If Injured, Can You Really Afford Not to be Represented?

By Zane T. Cagle | May 1, 2021 | Car Accidents, Featured, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death

Study Finds Victims with Attorneys Are Paid 3 1/2 Times More Than Individuals Without Attorneys

A large study conducted by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) concluded that payouts to injured victims were much higher when the injured party was represented by an attorney. In another study by All-Industry Research Advisory Council (ARAC), the same conclusion was drawn.

Both studies make it clear that having an attorney on your side can make a large monetary difference when it comes to the value of your case involving an auto accident. While this study seemed to surprise many, it came as no surprise to personal injury attorneys and insurance adjusters everywhere. We all know that injured victims almost always receive a much greater compensation or settlement when they involve an attorney. In fact, victims who had an attorney on their side received settlements of an average of 40% higher than those who chose to go the negotiations alone. This statistic alone, an average of 40 percent, is reason enough for involving an attorney to fight for you as an injured party.

Findings:

The IRC study surveyed 6,000 people injured in auto accidents in order to determine the types of injuries, economic losses, and reimbursement they experience. As aspect of the study concentrated on the settlement amount that victims received from insurance companies.

In a separate report issued by the IRC, the agency looked at the relationship between insurance payouts for auto accident injuries and how it related to attorney representation. These numbers were even more significant–the IRC estimated that 85 percent of all money paid out for bodily injures claims by insurance companies are paid to victims with an attorney representing them. As well, when examining the total amount paid out on all auto accident claims, those with attorneys were paid 3 1/2 times more than those who did not hire an attorney. The difference between $5,000 and $17,500 or $10,000 and $30,000 is quite significant when it comes to fair compensation. Many might think those numbers only hold true for smaller claims, but it is true for larger claims as well. Does that mean that an attorney can guarantee you a particular amount of compensation? No, but we can increase the odds on your side through investigation, thorough reporting, and skilled negotiations.

How to Know What Attorney is Right for You?

Do some homework and research some attorneys. There are some obvious questions you should ask yourself when selecting an attorney:

• Does the attorney specialize in the area that I need? If you were in a car accident, does that attorney or firm specialize in car accidents?
• What kind of experience does the law firm/attorney have in your kind of accident area?
• What kind of results has the attorney/law firm gotten for other similar victims such as yourself?
• Is the attorney/law firm familiar with your kind of injury?
• When you talk with the attorney, do they seem like a good fit for you? Do they listen to you, return phone calls in a timely way, and seem knowledgeable about the topic.
• Are they well respected in their area of expertise?
• Is the attorney/firm attentive and tuned into your needs?

If you are looking to hire an attorney, then you will want to spend some time talking to some and learning about them. You may be working with this individual anywhere from 6 months to three years, so you will want to be sure they are going to represent you in an aggressive and ethical way that includes you in the decision process. Remember, it is your injury, life, and case, and you need to be able to trust that your attorney will do everything in their power to get you the result that you need and deserve.

At The Cagle Law Firm, we understand that you only get one chance to get the compensation that you deserve. Frequently, a serious injury can change your life, and the compensation that you deserve may be a life-changing event for you. You may have mounting medical bills or may not be able to work as a result of the injury. If you were injured in an auto accident and the actions of the other driver contributed to your injury, then you not only want fair compensation but deserve it. Our firm specializes in personal injury cases, specifically auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, lung injuries, and product liability. We offer free, no-obligation consultations for one reason…….we want you to have the information whether you choose us or not.

Call (314) 276-1681 for your free consultation.

Source: Insurance Research Council study

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard. Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death. Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin Islands Education: Washington University School of Law. Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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