Call a personal injury lawyer if you have had an accident and you have been injured. Even if you were partly to blame for the accident you might still be able to receive compensation for your injuries. We live under a comparative negligence legal system.
This means that if you were partly to blame for the accident, let us say you were ten percent responsible for the accident, then you can still recover ninety percent of your damages. So do not think you do not have a lawsuit if you think you might be partly to blame.
The insurance companies would like to believe that you are not entitled to any payment or they will try to convince you to accept a settlement conditioned on you agreeing not to break legal action. In fact, if you have an accident and have sustained an injury, expect the insurance company to call you and offer you a cash settlement.
They might say that the cash will come in handy right now and you can have the money immediately if you sign a release. But do not fall for their ploy, avoid the temptation to take the quick money; instead hang up and contact a personal injury attorney.
If you already have an attorney you are working with, refer all calls from the insurance company to your lawyer. Do not speak with the insurance company, especially on the phone, about your physical or mental condition. They could be recording the call and if you say that you are doing fine and that you are not in pain, they will use this in court against you or they will use this to negotiate a lower settlement.
The insurance company is not your friend. They are trying to limit their payout as much as they can. They will not stop at anything to keep from paying you what you are entitled. This is why you need to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as you have an accident.
Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations. This is a relaxed meeting where you can discuss your case at not obligation. The lawyer will know whether or not you have a case. He will explain your rights in this case and the strength of your case.
If you both think it is a good idea to go forward with the case and you choose him to represent you, the lawyer will give you a retainer agreement to sign which states that you are hiring his office to represent you and that you agree to pay him a contingent fee. His fee is contingent on him winning a settlement or jury award from the insurance company.
If he can negotiate a money figure you agree to then you will be able to settle out of court. If not, then your case will go to trial. He only will be paid out of the settlement agreement or the jury award.
Some lawyers charge up to forty percent. This might seem high but remember the personal injury lawyer will get you a larger settlement or jury award than you could have if you tried to deal with the insurance company on your own.
Injury Lawyer TorontoFirm helping clients to solve their cases with honesty and integrity. If looking for a disability lawyer in Toronto give us a call.