You may have been hurt in an accident that was no fault of yours. You may now be thinking of filing a personal injury suit to get compensation for your injuries. Proving that the negligent party was responsible for your injuries can be difficult, especially if you’re handling the matter by yourself.
For a fair chance of compensation, you’ll need to hire a personal injury lawyer who has the experience to handle cases associated with your type of injury. Visit this website to get your free online consultation.
To help you identify the best personal injury lawyer, here are some things to consider:
- Get A Lawyer Who Handles Your Specific Type Of Injury
Even though most lawyers can handle all matters related to law, every lawyer has an area of specialization he’s good at. Look for a lawyer whose area of expertise is personal injury cases, and more specifically one who deals with your kind of injury. Personal injury is a wide field; you will hardly find a lawyer who is good in all areas. For instance, you’ll need a product liability lawyer if your injury is caused by a defective product, or a lawyer conversant with traffic accident cases if you were involved in a motor vehicle accident.
- What Is The Lawyer’s Track Record?
Find out about the lawyer’s experience especially concerning the specific field you’re seeking his services. You’ll need a lawyer who is knowledgeable in his area and conversant with court processes. He should handle a full trial and not pressure you to take the easier way through a settlement, even if your case will warrant a trial. Some personal injury lawyers are settlement mills with the sole aim of getting as many cases as possible, and then settling them in the shortest time possible. So, find one who has your best interest at heart. Likewise, find out if the lawyer has a proven track record of not only handling matters like yours but also winning them.
- Who Will Handle Your Case?
When you hire a personal injury lawyer, you’ll expect that particular lawyer to handle your case. Some lawyers will, however, hand over your case to paralegals or associate advocates who may not have the required skills to negotiate with the insurance company, therefore compromising your case. You’ll want to be sure that the advocate you hire will oversee your case to the end. Confirm that your lawyer who has the experience, legal expertise, and negotiating skills is the one who’ll handle your personal injury case.
- Will The Lawyer Be Available?
Will the lawyer have your time? During the pendency of your case, you’ll need to consult with your lawyer time and again. Concerns that will need his attention will arise. You want to know if your lawyer will be available on call, or if you can seek appointments to discuss such issues. Find out how quickly your lawyer can answer urgent matters. Some lawyers are rarely available and take time to return calls, so choose wisely.
- What Are The Costs And Payment Terms?
You should find out what the lawyer will charge for your case and what situation may call for any additional charges. Do they have a billing policy, or do they charge on a contingency basis? Will the lawyer’s fee be recovered from your compensation? Will you still be charged if your case is lost, or it will be a ‘no win-no fee’ situation? A good lawyer will give you direct answers to these questions.
- Will Communicating With The Lawyer Be Easy?
Your lawyer should communicate with you in a way that you understand. He should also be patient with you and listen when you talk. A lawyer who has patience and takes time to listen to everything in detail already demonstrates analytical skills, which are crucial in personal injury cases. Meanwhile, one who rushes you through the presentation of your case, makes promises that are too good to be true, and does not think your opinion counts should raise a red flag.
- What Is The Lawyer’s Rating?
Find out what people are saying about the lawyer. How does the lawyer rate compared to other personal injury lawyers in your area? Did you find the lawyer through recommendations and referrals? Does the lawyer have a good reputation? Dig more information from social media and, if possible, find reviews and also see how the lawyer responds to criticism. This will give you a general overview of the lawyer.
Conclusion
Searching for a personal injury lawyer can be overwhelming, and more so when most offer free consultations. Remember that even if you find one that checks all the considerations listed here, don’t ignore your gut feeling.