Finding the right personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in how much you recover for your injuries. The best place to start is by asking friends and family members about their experiences with injury attorneys in your area.
Attorneys commonly refer cases to one another, and most lawyers will know someone in their network who handles personal injury claims.
Experience
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Inexperienced attorneys can offer you lower fees, but often fail to achieve the results you need. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to deal most effectively with insurance companies, which are often aggressive in their handling of accident claims.
Experienced lawyers have dealt with many similar cases, and can tell you at the outset whether your case is likely to succeed. They will be familiar with the type of evidence that will need to be gathered, such as medical records, police reports, witness statements and documentation of your losses, including lost income.
An experienced lawyer will also be familiar with the rules of courtroom procedure, and will be able to file the appropriate paperwork on time. They will be able to explain the process and the requirements of your case in straightforward language, which is vital for injured victims who already have much on their plate after a crash.
Many lawyers specialize in specific areas of law, such as personal injury or medical malpractice, which allows them to build up knowledge and expertise over a long period of time. They will be familiar with the types of evidence required and the tactics used by insurers to avoid paying a fair amount in compensation to victims.
Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side is especially important if your case goes to trial. An experienced personal injury lawyer will have the skills and resources to argue your case before a judge and jury, which increases your chances of receiving full and fair compensation for your injuries.
The most experienced personal injury lawyers will have access to experts in their field, such as accident reconstruction specialists, forensic specialists and doctors who can testify on your behalf about the extent of your injuries. This can be a powerful tool in convincing an insurer to settle a case without going to court. It will also signal to the insurer that you are serious about your claim, which may make them less likely to lowball you in settlement negotiations.
Fees
Typically, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless your case settles or you win a jury verdict. These attorneys will make it clear what their fee arrangement is, and you should ask any questions that come up.
Personal injury cases can involve many different types of expenses, including investigative fees, court costs and document copies. These costs can quickly add up, especially if your case involves several expert witnesses who need to be interviewed and testify at trial. Some of these experts charge hundreds of dollars an hour, and they could cost tens of thousands of dollars in total to prepare for and participate in the case.
The first step in most personal injury cases is to investigate the accident and determine what caused the injuries. Some lawyers conduct on-site investigations of the scene, while others hire outside investigators to interview witnesses and develop theories as to how the accident occurred. Some firms also have relationships with professionals who can assist with casework, such as medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists.
After a thorough investigation, your lawyer will be able to assess the extent of your injuries and what compensation you might deserve. They will then use this information to negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement or take your case to trial. If you decide to accept a settlement, your attorney can help ensure the amount is fair and covers all of your expenses.
While most personal injury cases can be settled without a lawsuit, litigation is necessary for some types of personal injury cases, such as birth injuries and other forms of medical malpractice. These cases tend to be more complex and expensive, so they require a higher level of skill than simpler personal injury matters.
It is important to choose a personal injury lawyer who is willing and able to go to trial if that is what it takes to get you the compensation you need. While you may not want to take this approach, it is often worth it when you are dealing with powerful insurance companies that will try to reduce your settlement offer.
Reputation
There are literally thousands of law firms in the United States that specialize in personal injury cases. Many of them spend a lot of money promoting their services and a small number rely on word of mouth and referrals from satisfied clients or other attorneys. Some lawyers even send solicitation letters to accident victims.
It is important to understand that not all attorneys are created equal. Just as you wouldn’t hire a business attorney to defend you in a criminal case, you shouldn’t hire just any personal injury lawyer. You should seek out referrals from other attorneys who have experience handling personal injury cases and then comparison shop. You should ask each potential candidate about his or her caseload, litigation history, and success rate.
You should also ask each prospective personal injury lawyer about his or her reputation in the community. You can do this by talking with other lawyers who have handled similar cases or asking friends and family members for recommendations. Lawyers with a good reputation are usually respected by their peers and know how to handle cases in a successful manner.
Some of the best lawyers have extensive experience in the insurance industry and understand how the insurance companies operate. This can be a huge advantage when dealing with the insurance companies on your behalf. You want a lawyer who is not afraid to take on the insurance companies and one who knows all the negotiating tactics required to maximize your settlement.
It is also important to consider whether the personal injury lawyer you choose has a firm commitment to his or her client’s interests. Many lawyers work on a contingency basis and will only receive a fee if they win their client’s case. If a lawyer is committed to his or her clients, it should be evident in the way he or she treats them.
You should also find out the lawyer’s policy regarding expenses in cases that are lost. Some lawyers will absorb all of the expenses associated with a case while others will expect the client to reimburse the firm for certain out-of-pocket expenses. This is a matter that should be discussed in the initial written agreement before hiring the lawyer.
Personality
A personal injury lawyer will be your partner for the duration of your case, and you will need to trust him or her with highly sensitive information. Your attorney should have a personality that makes you feel comfortable and that you can communicate well with. This is not the same as choosing your best friend, but it is important to have an attorney that you are able to work with and communicate with throughout the process of your lawsuit.
One way to find a personal injury lawyer that works for you is to ask for recommendations from friends and family members who have used personal injury lawyers in the past. If they have good things to say about their experiences with an attorney, schedule a consultation and evaluate the attorney based on your own needs and experience. You can also find personal injury attorneys through online directories like Nolo and Martindale/Nolo. Attorneys that are listed on these sites have been verified as being licensed and in good standing with their state’s bar association.
You should always research an attorney before making a final decision. In addition to their experience, you should find out what type of personality they have and how they work with clients. You should read client testimonials to get a sense of how the lawyer has treated his or her previous clients. It is also important to find out how many cases the attorney will take on at any given time. If a lawyer takes on too many cases, it may be difficult for him or her to give each case the attention that is necessary.
During your consultation with an attorney, you should be able to determine whether they have the qualifications for handling your case and how long your case is likely to take to settle. An honest lawyer will be able to tell you upfront about what is realistic for your situation and will not promise things that they cannot deliver. A lawyer that is not able to provide you with an accurate timeline for your case should be avoided, as they are most likely not qualified to handle it.
