That depends on how big a risk taker you are. Depending on your injuries, compensation could run from thousands of dollars to over a million. Do you want to risk that money so you can avoid having an attorney represent you?
Obtaining fair compensation for the harm done in a car accident requires specialized knowledge and experience. Most attorneys who don’t help accident victims are smart enough to refer the case to someone like me, who does. They understand that what you don’t know can hurt you.
Do you perform dentistry on yourself instead of going to a dentist? Do you repair your car? The last time your house needed a roof, did you put it on? Most of us understand that hiring someone with expertise is cheaper in the long run than trying to do everything ourselves, especially if the problem is serious or expensive.
Most personal injury cases settle. If you resolve your case, there are no do-overs. If you later learn you walked away from money on the table by signing a release, that’s your problem. There are good reasons not to negotiate your car accident settlement.
- You have no idea what your case is worth. It’s like selling your house without knowing how to price it. If you guess too low, you’re losing money. If you aim too high, no one will buy it. If you’re willing to settle for a small amount, you’re not getting what you deserve. If you demand too much, the insurance company won’t take you seriously. They’ll wait you out
- You probably lack the knowledge and skill to negotiate your claim, even if you know what it’s worth. Most of us don’t negotiate anything. We’re given a price, we pay it or not. Your insurance adjuster may do more negotiating in a week than you’ve done your whole life. They’re trained to effectively negotiate, are you?
You go it alone and you don’t like the insurance company’s offer, then what? Will you represent yourself in a lawsuit?
- Do you know Kentucky’s negligence laws?
- Is there comparative negligence in Kentucky? If so, what kind?
- Do you know Kentucky’s insurance laws?
- If the other driver struck your car intentionally, will insurance cover your claim?
- How should you write a negligence complaint?
- How do you file it?
- What’s the deadline to file one?
- What’s the next step after it’s filed?
- How do you respond to a motion to strike?
- If a drunk driver caused your accident, is the person who served him drinks liable?
- If the other driver was on the job at the time of the accident, is his employer liable?
- What happens at a deposition?
- If you spoliate evidence, is that good or bad?
- Will you need an expert witness at your trial?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you should work with someone who does. The insurance company covering the other drive would love to talk to you. Their adjuster is ready, willing, and able to make you an offer and negotiate a settlement with you. But there are things in life you could do, but shouldn’t, like represent yourself in a car accident case.
You have to be smart to have a successful personal injury claim. I’m here to help you get the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries. But I can’t do that by myself. I need your help. Call The Fleck Firm for a free consultation at (270) 446-7000. We’ll talk about the accident, your injuries, the law, and your best options to proceed. Insurance companies have lawyers. You should have one too.
