A personal injury lawyer is a lawyer who provides legal services to those who claim to have been injured, physically or psychologically, as a result of the negligence of another person, company, government agency, or any entity.
Personal injury lawyers primarily practice in the area of law known as tort law.
Examples of common personal injury claims include injuries from slip and fall accidents, traffic collisions, defective products, workplace injuries, and professional malpractice.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
In some fairly rare scenarios, it might be a good idea to handle a personal injury claim on your own when your injuries are minor
But in most instances, you’ll probably want to put your personal injury case in the hands of an experienced attorney, especially if:
- you were seriously injured in the accident
- the other side (the at-fault party and/or the insurance adjuster for their insurance company) is trying to pin the blame for the underlying accident on you
- the other side is questioning the legitimacy of your injuries or the necessity of the medical care you’ve received, or
- you’ve tried handling the claim yourself, but the other side isn’t coming to the table with a fair settlement offer.
In most injury claim scenarios, there’s simply no substitute for a lawyer’s experience and expertise when it comes to:
- gathering all necessary records and other evidence to support your injury claim
- putting your strongest case together
- fighting for the best result at the injury settlement negotiation table, and
- navigating the personal injury lawsuit process if going to court becomes necessary.
How to find Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys
There are several ways to gather together a few personal injury lawyer candidates.
Be sure to compare.
Get the names of several lawyers and talkor meet with each of them in person to discuss your claim before making a hiring decision.
And be prepared for rejection.
Many lawyers don’t take cases that fall below a certain potential recovery amount, or where fault for the accident isn’t crystal clear.
So, where to start your search for the right personal injury lawyer?
Friends and Family
Talk with friends, family, coworkers, or anyone else you know who’s been represented by a lawyer in their own personal injury claims.
If your contact has good things to say, put their lawyer on your list, but don’t make a decision solely on the basis of someone else’s recommendation.
Different people will have different responses to a lawyer’s style and personality
Referrals From Other Lawyers
Another place to seek a referral to an experienced personal injury lawyer is through other lawyers you know.
Lawyers commonly refer cases to one another, and most lawyers have a few personal injury experts in their network.
Online Attorney Referral Services
Many local bar associations and commercial websites offer online lawyer referral services, often arranged by legal specialty.
Some lawyer referral services carefully screen attorneys and list only those with particular qualifications and a certain amount of past experience,
It’s usually a good idea to communicate with a candidate lawyer directly before making any decisions.
A number of websites, including this one, let users connect with local attorneys who can provide one-on-one feedback and case evaluation.
Factors to consider before choosing a personal injury lawyer
When searching for a personal injury lawyer, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you find the right one for your case:
Experience
Look for a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law and has a track record of successfully handling cases similar to yours.
Reputation
Research the lawyer’s reputation in the legal community.
Check online reviews, testimonials, and any disciplinary actions or complaints filed against them.
Credentials
Ensure the lawyer is licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction and is in good standing with the bar association.
Additionally, certifications or memberships in relevant professional organizations can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the field.
Communication
Choose a lawyer who communicates effectively and promptly.
You should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing your concerns throughout the legal process.
Fee Structure
Understand how the lawyer charges for their services.
Some personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case, while others may charge hourly rates or flat fees.
Accessibility
Consider the lawyer’s availability and accessibility.
You want someone who will be responsive to your calls and emails and who will keep you informed about the progress of your case.
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