Have you been injured in an accident?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer could help you navigate the lengthy and complex legal process of getting the compensation you deserve.
Since we know that, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right personal injury lawyer, we’ve decided to cover the 6 things you need to know before hiring one.
1.Experience
When looking for a lawyer to handle your personal injury case, you’ll want to hire someone with extensive experience handling cases similar to yours.
The more relevant experience they have, the better equipped they will be to navigate the laws and regulations surrounding personal injury cases, as well as the legal process behind them.
Apart from that, experienced attorneys already have developed relationships with insurance adjusters and other lawyers, which can be crucial in negotiating a favorable settlement with insurance companies or successfully litigating your case in court.
So, during your first consultation with a lawyer, ask them questions like:
- How many years of experience do they have handling cases like yours
- What is their track record of successful settlements or verdicts in those cases
- Are they willing to take your case to trial, if necessary
2. Reputation
Another way to check a lawyer’s experience and success rate is by checking their reputation.
Online reviews on websites like Google, Yelp, and Avvo are a great way to inspect what past clients of your potential lawyer have to say about their legal services.
However, as it is possible to post fake reviews on these websites, it’s always good to supplement this technique with others.
For example, finding a lawyer is always best done through past client referrals. If you can’t find the information you need this way, giving your local bar association a call will certainly do.
Either way, you want to make sure you are working with someone who has a good track record and is respected in the legal community.
3. Communication and Availability
The personal injury legal process can be stressful and overwhelming. That is why you should hire a lawyer with whom you can communicate freely.
Right away, make sure that you feel comfortable spending a considerable amount of time with your chosen lawyer. You want to listen to your instincts and to what they’re telling you in terms of whether that lawyer has your best interests at heart.
Other than that, it’s important that you choose a lawyer who has the time to dedicate to working on your case.
This includes taking the time to answer any question you may have, and ensuring that you fully understand your rights and the legal process ahead of you.
Lawyers at Spar & Bernstein will keep you updated on the progress of your case and respond to your questions promptly, giving you peace of mind and helping you feel more confident in your success.
4. Fees
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
However, you should still ask about their fee structure to ensure that you understand and are comfortable with any expenses that they may incur.
Here are some examples of the questions you could ask your lawyer:
- Do they work on a contingency fee? If yes, how do they calculate it, and what expenses are you responsible for?
- If they charge hourly, what is their rate, and what services are included in it?
- Are there any upfront costs you need to pay?
- How and when will you be billed?
5. Case Management and evaluation
The next thing you should be informed about is how your case will be handled and what you can expect from your lawyer.
First, you should ask your lawyer if they can handle adding your case to their current caseload. Do they have the staff, the time, and the resources to handle your case effectively?
Next, you should ask your lawyer about the steps they intend to take to investigate your case and gather evidence.
And last, you should discuss a negotiation strategy with your lawyer, in case you intend to attempt a settlement negotiation. If not, then you should ask them about their experience representing a case like yours in court.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to ask your lawyer for an honest evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of your case, too.
Understanding your legal options, the value of your case, and the compensation you may be able to recover will help you immensely in making informed decisions about your case.
6. Settlement vs. Litigation
Once you’ve gathered all this information, you might have an idea of whether settling your case or taking it to court is a better fit for you and your case.
Depending on the path you choose, you can expect different outcomes in your case, which means you’ll need different kinds of representation.
For settlement negotiations, you’ll want to hire a lawyer who has experience with them and can get you the best possible offer.
For litigation, you may want to hire a lawyer with courtroom experience and a track record of success in similar cases.
Either way, your lawyer should be able to explain the pros and cons of each option and help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Hopefully, now you have enough information to help you choose the right personal injury lawyer for your case, without this hire adding any additional stress or financial strain to your situation.
With the right lawyer, you won’t need to worry about how long it will take to resolve your case or whether you’ll receive compensation for your injury.
Instead, you’ll be able to sit back and trust that your chosen lawyer will represent your interests in the best way possible.
