you recover the entirety of the damages you’re entitled to. What’s more, the other party and their attorney(s) may take you more seriously if you have a personal injury lawyer representing you.

Don’t Rely On Your Insurance Company

Unfortunately, insurance companies are not always looking out for your best interests when you’ve been injured. Your insurance company is a business and, as a business, its goal is to make money. That means paying out as little as possible, even if you’re a long-time client of theirs. If you want to get the largest possible award for your injuries, you will want to contact a personal injury lawyer before dealing with an insurance company.

Personal Injury Lawyers Are Affordable

Most personal injury lawyers—including us, at Vasilaros Wagner—work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. In addition, you have our guarantee that we will never make more than you because your life is worth more. From the moment you contact us, our lawyers will work with you and will only be paid if and when you receive a settlement.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

At Vasilaros Wagner, we are highly skilled and experienced in negotiation with other legal entities on behalf of our clients. Our lawyers will guide you through the steps you need to take throughout the process of your claim, explain and calculate the damages you may be entitled to recover, and help you determine the right time to accept a settlement offer. If you need a personal injury lawyer in Daytona Beach or Palm Coast with your best interests in mind, call 386-777-7777 today.