Are you in the market for a personal injury lawyer? Have you flipped through the phone book or looked on the internet at the many, many options available to you? If you are feeling overwhelmed, take heart! With a little bit of education, you will be able to make a responsible, informed decision.
When choosing a personal injury attorney, ensure that you are choosing a law office which has an entire department dedicated to personal injury. Meanwhile, it is common for law offices to pursue several different types of cases, it is important to choose an attorney who’s well versed in your niche.
If you are looking for a reputable personal injury lawyer, investigate what professional groups and organizations are located close to you. A lot of lawyers are dedicated to giving back to the community and thus get involved with organizations in their area. These lawyers are worth hiring and normally come highly recommended.
You will need pictures and documented paperwork regarding your personal injury. If your injuries prevent you from taking the photos yourself, have someone take them for you. Don’t wait until later. Take pictures as quickly as possible so the court can use this evidence in your case.
Compare personal injury lawyers. There are plenty of personal injury lawyers out there but unfortunately some of them are sharks. Contact your local Better Business Bureau and always check online for customer reviews. Typically though, the best way to find a good personal injury lawyer is through word of mouth.
Call the police if it is at all appropriate to do so. Even if there would not be a criminal complaint, it is often a good idea to have a police officer document your complaints. This ensures that there is a solid paper trail to confirm that the event actually did occur.
After you have gathered together a list of potential personal injury attorneys, set up a free consultation with each lawyer. At this consultation, the attorney will look over the facts of your case and answer any questions you may have. After each consultation, write down notes about the interview and how the lawyer treated you.
Try to learn about the basics of how a personal injury case is evaluated. Similar to a stool, they are mainly evaluated on three principles: liability, damages, and collectability. Liability refers to how bad the action is, the evidence, and the facts of the case. Damages refers to the seriousness of the injuries and the opinions of witnesses and medical staff. Collectability refers to insurance coverage, policies, and assets.
If your case involves an insurance company, ask the lawyer if he has experience dealing with insurance company negotiations. If the attorney does not have ample experience, it is in your best interest to look for a different attorney. Most insurance companies hire a group of lawyers to represent them in these type cases; therefore, it is important that you have an attorney with experience in these types of negotiations.
Finding a personal injury lawyer is easy. Finding a good personal injury lawyer, however, is a little harder! Your lawyer will have a tremendous bearing on your case – who you choose can make all the difference in the world. Make sure you put the time and effort into this important decision.