When you get hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you might wonder what you should do next. While dealing with pain and injury treatment, you certainly don’t have time to take law books and start learning about personal injury law. So, most probably you will start looking for a skilled personal injury attorney to receive the compensation you deserve. But, with so many lawyers to choose from, how do you know which one is the best fit for you?
A personal injury lawyer is a civil litigator who represents clients in claims for bodily or psychological suffering caused by the negligence of others. Personal injury lawyers practice tort law, which is a branch of civil law. This type of case is concerned with the effects of someone else’s negligence or harmful behavior. A personal injury lawsuit seeks financial recompense for the plaintiff’s losses and damages caused by the defendant’s negligent behavior.
How to Find a Skilled Lawyer?
The lawyer you choose can make or break your case. From the money you can recover from your accident to the hassles involved in the legal process, a lot of factors entirely depend on the skills of the attorney. Finding the best personal injury lawyer involves knowing the right questions to ask. You need to find a lawyer who will provide you with the level of support you require, as well as someone who is equipped to obtain the best possible settlement. Below we’ve listed some tips to help you select the best personal injury lawyer.
- Experience & Knowledge
Look for specialists! You need to find lawyers that only deal in personal injury law. Having experience in tort law means the professional is more knowledgeable about the laws that apply to your case. They should have years of experience to assist you in building a case and receiving treatment for your injuries. Do not be afraid to inquire about the lawyer’s experience in personal injury law. Ideally, your lawyer will have handled cases similar to yours. For example, if you’ve been harmed by a faulty product, you should consult with a product liability attorney. If you’ve been hurt in a motorbike accident, you’ll want to choose a lawyer who has experience handling these types of cases.
- High Success Rate
You should schedule an initial consultation to interview some potential lawyers. During this first meeting, you should discuss your case with the lawyer and find out how many personal injuries claims the attorney had resolved out of court before a lawsuit is even filed. Also, ask about the outcome of cases that go to trial. You need a lawyer who has successfully negotiated settlements and has a good track record of litigating cases to a jury verdict. Inquire about the attorney’s success rate. If they are unable to produce it, consider another law firm.
- Discuss Payment
When choosing a personal injury law firm, make sure to carefully understand their payment details to ensure that you fully grasp their billing strategy and there are no surprises later. Most lawyers practice on a contingency basis. This implies they will not be paid for their labor until the lawsuit is resolved. However, in this case, you need to inquire about the percentage of your recovery that they will charge for their services, as well as how they would charge for any additional legal fees.