5 Things You Need To Know When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in 2018
Finding a personal injury lawyer can seem like a daunting task. You have experienced a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, you’re hurt and suffering, and you don’t know which direction to turn for legal assistance with your case. With so many possible attorneys available to you, how will you know which is the right fit to handle your case? When considering hiring a personal injury lawyer, take the following advice into consideration.
Cost
People who experience a personal injury may be reluctant to hire a personal injury attorney because they are unsure of the cost. A good lawyer will always meet for an initial consultation free of charge to discuss basic facts with you and give a general opinion of your case. Most personal injury cases are handled for a contingency fee, which means that you don’t pay the attorney anything upfront, and a fee is determined to be paid once your case is settled. This allows you to hire a qualified attorney without having to pay in advance. It is important that you understand the fee before you hire your attorney. Make sure you ask about expenses as well.
You may be responsible for any expenses incurred on behalf of your case that are not related to your lawyer’s work.
Experience
Personal injury law is complex with many specialized rules. If you have experienced a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, you will want a lawyer who has experience in dealing with cases similar to yours. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Austin will know how to investigate your case. He or she knows what to look for, where to look and how it affects your case. The lawyer also knows the laws pertaining to personal injury in your state and how they are relevant to your situation. Knowing how to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement is critical to your case since 95% of personal injury cases are settled. However, it is important to hire an attorney who is comfortable going to trial and has trial experience. If your attorney is afraid of the courtroom, the insurance company may use that as an advantage to make a lowball settlement offer that your inexperienced attorney may pressure you to take. Ask your lawyer about similar cases and how they handled them. And understand there are no guarantees. If your attorney promises a win, find another lawyer.
Specialization
Most lawyers specialize in one or two kinds of law. It is imperative to your case that you hire a lawyer that specializes in personal injury law. A lawyer that practices many fields of law may have a wide range of knowledge, but he or she will be an expert at nothing. You will put yourself and your case at risk without an expert personal injury lawyer. For example, if you have been injured by a slip and fall, look for an attorney that specializes in slip and fall cases.
Reputation
An attorney who has a strong reputation with insurance companies, lawyers and the court systems can benefit your case. A good reputation puts everyone involved at ease, giving you a better chance to get a quick and fair outcome. During your initial consultation with a lawyer, ask how many cases similar to yours have they won or settled successfully. This will give you an idea on the attorney’s confidence on the outcome of your personal injury claim. Look at the attorney’s discipline record to see if there have been any complaints filed against them. You can do this by searching the attorney’s name under your local state bar association’s website.
Referrals
Ask your friends, family or co-workers about any personal injury lawyer referrals they can offer. One of the best ways to find an attorney is through word-of-mouth and firsthand knowledge of the attorney’s work ethic and business practices. This can give you peace of mind that the attorney you choose is trustworthy and dependable. But don’t just go off of referral alone. It is important to interview several attorneys before you choose.
Wrap Up
Finding the right personal injury lawyer is imperative to the success of your case. Many people find themselves defeated because they didn’t do their due diligence when looking for a reputable lawyer. If you don’t know where to start, the Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas (LRS) in Austin can help find a personal injury attorney for your claim. LRS is a non-profit organization with intake staff trained to direct you in finding an appropriate personal injury lawyer. If you have suffered a personal injury due to negligence, contact us so we can help. Your initial consultation is always free!
