Accidents are unfortunate events and completely unpredictable. No one plans for these sometimes tragic events, but you need to be prepared when they occur. How can you best be prepared in the aftermath of an accident? Here is one essential step - choosing the right personal injury lawyer.
Selecting the right attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case, directly affecting the compensation you receive and the overall stress endured during the legal process. To assist you in navigating this critical decision, we've summarized five key steps to consider when choosing the best personal injury lawyer.
Step 1: Consider and Evaluate Their Experience
Firstly, a crucial factor to consider when selecting any personal injury attorney is their experience in the field, along with their track record. A lawyer with substantial experience in personal injury law is more likely to succeed in helping you win your case. They possess deep knowledge and know-how in handling various complexities that may arise, such as proving damages in catastrophic injury cases or dealing with insurance companies' tactics.
Ask these questions to help gauge their experience:
- Is personal injury their main focus? (some law firms only handle personal injury law occasionally, which may not provide the experience needed to win your case.)
- How many years has their firm handled personal injury cases?
- Do they have a strong track record of courtroom appearance?
- Is the firm and its attorneys well-recognized and respected within the personal injury law community?
It's also essential to check and ensure they have experience working on similar cases, providing their expertise aligns with your specific situation.
Step 2: A Strong Track Record for Success
A lawyer's experience must come with a successful track record, which is equally critical. Some attorneys may have years of experience but have yet to accumulate a proven history of winning significant cases. You should look for the following.
- Have they secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts consistently for their clients?
- Do they possess a proven winning record of success in catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims, not only and specifically minor injury cases?
- Has their firm received public recognition or awards for their settlements and verdicts?
Understanding an attorney's success rate is paramount to confirm they can deliver the desired results.
Step 3: How they Engage With You Will Tell Tell You A Lot
Trust and communication are what any good attorney-client relationship is built upon. It would be best if you felt comfortable with the lawyer's approach and demeanor.
Here are some factors to consider and include:
- Are they available and ready to answer your questions?
- Do they maintain a professional and friendly demeanor?
- Have they proven themselves to be effective communicators, explaining the legal process clearly and responding promptly?
- Have they shown good personality traits and genuinely care about your well-being and case?
Building a solid rapport with your lawyer can ease the legal process's stress and enhance your experience.
Step 4: Understand How They Get Paid (Their Payment Model)
Avoid surprises by understanding the way your attorney gets paid. It's great to ask the following questions while getting to know your possible new attorney.
- Is there a free initial consultation offered?
- Are fees based on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case, fees deducted from your settlement, or paid by the defendant?
- Can they provide any upfront costs or cash advance before your settlement or verdict?
Clarifying payment terms is crucial to starting on the right foot and maintaining a good, transparent, mutually beneficial lawyer-client relationship.
Step 5: Think About Additional Resources
Finally, consider additional resources that a potential personal injury lawyer can bring to your claim. Some lawyers offer comprehensive assistance throughout all stages of your case.
Here are some key factors to inquire about.
- Does the attorney have a network of medical professionals to help you find the necessary treatment?
- Can they connect you with doctors willing to work on a lien basis, where medical expenses are deducted from your verdict or settlement?
- Do they offer assistance with services like property damage valuation and liens negotiations?
These potential resources can streamline your case and reduce hassle and headaches.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
After sustaining injuries due to someone's negligence, you might wonder how necessary hiring a personal injury lawyer is. It's essential! The opposing party, often an insurance company, will actively work against you to prove your fault or minimize their settlement payout.
Insurance companies are specifically good at using manipulative tactics to reduce payouts, proving the importance of having a skilled and experienced attorney.
A suitable lawyer will:
- Investigate and look into your case thoroughly
- Establish liability on the side of the at-fault party
- Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company
- Ensure you receive your deserved compensation
It's important to know not all personal injury attorneys are equal. To secure the best outcome for your claim, diligently follow the insight provided in this article when choosing your attorney.
If you ever need a criminal defense attorney, don't hesitate to call The Karam Law Office at (832) 734-8434. Attorney Jacob Karam has secured multi-million dollar settlements for his injured clients, and is standing at the ready to champion your case.
