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 in a car accident, write down what happened as soon as you are safe to do so. For example, what you were doing when it happened, how you are hurt, what damage there is to your car, what damage there is to the other car, and what you think caused the accident or how the other driver was at fault.
If you believe you may have grounds for a personal injury case, see a physician immediately. It’s important that your information be documented as soon as possible. It will be used as valuable evidence later, but by the time you have your day in court, the injuries may have healed and you will have no proof of them.
Even if you are in an accident and you do not feel like you are injured, go see a doctor. There are many times that injuries come up later as a result of an accident. Seeing a doctor will show that you had some concerns about your condition early on.
When searching for a lawyer to represent you in a personal injury case, you should first be careful to avoid “ambulance chasers”. Check with your local bar association for a list of reputable attorneys. Then outline the details of your case to the prospective attorney and follow any advice you are given.
Do your best to stick with local personal injury attorneys. Generally speaking, local attorneys are more accountable to you and that can lead to you being more satisfied with what they do. You also won’t have to make long distance calls, you can have quicker communication, and you can meet with them easier.
Remember that when you’re choosing a personal injury lawyer, you’re entering into a relationship. The lawyer you choose should be someone that you can easily get along with. Likeability should not be the only factor in your decision, but it is a very important factor to consider. Not liking your lawyer and their staff can hamper your case by putting a strain on vital communication.
Contact your local state bar and ask whether they have any referral services with relevant recommendations. Of course, you still need to spend a few moments researching any referral that you receive. Check the recommendation’s background and qualifications prior to establishing contacts. This is a great way to find reputable professionals in the industry.
Make sure that any documents related to your injury are organized neatly. Ask your doctor to write a detailed report of your injuries, keep receipts from the bills you paid as well as your prescriptions and document any income loss. Be sure to save any emails that your doctor sends you.
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.