Are you in the market for a personal injury lawyer? Have you britfox.com flipped through the phone book or looked on the internet at the many, many options available to you? If you are feeling overwhelmed, take heart! With a little bit of education, you will be able to make a responsible, informed decision.
When in a car accident, write down what happened as soon as you are safe to do so. For example, what you were doing when it happened, how you are hurt, what damage there is to your car, what damage there is to the other car, and what you think caused the accident or how the other driver was at fault.
Get out of your vehicle and take photographs of the scene from several different angles. You should take pictures of your vehicle and that of the other party. This is important since it will prove the damages were not exaggerated by you or the person you got into the accident with.
Do not just take a personal injury lawyer’s word for it when it comes to their record. Talk to some of their clients, and ask the lawyer for a written record of their practice. This will give you a good idea as to how often this lawyer wins and what type of money he is used to dealing with.
Consult the directory of the ABA for recommendations for lawyers. They can provide you with recommendations for reputable attorneys in your area, and can inform you of any complaints or proceeding against attorneys in your area.
While it may sound expensive, investing in a “specialist” lawyer is your best bet when it comes to having a personal injury case come out in your favor. This means hiring someone who has a great deal of these type of cases under his belt along with many checks in the “win” column.
If you are looking for a reputable personal injury lawyer, ask around your friends and family for referrals. They may have been involved, or may know of someone who has used, the services of such a lawyer in the past. They will be able to give positive and negative recommendations based on their experiences.
Call the police if it is at all appropriate to do so. Even if there would not be a criminal complaint, it is often a good idea to have a police officer document your complaints. This ensures that there is a solid paper trail to confirm that the event actually did occur.
Many lawyers use flashy advertisements to mask their inability to win cases. You can’t really tell how honest a lawyer is by viewing an advertisement. You should always rely on an in-person interview before you make any final decisions.
It is important to keep close track of any and all paperwork pertaining to your case. These should include any notes from doctors, payment receipts and instructions for care. Be sure to save any emails that your doctor sends you.
Hire a lawyer located where the court your personal injury trial will be playing out is located. This ensures they can easily get to the court for your dates, plus they know the local laws and understand them to a “T”. They may also be familiar with the judges and their personalities, which can benefit your case.
Ask any questions you have of your lawyer. For example, ask about the duration of your case preparation and court time, and find out about the costs involved. Ask anything you need to so you can be comfortable.
If the lawyer you are talking to normally works with insurance companies, you probably want to pass on their services. Instead, you want someone who has experience helping the injured person. These personal injury attorneys should have the background that you need to successfully win your case, and you will probably feel more comfortable with them as a result.
Finding a personal injury lawyer is easy. Finding a good personal injury lawyer, however, is a little harder! Your lawyer will have a tremendous bearing on your case – who you choose can make all the difference in the world. Make sure you put the time and effort into this important decision.
