Having the right lawyer is a must when dealing with a personal injury case. By conducting a thorough investigation and filing a successful claim, they can help you get the money that you are owed. The hard part is deciding which lawyer to use.
These tips from Kherkher Garcia should help you find a qualified lawyer who can help you successfully mount a case.
1. Choose an experienced attorney.
Experience is everything in the world of personal injury law. Lawyers who have been around the block a time or two are more familiar with how the law works, which usually means that they can put together a stronger case.
To give you an idea of just how important experience is, the laws in each state regarding causation, negligence, the statute of limitations, the assumption of risk, and contributory negligence all vary. A good lawyer will know the laws in your area inside and out, which means that they can usually help you get more money in your case.
The benefits of experience don’t stop there. An experienced lawyer can also decide which venue is best to get the most favorable outcome. Some cases have to be filed in the area where they occurred. Slip and fall accidents are a great example. That doesn’t hold true for all types of personal injury cases, however. For instance, injuries involving manufacturer defects are a lot more complicated since the manufacturer may be located in another part of the country. The right lawyer will help you decide where to file your claim to get the best results.
Going with a brand-new lawyer who doesn’t have a lot of real-world experience is a lot riskier. When interviewing potential lawyers, always discuss their previous cases to make sure they have experience with situations like yours. Don’t forget to ask them if they are willing to go to trial if it comes to that in your case.
2. Consider the attorney’s specialty.
Look for a lawyer whose practice primarily focuses on personal injury law. Lawyers who deal with this area of the law have specific knowledge and skills that can help with your case. Other lawyers may not be as familiar with issues like causation and negligence, which means that they may not properly determine how much money you are owed.
All but about 5% of personal injury cases are settled out-of-court. That is why it is so essential to have a skilled negotiator on your side. Even if you know a lawyer that you have used for other things, it is always best to go with a specialist. You need someone who is intimately familiar with the law and who has excellent negotiating abilities.
3. Choose a well-respected lawyer.
In the field of personal injury law, a lawyer’s reputation can have a big impact on the outcome of the cases that they handle. This not only includes their reputation with their clients but also with local courts and insurance companies.
Choosing a lawyer who has a solid reputation can give you a leg up in your case. The courts, the defendant, and anyone else involved will evaluate your lawyer based on their past work. If you go with someone who has a reputation for always winning their cases, that can put you in a far better position when it comes to negotiating.
4. Find a lawyer who will give your case the time it deserves.
Avoid attorneys who seem overly eager to settle. Instead of rushing to settle so they can take on another client, they should give your case their full attention, thoroughly reviewing it to make sure you are getting as much money as you deserve.
5. Look for an attorney who puts you at ease.
You don’t have to be best friends with your lawyer. However, you should try to find someone who makes you feel comfortable and who communicates clearly. They should provide clear, easy-to-understand answers to any questions that you may have. They should also respond promptly when you call them and should provide you with regular updates on your case.
Working with a personal injury lawyer is essential when you are trying to get compensated for an accident. Don’t jump in and choose a lawyer too hastily. Instead, take your time and thoroughly evaluate your options. Learn more about each lawyer to make sure that you are on the same page in terms of any ethical issues. Consider interviewing several lawyers before you decide which one to use. Your lawyer plays a key role in determining how much money you get in your case. That is why it is so important to choose wisely.
