While you technically have the right to represent yourself in a court of law, it is highly inadvisable to do so. The nuances and subtleties of the law are numerous and can be extremely complicated. The benefits of retaining professional legal counsel cannot be understated.
An exhaustive internet search may even produce results in which ordinary citizens have successfully represented themselves in either a criminal case or civil claims court. However, those examples are most likely extreme anomalies, and usually, those individuals have some kind of background in the practice of law. Engaging the services of an experienced and knowledgeable Okemos personal injury lawyer will allow you the greatest opportunity to recover the compensation needed for your damages.
The Value of Hiring Your Personal Injury Attorney
One of the main reasons injury victims need to file a lawsuit for a personal injury is to hold the liable party accountable for their damages and recoup their losses in full. However, because most law firms work on contingency, your legal fees will only apply to the money recovered through your personal injury claim. Although your attorney will retain a percentage of your settlement, this may only be a fraction of what you could hope to recover on your own.
If you were to try to represent yourself in court, there are many facets of the law with which you must be acquainted. For example, in Michigan, you must know that you only have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit under Michigan Legislature §600.5805. Another consideration is knowing how exactly to draft the complaint necessary for victory.
Your personal injury attorney with White Law PLLC is well-versed in the proper procedures required for pursuing a successful lawsuit. We will also likely have resources available to them that you may not, such as private investigators or expert witnesses. There are many other considerations and benefits that make hiring a professional legal advocate advantageous to your particular circumstances.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Your Personal Injury Attorney Can Provide Ease of Mind
Pursuing any endeavors in a court of law can be a stressful and time-consuming process. If you are recovering from serious physical injury, the last thing on your mind may be proper court procedures. We can ease the burden by taking on your case so you can focus on your physical recovery.
For example, some people may be able to change the oil in their cars, but may not possess the knowledge to rebuild the entire engine if it is required. The court system is a very complicated machine that requires a specialist to navigate. We have spent years in education and passed the necessary Michigan Bar Association requirements to practice law professionally.
Suffering from personal injuries provides enough stress on its own without having to worry about whether you filed a legal brief correctly. Our legal team has many resources available to ensure that all paperwork about your case is filed accurately and promptly. We can help reassure you in this most trying of times.
Calculating the Value of Your Claim for the Most Fair Settlement
While some personal injury cases never make it to a courtroom, your case may still require professional intervention for you to increase your personal injury settlement. Even having legal counsel advising you in out-of-court negotiations with personal individuals or businesses can increase the value of compensation to which you may be entitled. We can accurately estimate the value of all injuries and damages that you have suffered.
Negotiating on Your Behalf
Simply having an attorney in your corner can increase settlement offers from those responsible. Also, we will investigate the circumstances of your injuries and damages to determine who those negligent parties may be. There may be parties involved that could be considered negligent, which you may not even think of.
The claims process can be overwhelming, particularly when the insurance company is trying to convince you to settle for less than you deserve. However, if you are too traumatized to stand up for your rights, you could wind up with less than your claim is worth. Your personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurers and liable parties on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
Determining All Negligent Parties
The trauma of suffering catastrophic injuries can also impair your ability to identify all parties that contributed to your accident. Your lawyer will have the insight and determination to uncover all persons, businesses, or other entities that contributed to your situation. Even a lack of action by the local government for properly maintaining roadways or a lack of vigilance by business proprietors could have had a part in the negligence that led to your injuries.
For example, if your injuries were sustained in a car accident driven by a drunk driver, even the proprietor of the local dram shop could be considered a negligent party in your case under Michigan Compiled Laws §436.1801(b)(3). Having a highly experienced legal advocate investigating your case will help to ensure that all parties involved will be held to account for their negligent actions. By representing yourself, you could miss other parties that may have contributed to your injuries.
Accurately Estimating the Costs of Your Damages
Your personal injury lawyer also possesses the knowledge to estimate all associated costs with the damages you have suffered. Knowing how to classify and evaluate medical costs and property damages is another essential element that professional legal counsel can advise you of. The costs you may save by not hiring counsel could be dwarfed by the compensation you may have overlooked when representing yourself.
Insurance companies can also minimize the value of your claims if you are unsure of all aspects of the compensation you are due. Your attorney can provide the essential support so you are not intimidated by agents of these companies. Even the presence of your professional legal advocate can change the tone with which the insurance company deals with you.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
Assure You Have the Help You Need with White Law PLLC
It can be tempting to save money by not hiring a lawyer, but being saddled with expenses you did not consider can be even more costly. White Law PLLC has recovered millions in compensation for our clients. Call our office or fill out our convenient contact form to schedule your risk-free consultation today.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
