Imagine you broke your leg and suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident caused by a distracted driver. The doctor says you can't go back to work for months, and your medical bills are piling high. Now, the other driver's insurance company is calling you with an offer to settle your case for a lot of money. What should you do?

Take a breath. If you haven't already done so, pick up the phone and call a personal injury lawyer.

The First Thing to Do After a Crash

Calling a lawyer should be the first thing you do after your health situation stabilizes. Your lawyer will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case to determine the viability of filing a lawsuit.

Time is of the essence. Your attorney needs to act quickly to gather evidence from police and witnesses while your case is still warm. He or she needs to help you communicate with insurance companies so you don't inadvertently sign away your legal rights. Finally, your attorney needs to file a lawsuit quickly - before the time limitations associated with your case run out.

What Else Will My Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

Your lawyer will know exactly how to protect your legal rights and pursue as much financial compensation as possible on your behalf. In addition, there many other benefits associated with hiring a personal injury attorney:

1. Free case evaluation

Personal injury lawyers will evaluate your case and determine if they will represent you in a free, no-obligation consultation.

2. Visit you at the hospital to discuss your potential case

At Bates Law, we are happy to visit you at the hospital, at home, or wherever is most convenient for you and your family.

3. No attorneys' fees if you don't receive a financial recovery

Most personal injury lawyers get paid through a "contingency fee." This means that if you don't receive a financial recovery, you won't pay a dime in attorneys' fees.

4. Referrals to the best doctors available

Your lawyer will share his or her knowledge of local medical practitioners with you so you receive the best care to heal from your injuries.

5. Manage your bills

A personal injury lawyer will track every expense triggered by your accident and injuries to include them in your damage calculations.

6. Navigate the legal red tape

Personal injury lawsuits are full of medical and legal jargon and tons of paperwork. Your personal injury lawyer has navigated these issues countless times before. More importantly, he or she will know exactly how to respond to the tactics employed by the defense in your case.

7. Have a team of experts at your disposal

Your personal injury lawyer will have a team of experts on call - such as doctors, insurance experts, and accident reconstruction specialists - to skillfully examine the nuances of your case when required.

8. Carry the stress of litigation

Your pain and frustration can prevent you from making rational business decisions - and the stress of litigation can be overwhelming. Knowing you have a good lawyer representing you will reduce these stresses dramatically.

9. Get the best settlement for your case

Bates Law has negotiated thousands of settlements on behalf of car accident victims. We know how to negotiate favorable settlements, and will never advise you to settle your case until a fair offer is on the table.

10. Improve your chances at trial

When trial proceedings are necessary, your personal injury lawyer will ensure that your case, and you personally, are fully prepared. He or she will employ sound legal reasoning to represent you in court.

Hire the Best Legal Representation for Your Case

The decision to file a lawsuit is a personal one. However, it may also be a financial one, as the medical costs associated with treating car accident injuries will be costly and unaffordable for most victims.

A successfully navigated personal injury claim can bring you compensation to pay for the medical care you need, in addition to money for lost income, disabilities, pain and suffering, and a host of other damages - like punitive relief, attorneys' fees, and litigation costs. For the best legal representation available, contact Bates Law at (619) 222-0900 for a free and immediate, no-obligation case evaluation