You were injured in an accident and are now looking forward to recovering compensation, as the other party was negligent and caused the mishap. Among other things, you are expected to have an attorney on your side. While you can file a claim on your own, hiring a lawyer does make a big difference. In this post, we are discussing the mistakes you must avoid when choosing between law firms.
- Not hiring a city-based lawyer: You need a local personal injury lawyer – Period. Find a lawyer who is available, accessible, and easy to talk to. A city-based attorney will know the local judges and can deal with things in a better way.
- Paying an immediate fee: Your injury lawyer is expected to take a contingency fee. The fee is contingent on the outcome. If you win, you will pay a fixed share of the final settlement to the lawyer, and the percentage may vary between 30% and 40%. Do not hire an attorney who wants an upfront fee.
- Not asking about the experience: Clients often fail to ask relevant questions when comparing injury lawyers. Ask questions like – How long have you been working in my city? What types of cases do you specialize in? Do you have experience taking injury lawsuits to court? Have you worked on a case that’s similar to mine?
- Not discussing other expenses: There are other expenses the client must pay for. Think of costs related to the investigation, court filing fees, and contacting expert witnesses. Your injury lawyer may pay these expenses for you, but it is eventually your liability. Ensure that you are aware of the expected spending, advised Robins Kaplan, a premier trial law firm with locations in seven major cities, offers its clients representation with over 225+ skilled attorneys as well as a team of medical professionals, financial and economic consultants, investigators, and science advisors. The firm focuses on the best resolution for each matter, working hard to reach a conclusion often before it hits the courtroom or makes its way into the press.
- Not asking about the predictable settlement: What is your injury claim worth? That’s one of the biggest questions that you should ask an attorney. A good injury lawyer will never lie to you or guarantee an outcome because they know there are things beyond their control. Do not engage someone who is ready to promise great things without even doing a thorough investigation.
Final word
Hiring the right injury lawyer is as important as filing your claim. Experienced lawyers know how to make the most of available time and will use their resources to gather evidence and witnesses. They will also talk to accident reconstruction experts when the fault is muddled, or there is no one way to establish liability. You have a short window for filing most injury lawsuits.
