If you suffer a serious injury in an accident, you need to consider your options carefully. You may be in pain and want to put the accident behind you. But what you do and how you approach the situation can make a big difference in the amount of compensation you receive for your injuries and damages.

Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney may be the most important decision you make to resolve the impact of your injury and return to as much as possible to the life you led before your injury. Here are some reasons why.

The insurance company is not on your side

Yes, you have insurance, and yes, the insurance company wants to settle your case. But the fact is that insurance companies are in business to make money, not pay it out.  Your insurer may offer you a quick check, but the settlement amount will probably be far less than your total damages when all is said and done. An experienced lawyer can fight to maximize the amount of your settlement. It is important to remember that once you sign a settlement deal, your case is closed and cannot be reopened, even if your injuries take a drastic turn for the worse.

An attorney can take your case on a contingency basis

You do not have to pay any money up front to have an attorney handle your personal injury case. If, after examining your case, an attorney believes you have a strong case, the attorney will take the case on a contingency. You do not pay anything until the attorney helps you receive a settlement or an award for you after trial.

There is a settlement on the table

A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether a settlement offer is appropriate. Years of experience with similar cases enables personal injury attorneys to know when it is wise to fight for more for a client.