While you can file a claim yourself, hiring an attorney is highly advisable, regardless of the size of your claim. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and a lawyer has the expertise to accurately value your claim, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate effectively on your behalf. A lawyer also handles all legal paperwork and procedures, significantly reducing your stress and allowing you the time to focus on what is important, your recovery.

A personal injury lawyer guides you through every stage of the claim process. Their primary duties include: investigating and gathering evidence, valuing damages (calculating the full value of your past, present, and future losses), negotiating with insurance companies and defense lawyers to reach a fair settlement), and litigating (preparing your case in court) and representing you before a judge or jury, if needed. Let an experienced advocate handle the burden. Call Herrling Clark Law Firm now to learn how we can manage every aspect of your case.

You should hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the injury event. There are two critical reasons for this: preservation of evidence (crucial evidence can disappear quickly) and meeting the Statute of Limitations. Every state has a strict deadline for filing a lawsuit, and missing this deadline means you forfeit your right to sue forever. An attorney ensures all deadlines are met and that your case is built on the strongest foundation from the start.

While not legally required, hiring a lawyer is the best way to ensure you receive maximum and fair compensation. Claimants represented by a personal injury lawyer often recover significantly more than those who handle their own claims because lawyers have specialized knowledge of injury law and the leverage to stand up to large insurance corporations.

The timeline is highly variable and depends on several factors: injury severity (claims often wait until the client reaches is entirely healed and future care needs are known), liability dispute (if who is at fault is contested), and complexity.

If a lawsuit must be filed and the case goes to court (litigation), it can take two or more years from start to finish, while a simpler pre-litigation settlement may take several months. Contact Herrling Clark Law Firm to discuss the potential length of your claim if you have any questions.

A personal injury claim is calculated using economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering). Every case is unique, so our attorneys carefully evaluate all factors to help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Yes, they must be prepared to go to court. While the vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved through a settlement before a trial, an experienced attorney must always prepare a case as if it will proceed to trial. Being trial-ready is key leverage in settlement negotiations, as it signals to the opposing side that you are serious about securing the full value of your claim.