Many people feel it is best to close their cards when discussing their personal injury situation with lawyers. However, you must keep your lawyer in the loop and ask questions – no question is ever foolish.
An excellent personal injury attorney can guide you through complex legal procedures and medical and insurance jargon. They also help you with the often overwhelming task of filing insurance claims and lawsuits.
Ask for Referrals
Getting referrals from former clients is one of the best ways to find new personal injury cases. Remember your past clients by sending them a monthly newsletter and requesting their referrals.
Another good way to get referrals is by asking friends and family for recommendations. If someone they know has a personal injury, ask them which attorney they used and how they felt about the experience.
In addition to asking for references, it’s essential to understand the different types of personal injury cases and how they work. For example, you should find out if the lawyer will handle your case or if it will be referred to someone else within their firm. If the patient is referred to someone else, you’ll want to ensure they are qualified and experienced. Having a knowledgeable person handle your case will help you avoid making mistakes that could cost you money or, worse, your case.
Do Your Research
The law is complex, and not all attorneys are created equal. As you interview attorneys, you must consider the firm’s size and age, the area of law they specialize in, their connections with medical experts and doctors who can help your case, and their experience in similar cases.
It’s also important to note whether or not the lawyer is experienced with trial work. Most injury lawyers will say that they are experienced in personal injury. Still, if you’re talking to an attorney with only a few jury trials under their belt, their claim of expertise may be misleading.
Additionally, you should note how easy the attorney is to get a hold of. This is important, especially if you’re working on a time-sensitive matter like a lawsuit over an injury. If they’re difficult to reach, it can cause problems for your case. You should be able to easily communicate with your attorney throughout the process of your New York personal injury lawsuit.
Ask Questions
It is a good idea to prepare questions ahead of time for your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer. It will make you feel more confident and ready to discuss your case.
These questions will vary depending on the type of injury, but some of them may include:
Do you specialize in my type of case? Personal injury is a broad practice area that includes many different types of claims. A Bakersfield personal injury lawyer with experience handling cases involving the types of injuries you have should be able to work more efficiently and effectively.
Also, ask how long it takes them to resolve a case like yours. Although many factors determine how long a case will take to settle, they should be able to provide you with a rough estimate. You will also want to find out whether they will take your case to trial. Insurance companies know the difference between lawyers who try cases and those that don’t.
Be Honest
Although it may feel like a waste of time, don’t be afraid to ask your attorney any questions you have, there are no “stupid” questions regarding your personal injury case.
Leaving out any facts about your accident and injuries can have serious consequences. For example, if you don’t tell your lawyer about a preexisting condition, the opposing side could argue that any injuries you suffered were only related to the condition, not the accident.
Hiding information can also harm your credibility. It can make the jury doubt your claim and ultimately reduce the amount of compensation you receive. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless they win compensation for their clients. Therefore, honesty is crucial to a successful relationship with your attorney and winning your case.
