World

Vital Facts about a Personal Injury Claim- Know them Before Filing

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2022

If you have met with an accident, you have legal rights to get compensation to get the treatment for your injuries. you can file a personal injury claim so that you don’t face a financial crisis after an accident has changed your life. However, it may not be as easy as it may seem. Whatever the plaintiff does or fails to do after an accident affects the amount of the compensation. That’s why, it is a good idea to hire a Conyers personal injury lawyer who can help you take the right steps.

Should you accept the settlement amount?

One of the common mistakes committed by most plaintiffs is to accept the offer too early. After the accident, the victim may be in pain, injured and depressed. The insurance companies or another party may take advantage of this situation and convince you to settle for fewer amounts. That’s why, it is suggested to contact an attorney who has the skills and tactics to deal with such a situation. He can get in touch with these people and negotiate the amount effectively.

Why apologizing is not recommended?

Many a time, the plaintiff makes an attempt to speak with another party and jeopardize their case. Any statement made by them can be used against them and reduce the chances to win the case. The injured person must avoid apologizing to another party because the defendant’s attorney can use such a statement to win the case in their favor and make the basis to refuse the compensation. the court and jury may conclude that both parties were partially at fault at the time of the accident and may reduce the compensation as well.

Missing the timelines

Many victims are not aware that the claims are made within certain timelines. If they fail to file a claim, they will not be able to get any compensation. The case may be dismissed altogether in such a scenario. It is suggested to contact your attorney who can file the case well on time. Moreover, if you miss these timelines, the attorney will find it difficult to gather evidence and witness details. You should contact an attorney right after the accident because he will also take time to file the claim.

If you are searching for the best lawyer in town, you must collect the contact details of a few lawyers online. You should speak to a few of them to choose the best one.

World

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

1 week ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.