Since we took over as editors at Healthworks Collective, we’ve made it a priority to explore how people pay for medical treatment after serious accidents. You may not realize it, but personal injury lawsuits can be one of the only ways to manage those costs without going into long-term debt. It is often the first step toward holding someone accountable while also covering essential expenses.
You could be facing thousands of dollars in bills before you even speak to an insurance adjuster. There are figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showing the average cost of medical treatment after a car crash is about $15,000. Keep reading to learn more.
Settlements Often Provide the Lifeline
You don’t have to go to court to benefit from filing a personal injury claim. There are roughly 400,000 personal injury cases filed each year across the country. It is one of the most common ways injured people seek compensation.
You might think every case ends up in court, but that’s rarely true. The U.S. Department of Justice reports only 16,397 tort cases went to trial nationally. That’s just 4 percent of all personal injury lawsuits. There are far more that settle out of court, making the process faster and less stressful for most people.
You are probably already overwhelmed by the physical pain and financial pressure of an injury. It is common to feel unsure about whether to sue or accept an insurance offer. You don’t have to know everything about the law to get started. There are attorneys who will walk you through the process step by step.
You won’t always get rich from a settlement, but you can avoid losing everything. There are plenty of stories where even a modest payout made it possible to keep up with rent, pay hospital bills, or replace lost income. You are not wrong for wanting justice and support after someone else’s mistake.
When you’re injured in an accident, your attorney might suggest hiring a private investigator. This sounds impressive and thorough. But smart lawyers know they should exhaust cheaper options first.
Your legal team can gather crucial evidence without spending thousands on investigators. This approach saves money and often produces better results.
What Lawyers Can Do Without Investigators
Personal injury attorneys have many tools at their disposal. They can request police reports directly from law enforcement agencies. Medical records come through standard legal channels. Witness statements can be collected through phone calls and interviews.
Your lawyer can also visit accident scenes personally. They know what to look for and can take photographs just as effectively as hired investigators. Many attorneys bring measuring tools and cameras to document skid marks, sight lines, and road conditions.
Insurance companies must provide certain documents when formally requested. Your attorney can demand these through legal processes that cost nothing beyond filing fees.
The Real Cost of Private Investigators
Professional investigators charge between $75 and $150 per hour. A typical case investigation takes 20 to 40 hours. That means you’re looking at $1,500 to $6,000 in additional costs.
These fees come out of your settlement. Every dollar spent on unnecessary investigation is money that doesn’t go in your pocket.
Some cases in busy areas like Las Vegas involve complex accident scenes with multiple witnesses. Even then, attorneys should try standard methods before calling investigators.
When Investigators Actually Add Value
Certain situations do require professional investigators. Cases involving commercial vehicles need specialized knowledge about trucking regulations. Product liability claims might need technical experts who understand manufacturing processes.
Surveillance becomes necessary when insurance companies claim ongoing injuries are fake. Investigators can document daily activities that prove or disprove disability claims.
Missing witnesses require professional tracking skills. If someone disappeared after an accident, investigators have databases and techniques that lawyers don’t possess.
How Smart Attorneys Approach Investigation
The best lawyers start with free or low-cost methods. They pull public records first. They interview obvious witnesses personally. They photograph evidence while it’s still available.
Only after exhausting these options do they consider hiring outside help. This methodical approach saves clients money while building stronger cases.
Your attorney should explain their investigation strategy upfront. They should tell you what they plan to do personally and when they might need professional investigators.
Questions to Ask Your Lawyer
Before your attorney hires an investigator, ask specific questions. What evidence do they hope to find? Why can’t they gather this information themselves? How much will the investigation cost?
Good lawyers welcome these questions. They want clients who understand the process and costs involved.
Ask for a timeline. How long will the investigation take? When will you see results? Your case shouldn’t drag on indefinitely while investigators chase leads.
The Bottom Line
Professional investigators serve important purposes in complex cases. But many personal injury claims can be resolved without their expensive services.
Your lawyer should do the basic investigative work first. This includes gathering public records, interviewing witnesses, and documenting evidence. Only when these efforts fall short should you consider hiring professional help.
When you need legal help, choose an attorney who thinks strategically about investigation costs. Your settlement depends on getting maximum compensation while minimizing unnecessary expenses.
Smart legal work often means knowing when not to spend money. The best attorneys protect your interests by doing the legwork themselves whenever possible.
