If you ever get into a car accident, slip or fall at work, or get injured due to a faulty product, you’ll want to contact a personal injury lawyer.
No one wants to envision a scenario where they get hurt, have to take time off work for treatment, and see their lives turned upside down if no income is coming in. It makes sense to call a personal injury attorney after an accident because the legal professional will examine the situation, let you know if you have a credible case, and then advise you from there.
But just like you’d never go with the first quote you get from a roofing company, homebuilder, or other professional, you can’t just select the first personal injury lawyer you see in a directory. Much is at stake. You’ll want a reputable lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Here are three things to look for in a personal injury attorney you can trust with your case.
1. Ask About Specialization
Find a personal injury lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. You don’t want someone who dabbles in various areas of the law. You must find an attorney who focuses on personal injury cases day in and day out. A personal injury case can drag on for years. You want help from someone who knows the process, can advise you, and can represent you.
Ask how many years the attorney has been practicing personal injury law and ask for examples of past clients whose situations were similar to yours. If you suffer a severe injury that requires extensive medical care, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer is vital. You’ll have someone on your side who knows how to work with insurers and medical care providers.
2. Ask About Potential Outcomes
When you go for a consultation with a personal injury lawyer, you’ll want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. You need to know about the potential outcomes you face. It’s also essential to get honest assessments of the likelihood of the possible outcomes.
If you are injured in a car accident, you’ll want to get resources to pay for medical care and to compensate you for time off work. You’ll want the lawyer to explain what you face. Knowing the potential outcomes will help you make informed decisions about your case.
3. Ask About the Planned Legal Strategy
You’ll also want to ask any lawyers you’re considering about their planned legal strategy for your case. It’s essential to hire a personal injury attorney who can explain their plan and let you know down the road if there’s a need to pivot based on changing circumstances.
Are the lawyers you’re considering willing to take your case to trial? While it’s usually best to work out a settlement, you don’t want to go that route if the offer is too low. Some lawyers will try to settle at all costs. A court case can be a lengthy affair and can be emotionally training. But that doesn’t mean you should have to accept a lowball offer. If the chances of success in a court trial are good, then going to court might be better. That’s especially true if the insurance company won’t negotiate in good faith.
These are some of the more critical things to look for in a personal injury lawyer. If your case drags on for months or years, you may be working with your lawyer for a long time. So, you’ll want to choose well.
Finding the help you need after an accident is essential. It’ll be hard enough dealing with the effects of the accident, let alone having to pay for treatment out of pocket. A reputable and experienced legal professional will help to achieve a successful resolution.