A person can be injured in a variety of ways, from a slip and fall, to a car accident or a defective product. While getting compensation for your injuries is possible, it can be difficult to do so without the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Personal injury lawyers can help represent clients that are the victim of motor vehicle accidents (including cars, trucks, bikes, and pedestrians), medical malpractice, wrongful death, and any case where negligence was a cause. However, finding a personal injury lawyer can be challenging. The following questions can help one decide if their injury attorney is right for their case:
- Who Should I Choose?: Finding the right lawyer for you can be a difficult process. A family member, friend or colleague may refer you to a lawyer they found helpful, while a quick internet search can bring up thousands of results. However, personal injury is technical and requires attorneys to have expertise in the area you may need help in. You need an attorney that you can trust to represent you. When deciding on an attorney look at the types of cases they typically work on, and make sure they are similar to your needs.
- How Much Experience Should they Have?: It is best to get a lawyer with more experience. It is a common misconception that more experienced attorneys charge more, however this is not always true. The most important thing to look for is someone with a solid reputation especially in court and with judges. These elements can benefit your case greatly.
- Check How Many Cases are Settled or Referred: Some law firms may solely settle cases or pass them off to other lawyers when it comes to trial. While there is nothing wrong with settling or collaborating, firms that always settle are likely to get you less than what you deserve.
- Research Verdict and Settlement Records: Attorneys should be willing to speak about the verdicts they won. Successful cases are good indicators, and also indicate to the Insurance company that you are using a respectable and successful attorney. This can change the insurance company’s perception of your case and change their willingness to negotiate favorable outcomes.
- Check for Reputation, Awards and Accolades: As mentioned previously, a google search for injury attorneys can give you hundreds of results. A good injury attorney will often have awards and positive media coverage across all media platforms. Additionally, many will hold positions in legal organizations and many quality attorneys will continue their legal education by participating in certain state to national organizations. Also, some attorneys do pro bono work or offer veteran discounts.
- How Will Your Attorney Communicate With You?: It is important to find out how your attorney communicates with you. Some clients may ask for regular communication, while others will only want important updates. Others may have a preference of phone or email, and it is fair for clients to expect a prompt response. Discussing communication with an attorney before choosing an attorney is essential in preventing miscommunications later on. Additionally, if you need an attorney that speaks Spanish, there are several options.
- Will the Attorney You Choose Work on the Case?: Ensure that the attorney you choose is primarily responsible for your case. It is common for attorneys to have a team, but it is important that you are getting the service from the person you chose to hire.
- Understand How Much They Charge for their Services: If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer, you may be hurt and unable to work, which is an obstacle in paying for legal services. Do not allow this to deter you from seeking out an injury attorney. Many lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis, where the legal fees are a percentage of the compensation received by the client. If the client does not receive any compensation, they will not need to pay the attorney. Paying for your attorney should be explained in an attorney-client fee agreement. Make sure you read it through and understand it completely before signing it.
- Does the Attorney You Chose Have the Resources to take on Your Case?: Personal injury lawsuits are costly, especially to take to court. Additionally, they can require a lot of time, preparation, expert testimony and jury evaluation if the case goes to trial. It is best to get someone with a history of experience as well as the financial resources to support your case if it goes to trial.
Reading through these simple tips can help one narrow down personal injury attorneys in their area and find the one best suited for their needs. If you need help, find an injury attorney that offers free consultation before moving forward.