If you have been injured in any type of accident that was caused by the carelessness or negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, as well as loss of income you may have experienced. However, in order to take advantage of this potential right to compensation, you most likely need the help of Personal Injury Lawyers in Cedar Rapids IA. You should never try to take the case on by yourself. Instead, following are some tips to help you know when it’s time to get a lawyer.
If you think you have a solid case
The first thing to consider is if you think you have a strong case. You will have to prove not only that a third party has caused the accident, but your injuries were a direct result of the accident. If you can prove actual damages as a result, then you should proceed. If you are unsure of who caused the accident or the police do not agree with your assessment of who is at fault, it will be much more difficult to prove your case. Still, an attorney can hire professionals to investigate the evidence of the case and try to establish your entitlement to compensation.
If you need more compensation than what was offered by the insurance company
Often, the insurance company representing the person who caused the accident will try to get you to accept a deal to prevent this from becoming a personal injury claim in the future. In cases of minor injury (those that do not have consequences that will change life), you may want to accept the agreement. If you want to get better compensation than what they have offered, however, you will have to hire Personal Injury Lawyers in Cedar Rapids IA. Your attorney will help prove your need for such compensation for things like long term care and loss of purchasing power.
In many states, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident or two years from the onset of physical problems related to the accident. For example, if you were involved in a car accident and suffered whiplash, but you did not experience or understand the effects of this injury until six months later, you can file a complaint at any time up to two years and six months after the accident.
