There are a lot of situations that call for the services of a personal injury lawyer. It could be that you have been injured through an accident [car or motorcycle], slip & fall, or if your insurance provider refuses to compensate you or they are making a low offer.
All these situations require that you work with a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyer. One of the most common mistakes people make when they have experienced injury, and someone is responsible for it, is representing themselves instead of seeking legal representation. This is a mistake that can cost them a lot. They may receive lesser compensation than the one they are entitled to.
This is why working with a personal injury lawyer is the best decision. If you are unsure how a personal injury lawyer can help you with your personal injury claim or how to hire the right one, keep reading this blog.
How a personal injury lawyer can be of help to you when dealing with a personal injury claim
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A personal injury lawyer knows how much compensation you’re entitled to
It doesn’t come as a surprise that many personal injury victims usually don’t know how much compensation they should get from their personal injury claims. Coming up with the value of your claim involves plenty of processes that only experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyers can arrive at. Through their extensive expertise and experience, these lawyers can analyze your injuries, assess your pain and suffering, and estimate future medical needs to determine the value of your claim.
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The lawyer will ensure that you get maximum compensation.
Another significant benefit you’ll enjoy when working with a personal injury lawyer for your personal injury claim is that they will ensure maximum compensation because they have your interest at heart. They strive to achieve this to help you minimize your financial obligations after the accident. It is no secret that personal injury victims with legal representation usually receive more compensation than those without representation.
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The lawyer can take your case to trial.
There is usually that possibility of a personal injury case going to trial if they don’t get settled. This is where a personal injury lawyer becomes beneficial. They can take the case to trial. Having a lawyer by your side shows the insurance company that you are ready to face the jury. This will make them want to settle the claim as soon as possible.
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You’ll have a shoulder to lean on.
A personal injury case can be so stressful. First, you have to deal with the insurance company, which usually doesn’t cooperate in most cases. You also need to file an insurance claim which is quite a complicated process. You might end up getting confused and overwhelmed. This can make you stressed on top of the injuries.
But you have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side. In that case, you don’t have to worry about anything; they will deal with the insurance company and help you file the necessary paperwork. This can relieve your stress and allow you time to focus on your recovery.
How to hire the right personal injury lawyer
Now that you have learned how hiring a personal injury lawyer can benefit you, let’s discuss how to hire the right one to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
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Make sure that the lawyer is qualified.
When hiring a personal injury lawyer, one of the things you need to pay attention to is qualifications. The lawyer must have gone to a law school and passed the bar exam. To specialize in specific areas of law such as personal injury, they must spend another three years in law school in addition to the four standard years. A trustworthy personal injury must display their qualifications where potential clients can easily view them whether it is at their practice office or website.
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Pay attention to the experience of the experience level of the lawyer
Once you’ve confirmed that the lawyer is qualified, the next thing you need to do is to check their experience level. Experience matters a lot when it comes to personal injury claims. You must work with a lawyer conversant with personal injury laws.
With an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side, the chances of your case having a positive outcome are much higher. If you want to ascertain the lawyer’s experience level, find out how long they have been practicing and how many personal injury cases they have handled.
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Confirm that the lawyer is licensed.
Ensure that the personal injury lawyer you intend to hire has a license. It is better if the lawyer has a license from your state. This proves that the lawyer has been permitted to practice in your sate. If the lawyer’s license is from another state, he may not be allowed to represent you in your case. That’s because every state usually has licensing requirements that must be met. Make sure that you have a look at the lawyer’s license before you hire them.
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Check the lawyer’s availability.
When hiring a personal injury lawyer, one of the things you can’t afford to overlook is their availability. The lawyer’s availability can have a significant outcome for your case. You need to work with an available lawyer who will give you and your case the attention you need. Chances are that a lawyer who is too busy may not be available for you when you need them, which can harm your case. So, before signing any contract, ask the lawyer about his availability and if they are the ones who will handle your case or another junior lawyer in the firm.
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Ask about legal charges.
Finally, when hiring a personal injury lawyer, you must ensure that you ask about their legal fees. Fortunately, legal fees are usually contingent when it comes to personal injury cases. This means there are no upfront fees; you only pay them one you’ve won the case. And if you don’t win the case, they get nothing. Contingency fee agreements usually range from 25% to 33%. The lawyer should explain whether the fee will be calculated before or after expenses.
In addition, you need to fully understand who will be responsible for costs, such as expert witnesses, travel expenses, filing fees, etc., between you and them in case you lose the case.