Handling your personal injury claim on your own in Nashville might seem like an appealing option at first. After all, the internet is full of guides, and it seems like a simple enough task, right? Well, not so fast.
While you might feel confident about handling a case by yourself in Nashville, especially in today’s DIY culture, there’s a lot more to personal injury law than meets the eye.
In fact, trying to manage your own personal injury claim without a Nashville injury lawyer could not only be overwhelming, but it could also cost you much more than you expect in the long run.
Here are some of the reasons why it’s a bad idea to opt for self-representation in a PI case:
The Claims Adjuster Is Better At This Than You Are
Claims adjusters are experts at their job, and their job is to reduce the amount of money the insurance company has to pay you. In other words, they’re trained to find reasons to pay you as little as possible, or worse, deny your claim altogether.
If you’re handling the case on your own, you’re going up against someone whose whole career is focused on knowing how to minimize payouts.
One simple mistake in the way you present your case, or an overlooked detail, and you could lose out on the compensation you rightfully deserve. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Nashville will know exactly how to handle these situations.
They can protect you from these pitfalls and ensure your case is presented in the best light possible, which could make all the difference between a settlement that leaves you in debt and one that adequately covers your losses.
Insurance Companies Won’t Take You Seriously Without a Lawyer
Let’s say you’ve done your research. You’ve read all the “how-to” articles and feel prepared to take on your insurance company. But without a personal injury lawyer by your side, insurance companies often see you as an easy target.
They might try to settle your claim quickly for a small amount because they know you’re unfamiliar with the complex process of negotiating settlements. They’ll probably offer you much less than you deserve, hoping that you’ll take the offer out of frustration or lack of knowledge.
Personal Injury Law Requires Expertise
Personal injury law is much more complicated than it appears at first glance. The rules surrounding evidence, how to properly gather and present it, and even the laws that govern your specific case can be tricky. If you don’t have experience in the field, it’s easy to miss something critical.
For example, personal injury law varies by state, and in Nashville, there are certain local nuances that can affect your case.
An attorney with experience in Nashville knows the ins and outs of local laws, including the statute of limitations, which is the time limit you have to file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you could lose your case altogether.
An Attorney Can Provide Objectivity
Being in an accident is traumatic. You’re likely dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty.
All of these emotions can cloud your judgment and make it difficult to be objective about your case. You might feel angry or upset, and these feelings can interfere with the process of gathering the necessary facts and evidence to prove your case.
An attorney, on the other hand, will bring an objective perspective to your case. They can look at the facts, separate the emotions, and build a strong case based on the law.
With a lawyer handling your case, you’ll have someone fighting for your rights who isn’t emotionally involved in the situation, allowing them to make clear and rational decisions about the best way forward.