Keep This in Mind before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Most offer free consultations. If you haven’t called a personal injury attorney yet because you think they cost too much, don’t forget that a good lawyer is typically willing to discuss the basic facts of your case and whether or not they can help you with your case for free. Most lawyers and attorneys have free initial consultations, so it doesn’t hurt to ask before you make the mistake of taking on a case on your own.Be sure they are experienced. Typically you will find that some law firms will limit their practice to one or two subjects of law. If you have been injured due to the negligence of another party, be sure to hire a lawyer that is experienced with personal injury claims. Personal injury attorneys have more experience with the type of claim you are filing and can help you with greater aspects of your case.A lawsuit may not be necessary. There are many instances where filed cases settle without going to trial. These cases do not need a lawsuit in order to be settled. For example, some lawyers may sometimes get the most important information to the insurance company for their client. This helps them settle a case without needing to file a lawsuit. Keep this option in mind when hiring a personal attorney.Be aware of the fees. When you hire a lawyer, it is important to understand that you are paying them for their time. Ask your personal injury lawyer if they work on a “contingency fee”. On a contingency fee basis, your lawyer does not get paid unless you do. This option is great as it allows you to hire a lawyer with no upfront costs. You may want to ask about expenses as well, as most lawyers will pay the expenses on your behalf and then bill you for them later.Cases take time. You will need to be patient and understanding when it comes to your case. Definitely ask your lawyer how long you believe the case will take. If your lawyer is the real deal, they should have no problem giving you a realistic estimate. Beware of terms like “quick settlements” or “fast cash”. They are more than likely scams and most of the time do not live up to what they say.