After sustaining injuries in an accident, you can seek compensation without a lawyer because the state doesn’t require legal representation in personal injury cases. But the guidance and representation of a personal injury lawyer near me provide many benefits since settlement negotiations are usually challenging to navigate. The steps involved in such negotiations need a lawyer’s legal support from collecting evidence, building a case, navigating personal injury laws, and to dealing with insurance companies. Plus, the claims process is filled with pitfalls that could lead to diminished or denied claims. The following are common challenges you may face if you navigate personal negotiations without an attorney:
Insurers Will Devalue Your Claim
Insurance companies employ different tactics when handling claims to reduce payouts or even avoid paying altogether. After they get notified about your accident, they may contact you right away to get some information that can help them decide if they will pay your claim. If an insurer determines that you deserve compensation, they will make an early settlement offer, which is lower than what you deserve.
In addition, insurers can easily spot weaknesses in your claim. For example, they may use your statement against you or claim, request endless paperwork, or stall the negotiation, hoping you would settle for less. But you will not fall into these traps when you have an attorney handle your case for you.
Insurance Companies Will Dispute Your Non-Economic Damages
If you sustained non-economic losses because of your injuries like pain, disfigurement, and mental distress, they must be included in your claim. But the insurance company will dispute it as an attempt to reduce your settlement. Proving non-economic damages is hard and they can be calculated using different methods.
You will need the help of a lawyer to determine your non-economic damages’ value and assert this to the insurance company. Your attorney can help you secure maximum damages by examining different aspects of your life that your injuries have affected. They examine your capacity to work, daily life challenges, and career prospects.
Your Share of Fault Matters
The comparative negligence principle in Iowa looks at the fault of all parties involved in the accident and their contribution to it. So, if you were partially to blame for causing the accident, your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. An insurance company may assert that you share more fault than their policyholder. If you are more than 50 percent at fault for causing an accident, you won’t be able to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. You need an attorney to protect and fight for your rights in this scenario.
