You’ve been injured in an accident as a result of another party’s negligence and now you may be wondering how to find a personal injury attorney for your case. It can be difficult to determine who to trust with such a serious legal matter. Sometimes, finding the right lawyer can be a challenge.
However, you can find the perfect lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve with the right tips and advice. In this blog post, we will discuss how to go about finding a personal injury attorney, what questions to ask, what to look for in a law firm, and many other questions.
What qualifies as a personal injury?
There are many forms of personal injury. Some of the most common personal injuries arise from auto accidents, dog bites, and slip and falls. Below are some categories of personal injury cases.
- Auto accidents
- Dog bites
- Wrongful death
- Slip and fall
- Pedestrian accidents
- Uber & Lyft Accidents
Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, so if you feel that you have been injured in any way, do not hesitate to inquire about your accident.
How do I choose a personal injury attorney?
In just three easy steps, you will be well on your way to choosing the right attorney for your case.
First, gather as much information that is readily available to you such as names of parties involved in your accident, witness information, police reports, photos, and any other information you feel is important. The more information you are able to provide, the easier it will be for an attorney to evaluate and potentially accept your case (case evaluation will be discussed later in this post).
Second, decide on the type of personal injury attorney you will need. Some personal injury attorneys focus on specific types of accidents such as auto accidents or dog bites. Understanding your specific type of accident is essential in finding the right personal injury attorney for you.
Third, do some research on the law firms you intend to inquire with. A good source to refer to when considering a law firm are client reviews. It is important to note that contrary to common belief, you do not have to go with an attorney that is local to you, so don’t limit your search to local law firms.
Once you pinpoint the law firms you believe can help you, begin scheduling consultations. Most personal injury law firms offer free, no-obligation consultations in which your case will be evaluated and some of your most pressing questions and concerns can be addressed by a knowledgeable attorney.
What happens during a personal injury case evaluation?
During this time, the attorney may ask you a series of questions pertaining to your accident and injuries in an attempt to determine whether they can pursue compensation for you.
There are several factors the attorney will consider prior to accepting your case such as the incident description, medical treatment, and insurance coverage.
In some instances, the attorney will decide to reject your case due to questionable liability, limited information, or simply because the risk of taking on your case will outweigh the benefit. This is why having as much information on your case is important.
During the case evaluation, you will also have the opportunity to ask questions yourself. Next, we will discuss some important questions to ask to determine if this attorney is right for you.
What are some questions should I ask a personal injury attorney?
1. What are your law specialty areas?
2. Can you handle my case?
3. Will you be able to get me the medical care I need?
4. What will be my level of participation?
5. Will I be able to work while my case is ongoing?
6. How long does it typically take to reach a settlement?
7. How much is your attorney fee and what is it based on?
What is the contingency fee for personal injury?
A contingency fee in personal injury is what you pay your attorney if they successfully reach a settlement for your case. This fee takes the place of hourly wages and the firm will pay any costs associated with your case prior to your settlement. The reason for this is so that everyone can focus on helping you get healthy again without worrying about the financial strain.
In most personal injury cases, the contingency fee normally ranges between 30 and 40 percent of the total settlement. This is because the attorney will have to cover any expenses related to the case.
Some of the highest-rated personal injury attorneys can take up to 60% of compensation fees awarded. Keep in mind that some attorneys may increase their contingency fee in the event that your case requires litigation as there are more costs and risks involved when litigating.
You will want to ask the attorney about their fees to avoid any surprises in the end.
What is the benefit of a contingency agreement?
Simply put, a contingency agreement takes a lot of the financial pressure off of you. If you had to pay for every hour that your attorney works on your case or buying materials yourself all while dealing with your injuries, it can quickly become too much to handle. With a contingency agreement, everything is taken care of and you don’t have to worry about costs associated with your case.
How often do personal injury claims go to litigation?
Only about 5 percent of personal injury cases go to litigation. The majority of cases are settled outside of litigation but in some instances, litigation may be necessary to get full value of your claim.
Personal injury lawsuits are usually similar to other cases in the same field. The main difference is that they often involve more research and work than your average settlement.
How do you win a personal injury case?
There are several obstacles your attorney will have to overcome to reach a settlement on your case. These obstacles include establishing liability, gathering evidence, and negotiating with the defendant’s insurance company. In rare cases, it may be necessary to go to trial though most attorneys will try to avoid trial as it often comes with more risks and costs.
What is a fair settlement for pain and suffering?
Unfortunately, there is no set amount for pain and suffering cases. This depends on the extent of your injuries and any required surgeries or therapy sessions that will be needed to treat your injury.
These things can make a big difference in how much compensation you receive. However, in most cases, the medical bills that the plaintiff incurs are often tripled to make a fair settlement fee.
Is it worth hiring a personal injury attorney?
By now you’ve had your consultation and case evaluation with a personal injury attorney and you are deciding whether or not to hire an attorney to represent you in your case. Ultimately it is your decision to make, however, depending on the type of case and severity of your injuries, it may be difficult or impossible to get the compensation you deserve without legal help.
Hiring an attorney for your injury case is one of the best ways to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. Personal injury attorneys have experience dealing with insurance companies and know how to navigate through the obstacles that will present themselves along the way.
In most cases, hiring an attorney early on can help speed up the process of getting compensation for your accident, so it’s something you’ll definitely want to consider.
