Last Updated on December 26, 2023
Accidents can happen anywhere to anyone. No one can predict an accident. Most accidents happen due to the negligence of a person. Negligence is the act of breaching the duty of care one owes to another.
For example, every driver owes a duty of care to every other driver. If a driver is operating a vehicle while they are drunk, it is a clear breach of duty of care. The victim can take action against the driver.
You can seek the help of personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Mickey Fine or other such reputed firms. Hiring a lawyer can boost your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your losses.
Advantages of hiring an attorney
You might wonder, “Why should I hire an attorney when the insurance agency reaches out and offers compensation for my losses?”
Insurance companies don’t have your best interests in mind; your attorney does. Here are some reasons why you should hire an attorney:
- They have the legal expertise to deal with your case
- They have the resources to investigate your case and gather relevant evidence
- Accurate calculation of your losses (including non-economic losses)
- Negotiation with the insurance company
- They can take your case to court if required
You cannot miss out on these great benefits to save money. Insurance companies are notorious for taking advantage of victims who don’t have legal representation.
How to find a great lawyer
There are a lot of personal injury attorneys out there. How do you find a good one?
Hiring an attorney is a great investment. So think a lot before hiring one. Here are some considerations you should make before hiring an attorney:
- Experience and expertise
- Track record and client testimonials
- Fee
- Communication
- Your comfort
Experience and expertise
Experience is crucial. You cannot leave the fate of your case to a newbie. The insurance companies will have expert negotiators whom an inexperienced lawyer cannot handle. So hire an experienced lawyer.
Also, make sure the lawyer has trial experience.
The chances of your case going to court are very low, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
Next up, you need to look for a lawyer who is an expert in your particular type of case. There is no use in hiring a criminal lawyer for a slip and fall accident case.
If you have been hurt in a car accident, hire a lawyer who has experience dealing with car accidents.
Track record and client testimonials
A lawyer with 10 years of experience with a negative win rate is not a good fit for you. Actually, it is a dead giveaway that the lawyer should have pursued another career.
You need a lawyer who wins cases.
Look for a lawyer who has a great track record of success. Also, ask for client testimonials.
If the lawyer has a good win rate, they will have a large number of client testimonials. These testimonials can help you make a decision.
Fee
The fee is a major area of concern when it comes to hiring a lawyer. It is best to hire a lawyer who works on a contingency fee arrangement.
In this arrangement, you don’t have to pay upfront. You pay the lawyer only if they win your case.
Their payment will be a portion of your settlement. So their fee will not come out of your pocket. Speak with the lawyer and agree on a percentage that is favorable for both sides.
Communication
Good communication skills are mandatory for a personal injury lawyer. Negotiating with the insurance company is a major part of a personal injury case. Succeeding in this phase is not possible without good communication skills.
Most personal injury lawyers offer one free consultation. Use it to analyze the communication skills of the lawyer.
Also, analyze if they are good at listening. Lawyers should be good at listening too.
Your comfort
It all comes down to whether you feel comfortable with the lawyer or not. Your comfort is more important than anything else.
If the lawyer satisfies all the other considerations, speak with them to see if you feel comfortable.
Speak with many lawyers before selecting one. Choose the one who makes you feel comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a good lawyer boosts your chance of obtaining fair compensation. It is the most important decision you will make following an accident. Choose wisely by making the above considerations.
