Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

After an accident, many people wonder whether they really need a lawyer or if they can handle an insurance claim on their own. While it may seem simple at first, personal injury cases often become complicated very quickly. Recently, David Greene joined Studio 10 to explain why having an attorney can make a big difference.

David, a lot of people think hiring a lawyer is unnecessary after an accident. Why is that a common misconception?
Most people don’t deal with injury claims very often, so they assume it’s just filling out paperwork and waiting for a check. But insurance companies handle claims every day, and they know exactly what to ask, and what not to ask, to protect themselves. Without a lawyer, it’s easy for someone to say or do something early on that can seriously hurt their case.

So what’s one of the first things your firm does when you take on a case?
We take the burden off the injured person right away. We track down the accident report, gather evidence, and handle all communication with the other person’s insurance company. That’s important because insurance adjusters often ask questions that can be used later to minimize or deny a claim. When we step in, our clients don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing.

What about medical treatment? How does an attorney help there?
That’s a big part of what we do. We help clients find appropriate medical care if they don’t already have a provider, and we make sure treatment is documented properly. Then we collect all of the medical records and bills and review them carefully. Medical records can be confusing, but we know what matters legally and how to connect those records to the accident.

Insurance companies often make early settlement offers. How does a lawyer help evaluate those?
Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. We look at whether an offer is actually fair, taking into account medical costs, future treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Many people don’t realize what their case is truly worth, and that’s where having experience makes a difference.

And once a case does settle, are there still things clients need help with?
Absolutely. After a settlement, we help negotiate with medical providers and insurance companies about what must be reimbursed from the settlement. Our goal is to reduce those amounts whenever possible so our clients keep more of their recovery. That’s something most people wouldn’t even know how to begin doing on their own.

So overall, how does hiring an attorney help someone focus on recovery?
When we handle the legal and insurance side, our clients can focus on healing. They’re not chasing paperwork, arguing with adjusters, or wondering if they’re making a mistake. We guide them through every step and protect their interests from start to finish.

And if someone’s been injured and wants help, how can they reach Greene & Phillips?
You can stop by our office at 51 North Florida Street anytime, no appointment needed. You can also call or text us at 251-300-2000, or fill out a contact form. And if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.