Getting into an accident is bad enough. But having an accident with injuries is a whole other kettle of fish. Annually, almost 175,000 Americans get injured in an accident. Despite our best-laid plans, you can fall victim to unforeseen accidents.
When you’re facing an injury and you think that you can handle your case on your own, think again. Only 5% of personal injury cases reach trial. This signifies that the majority of cases had a pre-trial agreement. Thus, you may have an undesirable outcome if you file a personal injury lawsuit without a lawyer.
Of course, there’s no way to know which lawyer is right for you without actually meeting with a few of them. And you don’t want to risk going into detail about what happened just to learn that they won’t take your case. But, with the right approach, finding the right personal injury lawyer doesn’t have to be hard.
With that in mind, here are a few tips on how to find the best personal injury lawyer for your situation.
What is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Having the right personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in your case. They usually hold the key to determining whether it is worthwhile to take a civil case to court. These injury lawyers represent injured people in an accident in court. They practice tort law, which includes both negligent and intentional acts.
After an accident, it is not always easy to attempt to secure financial compensation. The legal challenges can be very daunting. This is true if you get injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another party. A personal injury lawyer helps you have a valid case against someone whose negligence landed you in the hospital.
Personal Injury Lawsuit Without a Lawyer: Can and Should You File One?
When you get into an accident, you should hire a personal injury lawyer to help you deal with medical bills. But what if you decide not to hire a lawyer? Can you, then, file a lawsuit on your own? In most cases, yes.
Is it a good plan? Sometimes, it’s a good idea, and other times, it’s a recipe for disaster. Insurance adjusters are notorious for lowballing injured people. They also push for settlements that will leave you with no money after paying medical bills.
There are many reasons why you should work with an experienced attorney to handle your personal injury claim. The other side may be dragging their heels in settling your personal injury case. Here are some of the benefits you can get when you file a personal injury lawsuit:
- You can pursue restitution for exposure to a toxic substance and the resulting health risks.
- You can have several legal options to obtain compensation for your losses, such as filing a personal lawsuit.
- You can sue for a variety of damages related to your injuries. This includes healthcare hospital bills, emotional pain, and future expenses.
- If your injury is severe enough to result in short-or long-term job loss, you can lose your earning capacity.
How to Find the Best Personal Injury Lawyer?
Finding the best personal injury lawyer is not as simple as anyone thinks. Between all the advertisements and the legal terms they contain, it is hard to know who to trust. The good news is that finding a personal injury lawyer isn’t that difficult. Let’s look at how to find the best personal injury lawyer for your needs.
1. Check Their Specialty
Lawyers are typically specialists or generalists. Seek the services of a personal injury and accident attorney. They are more knowledgeable about the laws in your case.
They are also experts in case building and giving out medical care for your injuries. Do not be afraid to inquire about the lawyer’s experience in personal injury law. You should prefer a lawyer that has handled cases like yours.
2. Inquire About Their Level of Reliability
You need an attorney with more than just personal injury case experience. That is a lawyer with secured settlements and has contested personal injury cases to a court ruling. Ask about the attorney’s success rate. If they are unable to provide it, they most likely do not have a high one.
3. Request Referrals
Consult friends and family for recommendations to find a lawyer with whom they have had a positive experience. Obtaining referrals allows you to create a preliminary list of lawyers to interview. Of course, if someone had a terrible impression of a lawyer, this information is also useful. You can cross them off the list right away and focus on the next option.
4. Prepare for the Contingency
Lawyers are costly; they charge thousands of dollars per hour for their services. If you get injured, there’s a chance that you can’t afford to pay for this yourself. The best part is that experienced personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means they do not get compensated until you do.
Contingency fees typically range from 20% to 50%. So, look for a lawyer who works within those parameters. They will take a percentage of your cash. The decent ones will include legal fees in the final settlement. This will ensure you get the most out of your claim.
5. Choose Someone You Can Involve
A personal injury case can be a long road back to shape and a fair settlement. This experience will have highs and lows. You’ll want to feel secure in your discussions with your lawyer. This is why you should select a personal injury lawyer with whom you engage.
Look for an attorney who pays attention to you, responds to your questions, and discusses things in a simple manner. You’ll have the impression that the attorney is looking out for your best interests. If you feel that they are only interested in the case for profit, you should find another lawyer.
6. Get Someone With a Business Office
In a personal injury case, moving parts and schedules need tracking. This is to ensure that claims negotiations are going on or to abide by court orders. A professional office implies that a lawyer has the necessary systems in place to do their work efficiently.
Select a lawyer with a well-organized office and a properly filed system. Your lawyer should also be on time for meetings. Lastly, they should know when to act immediately.
- Consult Several Lawyers
Speaking with several lawyers will allow you to determine who is the best fit for you. Evaluate their level of experience, charges, and the atmosphere of their office. Engaging with them will also provide you with a better judgment of what to anticipate from your case.
Everyone will have a better understanding of your case’s issues and the likelihood of success. Be cautious of anyone who appears to magnify your outcome since they may not be able to prove them.
To Wrap it Up
Most people do not realize that when they suffer a personal injury, often a lawsuit is the next step. Without a lawyer, it is possible to end up lacking critical information to bring forth a solid case. That can lead to an initial denial of compensation that you deserve. No matter what type of accident you get involved in, taking the wrong steps in your claim can be costly.
We hope to have provided you with tools and guidelines to find a good lawyer. If you’re in an accident, it’s important that you get help right away. But, also remember that there is no one perfect solution for everyone.
One lawyer may be the best choice for one person and a completely different one for someone else. The right lawyer will take the time to review your case. Your personal injury lawyer should give you honest information about what you should expect. That will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for a long fight if necessary.
If you are looking for the right personal injury lawyer, keep the above in mind. By following these tips, you stand a greater chance of finding a lawyer who is committed to your case. As long as you go into this search with realistic expectations, you can have success on your side.
