Sometimes, it makes sense to handle an injury claim without an attorney. But, when a serious accident has resulted in injuries that will affect your life for years or even permanently, you should consider hiring an experienced NYC personal injury lawyer.
Finding the right lawyer for your case requires asking the right questions. Use Nolo’s Attorney Directory to narrow down candidates before calling for a consultation.
1. Experience
Having a lawyer who has extensive experience is critical to getting the best results from your personal injury case. When you meet with a potential attorney for your initial consultation, ask them how many cases they’ve handled that were similar to yours and what the outcomes were.
A lawyer with extensive experience is also likely to be familiar with the laws in your area that are relevant to your claim. For example, if you are injured in a car accident, your lawyer should be familiar with state laws and any applicable federal law.
A good personal injury lawyer in Carrolton GA will review the facts of your case to determine who is liable. This step is often time-consuming and requires a thorough analysis of statutes, common law and case law in your jurisdiction. It may also involve retaining outside experts to help prove your case. For instance, a product liability case might require hiring an expert to analyze the design of a product.
2. Reputation
The best personal injury lawyers have a strong reputation among their peers and the insurance companies they deal with. They are respected by insurers for the aggressive and thorough approach they take to personal injury cases.
The law requires a thorough evaluation of each client’s losses including medical bills, lost wages and property damage. This allows the lawyer to negotiate a settlement that includes compensation for those losses.
A reputable personal injury lawyer will never rush to settle a case for less than what a client is owed. They will also be open about their fee structure and any underlying costs that may be associated with the case.
An experienced personal injury attorney will help clients to get the medical treatment that they need. This not only speeds up their recovery but also helps them to prove their injuries in a court of law for their claim. This is important because a victim who does not prove their injuries will not be awarded the full amount of their losses in an insurance settlement or a court verdict.
3. Time
If your injuries are minor (such as bruises, bumps, muscle sprains, cuts and abrasions) and you trust the insurance company to pay you what you need, you may not need a personal injury lawyer for your case. But even if you have a very minor case, an attorney could help you obtain the best possible compensation by ensuring that all of your medical bills and expenses are included in your claim.
When you meet with an attorney, they will want to discuss your case in detail. They will ask questions about your injuries and medical treatment, so they understand all of the facts. They will also get all of the medical records and bills for your injuries.
This can take a significant amount of time. An experienced lawyer will have a team of investigators that can recreate your accident and document all of the evidence to build the strongest possible case for you. This can speed up the case and ensure that all your damages are included in the settlement.
4. Money
If your injuries are minor and you can handle dealing with insurance companies on your own, a lawyer may not be necessary. However, a lawyer can help you navigate these nuanced situations and ensure that you are receiving fair compensation.
Personal injury cases often require the collection of extensive documentation, expert witnesses, reports from doctors, a medical records request, filing fees, and more. These expenses add up and can significantly increase your final settlement offer.
A good personal injury lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to reduce these expenses and other out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, most personal injury lawyers charge a fee only when they win your case. Be sure to ask a prospective lawyer what their policy is on expense reimbursement in the event of a loss. This will give you an idea of their level of commitment to your case. Even the best attorneys lose cases sometimes. Nonetheless, they are expected to keep their clients up to date on the status of their case and answer any questions that they might have.
