Accidents are a common occurrence in life; they happen. However, if your injuries or damages are the results of someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to seek compensation. Working with the right attorney can mean the difference between obtaining the right compensation and suffering medical bills, depression, and lost wages after an accident, whether you were a victim of a slip and fall accident or were involved in a car accident.
The first and most important step in obtaining the compensation you deserve is to find a reputable personal injury attorney. They will assist you in filing a personal injury lawsuit, negotiating your personal injury claim, fighting for your interests, ensuring your rights are protected and upheld, and preparing your case for litigation, if necessary.
You do not, however, want to hire just any lawyer. Finding a competent lawyer you can rely on is the best option. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can also help you get the most compensation for your injuries.
But, with so many lawyers to choose from, how do you know which one is the best fit for you? Continue reading to learn seven tips for hiring the best lawyer.
Extensive Legal Experience
Because the practice of law has become so specialized, most criminal law attorneys know little about family or personal injury law. So, the first step in locating a qualified lawyer is to look for one who has represented accident victims in personal injury cases. Personal injury claims are highly specialized, and you need a personal injury attorney who has the knowledge to evaluate your claim from the start. When selecting an attorney, experience is one of the most important factors to consider. A lawyer with experience can anticipate problems before they occur and effectively defend arguments against a victim’s compensation. You want to find a lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours. This way, they will know what to expect and how to handle various scenarios that may arise during your case.
It is important to note that very few personal injury cases ever make it to court. Statistically, 95% of these cases settle before going to trial. The main reason that most cases settle is that avoiding triage benefits all parties. Litigation is expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable. Going to trial may result in a much higher damage award for victims, or it may result in walking away with very little or nothing. The same is true for the defendant, as losing could result in additional damage and legal fees. As a result, many lawyers lack trial experience. One of the most crucial questions to ask a prospective lawyer is whether they try cases in court and, if so, how frequently. You should look for a lawyer who has not only trial experience but also a successful track record in cases they have prosecuted.
This knowledge is invaluable because it ensures that your case proceeds smoothly and without hiccups. The lawyer with experience will also know how to:
- Carry out investigations: An experienced personal injury attorney understands how to properly investigate a case and will make certain that the evidence supporting your claim is preserved and documented for potential litigation.
- Navigate the complex legal procedures: The legal system is complex and requires a thorough understanding of court procedures and processes. An experienced lawyer is well-versed in legal procedures and paperwork. To avoid costly mistakes, they will ensure that you meet all deadlines with completed legal documents.
- Enhance your case: Personal injuries and property damage caused by accidents cause a great deal of pain and emotional turmoil. The effects of this trauma may make it difficult to make wise and objective decisions about your accident. A personal injury claim will be filed on your behalf by a personal injury attorney. They will also bring knowledge, skill, and experience to your case, assisting you in obtaining the settlement you deserve.
- Negotiation skills: After filing a personal injury and motor vehicle accident claim, the at-fault party’s insurance company handles the negotiations and can be very persuasive when negotiating for lower compensation. Negotiating a settlement with an insurance company can be extremely difficult. They know how to persuade you to accept their first offer, which is usually a fraction of what you truly deserve. An experienced lawyer will assist you in obtaining greater compensation.
Gregory Spektor & Associates P.C. boasts many years of experience working with people who decide to take their personal injury claims to court. We will ensure you are adequately represented and balance the playing field against other parties.
Ask For Referrals
With so many personal injury attorneys advertising everywhere, from TV to social media networks, there is also very little regulation. You must be proactive in looking for the best lawyer to represent your matter. Our recommendations:
Word of mouth
The best place to begin your search for reputable lawyers is with recommendations from people you trust who have had their own personal injury claims represented by an experienced attorney. When looking for potential lawyers to hire, family, friends, colleagues, and business associates can be excellent sources of information. In addition, if you ask them to recommend a reasonable attorney, you can ask them about their experience dealing with a personal injury claim. If they recommend a particular lawyer, add them to your list. However, do not make any decisions based on the advice of another person. Keep in mind that different people react differently to a lawyer’s style and personality, which may or may not suit you. So, don’t hire an attorney until you’ve met with them in person, discussed your case, and decided that you’re comfortable entering into a working relationship with them.
Lawyers you already know
It makes sense to hire someone you know if you’ve previously worked with them on a legal matter or know them personally. If they have little or no experience dealing with your current issue, you can ask them to recommend someone who might be a good fit. Lawyers typically refer cases to one another, and the majority of them have someone in their network who handles personal injury cases. Similarly, just because they were referred to you by another lawyer does not mean they are the best one for you.
Research the attorneys online
Online reviews have replaced word of mouth. They provide an efficient means of learning more about an attorney before scheduling a consultation. They provided information about the lawyer’s practice, experience, and professional conduct. Find out what previous clients have to say about the services they received and whether they would recommend the attorney.
Another important consideration is the attorney-client relationship. Previous clients should express how they felt at ease, confident, and reassured by the attorney’s abilities. Client reviews will also provide valuable insight into the attorney’s negotiation skills and experience handling cases similar to yours. Make certain that the attorneys are licensed and in good standing in the state where the accident occurred. Google, Facebook, and online directories are excellent resources for learning more about legal professionals.
Area of Expertise
Another important factor to consider when hiring a lawyer is It would be ideal if you had a personal injury lawyer on your side. It would be extremely beneficial if the lawyer had handled cases similar to yours.
For example, if your injuries were caused by medical malpractice or a defective product, you must ensure that the lawyer has handled personal injury cases similar to yours.
You should not hire a family law or criminal defense attorney to handle your case. Inquire about their years of experience and the cases they have managed and won during that time. An attorney who specializes in a specific type of personal injury case develops significant skills, knowledge, and resources that may be beneficial to you when they handle your case.
Evidence of expertise: Now that you already have some recommendations, it is time to look at the right places. Start by checking out the lawyers’ websites to better understand their practice areas and the types of cases they typically handle. You can also read online reviews from other clients to gauge their experience with that particular lawyer.
Look for accreditation: Experienced solicitors will also be accredited in their field of expertise. Look out for certificates of recognition and certification on their websites, such as the Legal 500 Chambers & Partners, and affiliations with organizations that look after the welfare of victims of personal injuries, such as Headway, MASS, and APIL.
Personalized Attention
Inquire with the law firm about who will be working on your case. Paralegals or less experienced associates are frequently assigned to cases by law firms. Unfortunately, this may jeopardize your chances of winning. A reputable law firm should have enough resources and staff to handle the legal matters that they accept. If a law firm has a team of talented and experienced legal professionals dedicated to your case, you will benefit. Nonetheless, you should ensure that the attorney you hire will be in charge of your case. So, when looking for a personal injury lawyer, make sure the lawyer will handle all of the important aspects of your case.
Negotiations
You’ll also want to know who will negotiate with the at-fault company. Typically, legal team members gather evidence, research the laws that apply to your case and prepare a demand compensation package. Regardless, the outcome of your lawsuit will be determined by who contacts the insurance claims representatives to negotiate a settlement. Confirm that your solicitor, the person whose skills, expertise, reputation, and negotiation you investigated, will fight to recover the maximum amount of compensation available for your injury claim.
Effective communication
When you need to speak with your lawyer, you want to know that they will be available to answer your questions. Effective communication is critical in a personal injury lawsuit. Your lawyer may need to contact you on a regular basis to gather information. If problems arise or you have a concern, you should consult with your lawyer. A good lawyer should make every effort to provide you with information that you can understand.
Inquire about how the lawyers communicate with their clients and how frequently they will provide updates on your case. Check to see if their preferred method of communication, such as email, text messages, or phone calls, works best for you. Find out how quickly they respond to urgent and non-urgent messages.
Adequate Resources
Aside from expertise and personalization of services, you must also work with a law firm that has all of the legal resources necessary to investigate your case, prepare evidence, and build a solid argument to justify compensation. In a personal injury case, the firm’s age, size, and connections with relevant field experts are critical. Liability is clear in some cases, and the party at fault cannot contest the petition. However, it is not uncommon to find insurance companies or legal defense teams attempting to avoid monetary liability or, at the very least, reduce the amount they must pay.
A thorough investigation that goes beyond the police report’s narrative of events is required to build a solid defense to support your claim. This includes gathering medical records and police reports, as well as obtaining expert witness statements and locating witnesses. So you want to find a lawyer who has the resources to conduct a thorough investigation. The majority of reputable New York law firms have in-house specialists and investigators, while others must outsource these services.
Expert witnesses
Expert witnesses are essential in a personal injury lawsuit. Whether you were the victim of a dog attack or a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, expert testimony can quickly sway a jury’s opinion in your favor. They could mean the difference between a win and a loss in your case.
Expert witnesses are highly skilled professionals who provide testimony about the issue at trial based on their knowledge, skill, and experience. They provide testimony to facts or make estimates that others may not be qualified to make. They lend additional credibility to your case. They explain clearly what caused the accident, painting an accurate picture of all the factors that contributed to your injuries and suffering. They can be used by lawyers to develop a case strategy, gather evidence, and prove your claims.
In motor vehicle accidents, for example, the victim may need to demonstrate that the accident occurred after the truck’s brake failed, resulting in the collision. A manufacturing expert knows and understands what caused the product to be defective. They will present a convincing defense that the product was prone to failure. The defendant’s insurance company may claim that you are exaggerating your damages in some cases. In such a case, an economic expert can demonstrate how your accident affected your financial situation.
Expert witnesses, regardless of the type of accident that caused your injuries, can have a significant impact on your chances of receiving compensation. Gregory Spektor & Associates, P.C. frequently collaborates with these experts. We can put their expertise to use for you.
Success Rate
The best lawyer is not only an excellent negotiator but also an aggressive advocate in court. As a result, you want an attorney who has a track record of success both inside and outside of the courtroom. Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. As a result, you want a lawyer with a proven track record of success at the negotiating table. If the parties involved are unwilling to offer a reasonable settlement, you may want to file a personal injury case and proceed to trial. So you should also look for a lawyer who has a track record of success in personal injury lawsuits that go to trial.
All parties involved in a personal injury petition are fighting for their own best interests. The at-fault party and their insurers are represented by a team of qualified lawyers. They want to get rid of the case as quickly and cheaply as possible. To ensure adequate representation of your interests, you need legal counsel from the start. People who hire professional counsel are more likely to obtain larger settlements.
Looking at past case results is one of the best ways to determine whether or not a personal injury attorney is right for you. Look for a lawyer who has handled similar cases and inquire about the outcomes. Learn as much as you can about the lawyer’s previous settlements and court resolutions in cases similar to yours. Although previous results may not guarantee success, they do provide a sense of what to expect based on previous results. When meeting with an attorney, inquire about specific statistics for cases handled. Inquire about the total amount of recovery as well.
Gregory Spektor & Associates P.C. has experience with personal injury lawsuits and settlements. We will evaluate your settlement offers and fight insurance companies aggressively to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages.
Schedule a Consultation
After you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to meet with the lawyers you’ve chosen in person. Most personal injury attorneys provide free consultations to prospective clients so that you can learn more about them and their practice before making a commitment. During the consultation, inquire about the lawyer’s experience, case results, and fees. Other things to think about during the consultation:
The lawyer’s personality
Your chosen personal injury lawyer will represent your interests in court and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. As a result, it is critical that you are at ease with them and their personality. Always hire a lawyer you believe you can rely on.
Their fee and billing policy
Before signing any agreement, discuss the lawyer’s fee structure, cost payment, and billing practices. It is critical to understand how much you owe the attorney for their services and how those fees are paid. The majority of personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means they are paid a percentage of what you recover. It also implies that losing a case results in no pay.
However, fees and costs are distinct items. Attorneys’ fees are not included in the costs. A case’s expenses may include
- Travel expense
- Copy and postage fees
- Expert witness fees
- Deposition fees
- Document request fees
- Court fees, among others
Costs are handled differently by different lawyers. Some may bill charges as they are incurred, whereas others may wait until the case is resolved before deducting all expenses from the settlement proceeds. Some lawyers may hold you liable for costs regardless of whether your claim is successful. You must be aware of when you will be liable for fees and expenses. Otherwise, you may owe the attorney a large sum of money even if you received no compensation for your claim.
Ask questions
Most personal injury attorneys typically provide a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your claim. During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions to help you decide whether you would like to move forward or should check out the other attorneys on your list. Some key questions to ask include:
- How long have you been in practice?
- Have you tried this type of personal injury case before?
- Do you primarily represent plaintiffs or defendants?
- Do you have experience with the insurance company in my case?
- Who will be responsible for my case?
- How comfortable are you going to court?
- What will my participation in the claim be?
- What are your contingency fee and cost?
- What is the likely outcome of my case?
Need a personal injury lawyer?
If you find yourself a victim of an auto accident, slip and fall, animal bite, wrongful death claim, or worker’s compensation, the lawyers at the Law Firm of Gregory Spektor & Associates have the knowledge and tools to provide adequate legal representation and guidance. We are highly experienced in obtaining compensation for personal injury victims. Contact us today at 1 (888) 797-7735 or submit your details here, and we will get in touch with you at a suitable time.
