If you have friends or coworkers who have used a lawyer for their injury case, ask them for recommendations. However, keep in mind that recommendations are often subjective.
Ultimately, it would help if you chose an attorney with the right expertise and experience, reputation and reviews, communication and personalized attention, trial experience, fee structure, and insurance.
Reputation
Although this may seem obvious, the reality is that most lay people need to learn what to look for in a personal injury attorney. Many choose an attorney based solely on advertising or because the lawyer knows someone they trust.
Top personal injury lawyers like Schilling & Silvers PLLC are well-known in the legal industry and among their clientele. Ask for references and read testimonials.
Almost all lawyers offer free consultations and will not charge any fee for their services unless there is a recovery in your case (known as a contingency fee). But not all injury attorneys are created equally. You should find out how much experience the injury lawyer has and whether they regularly try cases in court. This is especially important if you are considering hiring an attorney specializing in negotiating with insurance companies.
Experience
A personal injury attorney provides objective opinions that aren’t clouded by the fear, anger, frustration, and stress many injury victims understandably experience. They are also experienced in working with insurance companies and can anticipate their tactics, which may help avoid unnecessary delays or unsatisfactory settlements.
They can work through the red tape of complicated legal procedures, medical jargon, and endless paperwork often accompanying these cases. In addition, they can use their network of professionals to document the accident scene and interview witnesses.
They can also provide a detailed liability analysis by reviewing relevant statutes, case law, and common law. This information establishes a valid rationale for pursuing compensation from responsible parties. This is a crucial step in the process for injury victims.
Fees
An excellent personal injury attorney will make your case a priority. However, they may have multiple chances to work on at once, and you need to know that there will be times when your case might take a back seat.
When meeting with potential lawyers, asking about their fees and how they structure their billing is crucial. Many attorneys work on a contingency basis and will only charge fees if they successfully win your claim.
However, almost every personal injury lawyer will charge some form of “case expense.” These expenses include obtaining medical records from hospitals and doctors, filing fees, copying charges, and postage fees. These monies can add up quickly and should be discussed with your potential lawyer.
Insurance
A personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve from an insurance company. They can calculate the value of your non-economic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, and more.
They will use medical bills, evidence of income loss, and expert testimony to calculate the value of your claim. The insurance company will use this information to assess your claim and determine a fair settlement offer.
During the claim process, your injury attorney will act as a buffer between you and the legal world by redirecting all communication to their office, acting as your representative. This will prevent any parties from trying to slip anything past you or misguide you in any way. In addition, they will gather all necessary documentation for your case.
Communication
The lawyers you choose to handle your personal injury case need practical communication skills. They must communicate clearly with their clients, other attorneys, insurance companies, and the court.
They should be able to explain legal concepts in plain language and respond quickly to your questions and concerns. They should also be able to listen to you and understand your unique situation.
When you meet with potential personal injury attorneys, ask them how many cases they have settled and if they have experience going to trial. If they can’t answer these questions, consider moving to another attorney. A skilled lawyer will know when to negotiate and when it’s best to go to trial. They’ll also be able to prepare you for the upcoming proceedings.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.