When you’ve sustained injuries in an accident, hiring a personal injury lawyer to take over the legal process can save time and money. A reputable attorney can access resources such as medical experts and investigators.
Compare different attorneys and make a decision based on these key factors.
Experience
When hiring a personal injury attorney like Hassett & George, you trust them to file a lawsuit against an insurance agency and fight for your full compensation. A skilled and talented attorney understands how to maximize your claim and explains the value of damages clearly and concisely.
They may request a copy of your insurance policies, including PIP, liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, health care benefits information, and medical records to establish your current and future financial losses. They will also prepare interrogatories and depositions to gather evidence.
Most of the time, a personal injury case will result in a settlement without going to trial. However, in some cases, the insurance company may still deny your claim or offer you a lowball offer.
Reputation
Many people are reluctant to hire a personal injury lawyer after an accident, especially when their injuries seem minor. This is a mistake! Even minor injuries can add up and may impact the final settlement amount.
A personal injury lawyer focuses on recovering fair compensation from the at-fault party. They work to calculate a client’s financial damages, including medical bills, loss of income, decrease in future earning potential, and other expenses.
They know the laws that might impact a case and how to file legal documents promptly. In addition, they have connections to doctors and other expert witnesses who can support their clients’ claims. They also know how to negotiate with insurance companies. If necessary, they can also take a claim to court.
Fees
A good personal injury lawyer will work hard to help you get your deserved compensation. However, that doesn’t come cheap.
When seeking a personal injury attorney, understand their fee structure and what it covers. Some attorneys will charge for certain case expenses, including medical records and expert testimony fees. Other expenses may be included in the contingency fee you agree upon with your attorney.
Also, understand whether your attorney’s fee will increase if the case goes to trial. This is usually specified in your contingency fee agreement. Be aware that additional costs may be associated with a personal injury lawsuit, such as court filing fees and deposition costs. This can add up quickly, especially when dealing with an injured body and juggling financial responsibilities.
Communication
As the legal journey progresses, you must communicate openly and honestly with your attorney. This includes a timely response to your calls and emails. It also includes a willingness to explain legal jargon in an easy-to-understand manner.
The best personal injury lawyers know you are out of your element and want to ease your stress. If an attorney seems to treat you as a nuisance or is unwilling to communicate with you, consider moving on to another.
A reputable personal injury lawyer will have the resources to build a strong case for you, including expert witnesses, investigators, and paralegals. They should be able to answer your questions, provide updates on the case, and take the pressure off of you by dealing with the insurance companies.
Personality
Having a good working relationship with your personal injury attorney will be vital to the success of your case. Look for an attorney who is easy to communicate with, makes you feel comfortable, and has a positive demeanor.
Word of mouth is the best source for attorney recommendations. Ask friends, family members, and professional associates for personal injury lawyer recommendations. They will have your best interest in mind and only recommend attorneys they trust to represent them.
Inquire about the attorney’s previous experience in handling personal injury cases. A reputable attorney can provide detailed information about their past cases and settlements. Additionally, they should be able to explain the legal process in simple terms and answer your questions.
