When personal injuries happen, the mind instantly goes to questions of how it will be possible to deal with the financial and emotional implications of the incident, which can sometimes last for years. The key to those questions often lies with a skilled personal injury lawyer. Keep reading to learn how to find the right practitioner for your needs.
Get a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases. The law covers a vast area, so most lawyers choose to focus on a specific legal area. A real estate or divorce lawyer will be ill-equipped to handle a personal injury case effectively. If you already have a reliable lawyer who specializes in a different field, ask them for a referral to a trusted colleague who does work in personal injury.
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.
When you are considering whether to hire a particular personal injury lawyer, make sure you ask questions about their previous case history. How many wins and losses have they had? If they have a history of only obtaining small settlements, or losing a lot of cases, then they probably are not the lawyer for you.
If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, you will need to have proof of the accident. At the time of the accident, take photographs of the site and get signed witness statements. You should also take note if there was “wet floor” sign at the location.
Flashy ads do not signal a great lawyer. Instead, they show you the lawyer is either desperate for clients or charges so much that they can afford these commercials or print ads. Consider instead a lawyer who spends their time working on cases instead of working on marketing schemes and filming tv spots.
When looking for a lawyer, try to find one with a convenient office location. An attorney who has an office right in your vicinity is often an excellent choice. This will improve your chances of getting a credible lawyer. You can easily drive to the lawyers office and communicate quickly about any changes in your case.
If you do not get medical attention as soon as you are injured, you may find that you get less in damages at a personal injury trial. You have to be able to “mitigate losses” by getting yourself repaired as quickly as possible, allowing you to get out of bed and back to work.
Stay in touch with the claims adjuster for your personal injury case. Although it does take time for him or her to review court and medical records, they will eventually resolve the matter for you. Send polite letters of inquiry and make occasional phone calls to check the status of your case and don’t give up on it.
Do not give your information to the insurance company without speaking to your lawyer first. Insurance agents will request information so they can use it against you down the road. Speak to your lawyer before speaking to anybody at the insurance company.
Personal injuries have the ability to cause long-term negative effects on you and your family that may even prove financially devastating. Therefore, it is vitally important to find a personal injury attorney able to produce the results you need. The article above has provided you with great information to help you get started.