Many people hesitate to hire an attorney and file a personal injury claim, even when injured due to someone else’s negligence. The personal injury attorneys at Eason & Tambornini have encountered clients who have delayed contacting an attorney for various reasons. Many of those same people, almost all in fact, went on to win successful settlements with the help of one of our personal injury attorneys.
People hesitate to call a lawyer for various reasons, from financial concerns about the expense of hiring a lawyer to believing they will be able to handle a claim themselves. Our personal injury attorneys address this by offering a free, no-risk consultation to discuss the facts of a situation.
In our thirty years of practicing law, we’ve heard many reasons for hesitating to contact an attorney sooner. But the thing we most often hear is, “I’m so glad I made the call.”
Suppose you have been hurt, and it’s not your fault. In that case, you probably need to speak with a personal injury attorney, significantly if you recognize yourself in any common reasons why people hesitate to hire a personal injury attorney in the descriptions below.
Fear of the Cost: “I can’t afford a lawyer.”
While there is nothing wrong with being careful about spending money, in this situation, it simply doesn’t apply for two reasons. First, our consultations are free, and there is no risk and no fine print. There is no obligation to move forward, even if you have a strong case. Free consultations are designed to make legal guidance available to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Remember: A free consultation is where you can ask questions, get answers, and decide if we are the right attorneys for you. a case or if an attorney or law firm is a good fit.
Uncertainty About Contingency Fee Structure: “What’s the catch?”
In the aftermath of an accident, medical expenses and other bills will pile up, and individuals may feel they cannot afford to pay a lawyer. However, the reality is that many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if their client wins the case. In other words, as the injured individual, you have nothing to lose by hiring an experienced legal representative and everything to gain. To remind you, contingency fees are structured as part of the final client settlement. In that regard, success for our clients means success for us.
Fear of the Legal Process: “I won’t understand what’s happening.”
The legal process can be daunting, and it is common for people to be intimidated by it. Our personal injury attorneys pride themselves on recognizing this common misconception and doing everything they can to put clients at ease. This starts with communication. We believe in making sure clients understand what’s coming, not explaining what just happened.
Problems with Trust: “How do I know if my attorney is looking out for me?”
Stereotypes are hard to break. The media is full of stories about lawyers chasing ambulances, looking to make a quick settlement to get paid. This is where reputation means everything. Any personal injury attorney you consider hiring should be checked out, not just the client testimonials on the attorney’s website. Plenty of third-party platforms allow people in a particular community to get information before hiring an attorney. One such entity is Martindale-Hubbell, a peer-review rating system. Eason & Tambornini, personal injury attorneys, have some of the highest ratings from this respected industry organization.
The Belief You Don’t Need an Attorney: “I can do it myself.”
Many people are tempted to handle personal injury claims so they don’t ultimately have to pay attorney fees. Typically, they get to a certain point, cannot negotiate skillfully, and cannot settle. While many non-profit organizations dispense free legal guidance, the do-it-yourself method is risky for a few reasons. First, court filing deadlines are not “maybe lines.” They are hard deadlines, and if the wrong one is missed, it can result in losing the right to go forward with a claim.
Perhaps more importantly, people who think they can go it alone don’t realize that a settlement reached without the help of an experienced and aggressive attorney may end up being far less than the amount they might walk away with after paying legal fees. In other words, it pays to pay an attorney.
An Eason & Tambornini’s Sacramento personal injury attorney is an expert in pursuing a maximum settlement for clients and will fight aggressively on your behalf at every step. Call 916-438-1819 to schedule a free consultation, and remember: You pay nothing unless you win.
