You were hurt in a slip-and-fall accident or injured in a wreck, and you’re pretty sure that the other party is responsible for your pain and losses.
Yet, the insurance company involved in your claim has been less than responsive. You’re afraid that your claim is falling through the cracks — but you’re still hesitant to hire a personal injury attorney because you’re afraid that doing so will somehow “gum up the works” on your claim. After all, you know that it can take years for a personal injury claim to be settled in court.
Have no fear. Contacting an attorney doesn’t usually mean that there will be a rush to the courthouse to file a formal lawsuit. Instead, here’s what’s most likely to happen:
- The attorney will assess your case to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your claim. (This also is the time you should assess the attorney to make sure that they’re a good fit for your case and personality.)
- Assuming the attorney takes your case, they will take over negotiations with the insurance company. As your advocate, they can act on your behalf — and the insurance company knows that they cannot afford to ignore you once an attorney gets involved.
- Your case may be resolved long before you file an actual lawsuit. In North Carolina, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit with the court. An attorney generally knows how to properly value your claim — and how the insurance company will try to devalue it. They’re pros at negotiating for their clients. If the insurance company is willing to come to a fair agreement, no lawsuit will actually be filed.
If you’re hurt and the liable party’s insurance company isn’t playing nice or fair, find out how an experienced advocate can help.