Everything You Need to Know When Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer
Have you recently been involved in an accident and are considering hiring a lawyer to help file a claim? If so, learn everything you need to know when hiring a personal injury lawyer right here.
Who Should You Contact?
There are a lot of lawyers out there but not all will be specialized in injury law. That’s why we recommend that you narrow your Google search to “personal injury lawyers”, followed by the city or town that you live. Asking friends and family can also be helpful if they’ve used one in the past and can refer to you. Between these two efforts, you should have a fairly decent list of lawyers to contact. Just remember when it comes to hiring a lawyer, experience really matters. Only consider those who have specialized experience and are not a “jack of all trades” lawyer. Although many cases are settled outside of court, it’s still imperative to hire a lawyer who has a proven track record of winning cases and getting the best settlement for their clients.
What Is the Typical Fee Structure?
Most lawyers will review your case as part of a free consultation. During the consult, they’ll also discuss their fee structure before proceeding. In most cases, personal injury lawyers use a contingency fee that requires you to pay a percentage of the amount that is recovered as damages to the lawyer. If your case is not successful, you would not have to pay any of the legal fees owed. Some lawyers may also offer an hourly retainer fee for specific services, but this may not always be the best method for you depending on your particular claim.
What to Bring to the Meeting?
Before you meet with a lawyer, round up any relevant documentation and bring it with you to the meeting. This includes details about your injuries and the accident, any witness or police statements, records of previous injuries or medical conditions, details regarding your health providers and work benefits, and your employment information.
Important Questions to Ask
Having a list of questions to ask the lawyer will help you determine if they have the right skillset for your case. The most important things to ask are:
Have you completed similar cases?
Do I have a claim?
How long will it take to settle?
Do you have the time available to take on my case?
What is your fee structure?
Will you or your team be handling my case?
If you don’t feel comfortable with their answers, consider interviewing other lawyers until you get the responses you want. You should only hire a lawyer who genuinely cares about you and your long-term wellbeing and not just the commission they will get.
If you’re looking for a dependable team of personal injury lawyers who truly care, contact us at Zuber and Brioux. Our specialized team has a solid reputation and track record of achieving the best results and protecting our clients’ best interests. To learn more about our services contact us today to set up your free, no-obligation consultation.