Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer Or Handle Your Own Claim?

The decision of whether or not to hire a personal injury lawyer is one most important considerations when filing a personal injury suit. The effectiveness of your representation in court is often the deciding factor when it comes to the outcome of your case, and how much you’ll be receiving in compensation.

In the section below, our firm has outlined the pros and cons of representing yourself in court vs hiring a personal injury lawyer. If you’d like to learn how we can help you through the legal process, we encourage you to schedule a 100% free consultation to discuss your options by calling Michael A. Fakhoury at (845)-896-5200 or by using our online contact form.

Can You Represent Yourself in a Personal Injury Suit?

Yes, you can represent yourself in a personal injury suit. This is known as “pro se” representation. However, it’s essential to understand the complexities and potential challenges you may face. Personal injury law is intricate, involving various legal principles, detailed procedures, and strict deadlines. Self-representation requires a thorough understanding of these aspects, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to effectively present your case in court.

The Process for Filing a Personal Injury Suit in New York

If you do decide to represent yourself in a personal injury suit, there are several important steps you must take to ensure that your suit is not only accepted by the court but that you will also be successful in securing compensation. Here is the general process you’ll need to follow to file a personal injury suit in New York:

• Gather Evidence: Collect evidence related to the incident, such as photographs, witness statements, and any relevant documents.

• Notify the At-Fault Party: Inform the responsible party or their insurance company about your intent to file a claim.

• File a Complaint: Draft and file a legal complaint with the court, detailing your allegations and the compensation you seek.

• Serve the Defendant: Officially deliver the complaint to the defendant.

• Discovery Process: Engage in the discovery phase, where both parties exchange information and evidence.

• Settlement Negotiations: Attempt to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation.

• Trial: If a settlement isn’t reached, present your case in court.

When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

Just because you can represent yourself in a personal injury suit, it doesn’t always mean you should. In fact, most cases should be handled by a personal injury attorney, especially when the stakes are high. Here are a few scenarios where not hiring a personal injury attorney could potentially be a devastating mistake:

• Your injuries are serious
• There were little to no witnesses to your injury
• You didn’t seek medical attention
• You are being countersued or are being accused of being liable
• You lost your job due to your injuries
• You have emotional trauma due to your injuries
• The incident causing your injury is complex or complicated
• You or the at-fault party’s insurance provider is refusing to communicate, process, or pay your claim

In all of the situations listed above (and many more), a personal injury attorney will have the experience and resources available to not only overcome these challenges but also succeed in spite of them, maximizing your compensation and awarding you the ability to heal from your injuries and the trauma you may be facing from the incident.

The Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically speaking, the only conceivable benefit that a person may have if they decide to represent themselves in a personal injury suit is that they may save some money – if, and only if, they are successful in court.

But without experienced representation, the chances of being able to effectively argue your case in court become very slim. Therefore, hiring a personal injury attorney can (and most realistically will) be the most affordable option when considering how much money you could be required to pay the other party, the court, and your debtors such as your insurance company and the medical facility treating your injuries.

But saving money isn’t the only benefit of hiring a personal injury lawyer. An experienced lawyer can offer a wealth of resources to your case and will save you time and energy while you recuperate. Here are a few additional benefits that our firm can offer you, should you decide to hire us for your case:

Expert Legal Knowledge and Experience

Personal injury law is complex and varies by state. Michael A. Fakhoury has in-depth knowledge of the legal system, understands the nuances of personal injury law, and stays updated on any changes in legislation. We can navigate the legal processes efficiently, ensuring that all paperwork is filed correctly and deadlines are met, which is crucial in avoiding any procedural errors that could jeopardize your case.

Objective and Professional Representation

Dealing with an injury can be an emotional and stressful experience. A personal injury attorney provides objective, professional representation, helping you make informed decisions based on facts rather than emotions. We will assess the value of your claim accurately, considering factors like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs.

Effective Negotiation Skills

Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts and may use tactics to devalue your claim. Our legal team is made up of skilled negotiators who understand these tactics and can counter them effectively. We will work to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers all your damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, Michael A. Fakhoury is prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for you in court.

Access to Resources

Michael A. Fakhoury is a well-established personal injury attorney of over 25 years who has access to a network of resources that can strengthen your case. This includes medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and investigators who can provide crucial evidence and testimony. These resources are often essential in building a compelling case, especially in complex situations where liability is disputed.

Peace of Mind

Hiring a personal injury attorney allows you to focus on your recovery and rehabilitation while our team provides the legal legwork of filing your paperwork by the designated deadlines, contacting witnesses and insurance representatives, and negotiating your settlement on your behalf. By hiring Michael A. Fakhoury, you can trust that our team is working diligently to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for you while you rebuild your strength and heal from the trauma of your accident.

Michael A. Fakhoury, an Experienced and Effective Personal Injury Lawyer in Fishkill NY

If you’re ready to file your suit, or if you have questions about any of the information above, we invite you to schedule a free consultation by calling Michael A. Fakhoury at (845)-896-5200 or by using our online contact form. We’ll start by going over the fine details of your situation and begin building your case from Day 1. Additionally, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win.