Why You Need An Accident and Personal Injury Attorney

If you've been injured in an accident that's left you unable to work or with skyrocketing medical bills, you may be in a hurry to settle your insurance claim. Unfortunately, being in a hurry can undermine your ability to receive a fair settlement. Not only that, but being in a hurry can cause problems for your attorney during the negotiation process. Here are four steps you can take to help your attorney help you. 

Give Your Attorney Enough to Work With

If you're in a hurry to settle your case, you may have neglected to give your attorney all the information they'll need to successfully negotiate your claim. Your attorney may have all the medical evidence they need, but if they haven't heard all the details from you, they may be at a disadvantage. In your rush to get a speedy settlement, don't forget to sit down and provide your attorney with the details of how your injuries are affecting your life. For instance, if you've had to bring in outside assistance to help you care for your children, your attorney needs to know that. 

Talk to Your Attorney Prior to Negotiations

Once your case reaches the negotiation phase, you need to sit down and discuss numbers with your attorney. If you and your attorney aren't on the same page, the negotiations might not go the way you want them to. Not only that, but being on different pages can cause undue stress for you and your attorney. To avoid the problems, let your attorney know what type of settlement you're hoping for. Your attorney can let you know that what you're asking for is unrealistic, or they can fight to get you the settlement you want. 

Let Your Attorney Do the Negotiating

If your attorney is negotiating your injury claim, you may be tempted to try and get involved in the process. Attempting to contact the insurance company on your own can undermine your case and cause problems with the negotiations. Avoid problems with your case by allowing your attorney to follow the necessary steps to obtain your settlement. 

Don't Push Your Attorney Into an Early Settlement

Finally, during the negotiations, your attorney may come to you with an initial offer. That initial offer is designed to create a starting point for the actual negotiations. Don't be tempted to push your attorney into accepting that offer, especially if they recommend continuing on with the negotiations. Taking that initial settlement when your attorney has recommended that you go back to the bargaining table could cause you to miss out on a larger offer. To ensure the best settlement, follow your attorney's lead during the negotiations.

To learn more, contact a personal injury attorney.