If you’ve been injured in an accident, finding an excellent personal injury attorney is crucial as soon as possible. These legal experts will help you get compensation for your injuries, whether through a settlement with the other party’s insurance company or by filing a lawsuit. They will also handle all the paperwork and negotiation with the insurance company, which can be very complicated. But how do you go about finding one that’s right for you?
Here are some tips.
Experience
Ideally, you want someone who has handled many cases like yours and has a proven track record of success. You can find out how much experience an attorney has by doing a simple online search. Type the lawyer’s name and “personal injury” into your favorite search engine. This should include a list of the attorney’s previous cases and any articles or interviews they’ve given on the subject.
You can also ask the attorney for references from past clients. These people can give you first-hand accounts of what it was like to work with the lawyer and how successful their case was. The legal team explains that lawyers must use their exposure to help you get the maximum compensation. This includes being exhaustive when it comes to calculating the costs. The more experience an attorney has, the better equipped they’ll be to get you the maximum compensation possible.
Compatibility
You must feel comfortable with your attorney and trust them to have your best interests at heart. After all, you’ll be working together closely on a personal matter. Schedule a consultation with the attorney to understand their personality and see if you can work well together.
You should also ensure that the attorney you choose is honest and upfront. They should give you a realistic assessment of your case and what you can expect regarding compensation. If they make promises that seem too good to be true, they’re probably not being completely honest with you.
The Track Record
You want to find someone respected by their peers and has a good track record with the courts. The best way to learn about an attorney’s reputation is to ask around.
Talk to friends, family, and co-workers who may have used a personal injury attorney. You can also check with your local bar association. They can tell you if any complaints have been filed against the lawyer you’re considering.
Affordability
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The attorney will usually take a percentage of the settlement or verdict. For example, if you receive a $10,000 compensation, the lawyer may take up to 33% of that as their fee. Therefore, it’s essential to ask about this upfront.
You should also find out if there are any additional fees, such as for costs related to the case, such as court filing fees. These should be clearly explained to you so there are no surprises down the road. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a huge bill after your case ends.
Interview Different Lawyers
Don’t just choose the first lawyer you come across. You must interview multiple lawyers before making a decision. This will allow you to see how they interact with you and get a feel for their personality.
It’s also an excellent opportunity to ask them questions about your case and get more information about their experience and qualifications. By taking the time to interview multiple lawyers, you can be sure that you’re choosing the best possible representation for your case.
Make a list of questions to ask each lawyer ahead of time. This will help you keep track of the information you receive and ensure you don’t forget anything important. Take notes during the interviews to remember what each lawyer said later.
Communication
It’s crucial to find an attorney who is responsive to your needs and keeps you updated on the status of your case. You should be able to contact them when needed, and they should return your calls promptly.
You should also feel like you’re being kept in the loop about what’s going on with your case. The attorney should send you regular updates and tell you what’s happening at every stage. If you have any questions, they should be happy to answer them.
Choosing a personal injury attorney is an important decision. You want to ensure you get the best possible representation for your case. Considering factors like reputation, availability, and fees, you can narrow your options and choose the right lawyer.
When Should a Personal Injury Lawyer Be Used?
Here are some of the main situations when it’s advisable to hire a personal injury lawyer:
- Automobile accidents – If you’ve suffered any significant injury or property damage in a car crash, especially if medical bills and lost income are mounting, a lawyer can help establish liability and seek maximum compensation.
- Slip and fall accidents – Dangerous property conditions that resulted in your injury, such as an unseen spilled liquid in a store, may constitute negligence. An attorney proves important to building a strong case.
- Workplace injuries – If you were hurt at work and denied workers’ compensation unfairly, a lawyer can appeal the decision and fight to get coverage and benefits.
- Defective products – If a defective product caused your injury, a personal injury lawyer can investigate if the manufacturer is liable and navigate the legal process of seeking damages.
- Medical malpractice – From surgical errors to misdiagnoses and more, medical malpractice cases require thorough reviews of medical records and expert testimony to prove negligence.
The key considerations are the extent of your injuries, the expected challenges and costs of the legal process, and the perceived degree of negligence by another party. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis so upfront costs are low.
