It’s natural to think after an accident that you really need a lawyer or not. Medical expenses begin to roll in, you might not go to work and insurance companies start calling. Meanwhile, you may be considering the possibility of saving money and doing the claim yourself. And, hopefully, if you’re already trying to find a personal injury lawyer in Tulsa, OK, then you’re already looking at the possibilities, and trying to understand what makes the most sense. The truth of the matter, however, is that it’s easy to make some small claims on your own–but most of the cases of injury are not as easy as they seem.
Knowing when this is the time to go it alone in dealing with a claim, and when it’s better to leave it to another expert can save you a lot of money.
When Handling a Claim Alone Might Work
There are situations where handling an injury claim without a lawyer may be possible. These cases are usually simple, with clear facts and minor injuries.
You might be able to handle a claim on your own if:
- Your injuries are minor and fully healed
- Medical bills are low and already paid
- You didn’t miss much work, if any
- Fault is clear and undisputed
- The insurance company isn’t pushing back
In these cases, the insurance process may be straightforward. Still, even simple claims can become complicated if symptoms return or injuries take longer to heal than expected. Many people settle too quickly and later realize the amount didn’t cover everything.
Why Injury Claims Are Harder Than They Look
Insurance companies deal with claims every day. Most people don’t. The adjusters aren’t given the training to save your recovery, but the bottom line of the company.
Although an adjuster may appear friendly, he or she will usually aim at closing as quickly and at as low price as possible. They can play down on your injuries, doubt medical care, or even implicate you that you’re at fault. After you have settled on something, you’re typically unable to come back and have some more even when new issues emerge down the road.
There are also timing restrictions, documents, and regulations of injury claims. It can be detrimental to you to miss a deadline or say the wrong thing. What may appear as a minor error during the initial stages may influence what you may get at a later stage. People don’t even know that these deadlines are so fast and strict. Insurance companies do not remind you when you are running out. A mistake can be caught in time and upon its detection, it might be too late to rectify.
What You Risk by Going Without a Lawyer
There is actual danger in dealing with injuries unless it’s a minor one, in other words. Many people don’t realize what they may be giving up.
Some common risks include:
- Settling before the total impact of injuries is known
- Faulty future cost estimations in medicine.
- Failure to consider pain, stress, or long-term effects.
- Unjustly blamed as the cause of the accident.
- Feeling pressured to accept a low offer
Insurance companies may also ask for recorded statements or broad medical releases. Such requests are usually to the advantage of the insurer, not yours. Legal advice would be needed to tell what is reasonable and what is not.
Why Serious Injuries Change Everything
It’s quite difficult to cope with a claim without a lawyer when the injuries are serious. The stakes are increased by long-term medical care, lost employment and persistent pain. These cases tend to have increased evidence, expert opinion and increased resistance by the insurance companies.
Future costs must also be calculated properly when serious injury claims are involved. That includes ongoing treatment, lost earning ability, and how the injury affects daily life. These aren’t numbers insurance companies volunteer. Most people lack experience, which makes them unaware of the true value of their claim.
It is in such cases that attempting to handle everything on your own can be a stressing factor when one should recover first.
Be Aware Of Your Limitations as They Could Spare You
Therefore, do you think you can do away with a Tulsa injury claim attorney? In exceptional cases, but very few and very few. Arguments that are minor in facts can be handled. Nevertheless, numerous cases of injuries entail concealed struggles, stress on the side of insurers, and repercussions that aren’t apparent in the short term.
The largest risk isn’t necessarily receiving less money, it is sealing the door to future assistance before you realize the extent of your harm. Having time to educate yourself on what you have is a difference.
In case you aren’t sure whether your claim is really simple or it’s more complicated than it appears to be, then you need to have good information. Cain Law will help you stay informed about your rights, and the steps that would be reasonable concerning your case.
Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.