Personal injury claims cover a wide range of accidents. You may be involved in an accident, injured by a slip on your neighbor’s property, or bitten by someone’s dog. If you incur severe injuries, you can look for a personal injury lawyer to handle your claim. However, searching for a personal injury lawyer can be overwhelming. You may ask for referrals from friends, but remember that each case is always unique. Your friend’s lawyer may not handle your situation as actively as you would want. As a result, this article explores five things to consider when hiring a personal injury attorney.
1. Experience
Look for a lawyer with enough experience in your specific field. Past knowledge is crucial to know where and what to look for in an accident case. Every state has its regulations relating to negligence, an assumption of risk, and other factors that determine the strength of your case. Your attorney should also know the court that will try your case, and the fair compensation you will receive. Ask your lawyer if they have handled similar situations and what is his/her success rate. The best strategy is to hire an attorney who deals primarily with personal injury.
2. Readiness to go to Trial
During your search, you will meet lawyers who have never handled a trial case. You should avoid such people because they may settle for less money to avoid going to court. In case your insurance company discovers this about your lawyer, you are at a disadvantage. The company will lower their bar since they know your lawyer will give in to any pressure they apply. Look for a lawyer who has handled things before a judge and will not bow down to any pressure from your insurance company.
3. Reputation
An attorney with a solid reputation is the best person to handle your case. Look for one with a good reputation among past clients and also with peers. You need to work with a person who is respected by insurance companies, other lawyers, and even the judges. The best way to get these lawyers is to ask for referrals from past clients involved in personal injury. These referrals will tell you how they interacted with the attorney and how satisfied they were at the end of the case.
4. Charges
If the lawyer fails to volunteer his fee arrangement, do not be afraid to ask. Sometimes this may feel uncomfortable, but it is essential that you understand how the lawyer breaks down the charges. Moreover, you are the one who will be paying him for his service. You cannot sign a contract without knowing whether you can meet the budget.
5. Personality
How well do you get along with your attorney? Since you will have an extended relationship with your lawyer, you need someone you feel comfortable enough to tell him about anything that you have that may have resulted in the accident. You need a person who will not blow you off when you need his help.
As you look for your injury lawyer, remember to take your time. You need to hire the best attorney to make sure you receive what you deserve.