Being injured in an accident can have far-reaching consequences. Your injuries can affect your physical and even your mental health.
From medical expenses to property repair bills and possible lost wages, the accident can leave you reeling. While insurance will cover some of the costs, it’s usually not enough to pay all of your expenses, which is exactly when you need an attorney on your side.
While securing top legal representation for personal injuries is relatively easy, how do you know you have the best attorney working on your case?
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may not be able to handle the details of your personal injury claim.
Treatments for your injuries, like pain medication, can leave you feeling groggy and confused, which is another scenario when a personal injury attorney can be especially helpful. Your attorney will handle all of the details of your personal injury claim. Along with handling the details, there are other benefits to hiring an attorney.
Financial Compensation
If you have full coverage auto insurance, most vehicle repairs are covered. You can even receive a check for vehicle replacement.
The downside is your insurer will only cover your vehicle’s blue book value, and this amount is rarely enough to cover the cost of purchasing a new vehicle. You may still be paying out-of-pocket to drive a slightly used vehicle off of the lot.
Don’t forget about medical expenses, since your car insurance policy rarely covers these expenses. Personal injury insurance (PIP) covers some medical costs, but it’s not available in every state.
Your attorney will calculate all of your damages, both economic and non-economic, to ensure you’re compensated for all your expenses—this may even include lost wages, both current and in the future. Knowing that you’re not responsible for covering all of your expenses relating to the accident relieves a lot of your stress and worry.
Representation in Court
Not all personal injury claims end up in court—in fact, the U.S. Justice Department reports only around 4% to 5% of personal injury cases are not resolved before the court date.
The primary reason for the low percentage rate is often due to lawyers successfully negotiating a settlement with the insurance companies. If you can’t reach an agreeable settlement, your personal injury case will head to civil court.
State laws regarding accident compensation are often complex. These complexities can be the difference between receiving a settlement that covers your expenses or a smaller amount that leaves you with outstanding bills. Your attorney is familiar with the legal ins and outs and will work to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Tips on Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney
Finding a personal injury attorney is a breeze: a quick online search will bring up a list of attorneys near you. However, you don’t want to randomly pick an attorney since you may not get the right one for your case.
Not only do you need an experienced attorney, but you also want one you can work with. If you can’t get along with your attorney, there’s a good chance you won’t receive full compensation or they won’t perform well in your case.
Get Referrals
Yes, personal injury attorneys can have referrals, which means their clients are satisfied with their representation and recommend the lawyer to others going through similar legal situations.
Friends and family may be able to provide you with attorney names, and you also want to scroll through the attorney’s reviews. You can usually find testimonials from clients on the attorney’s website. If they don’t have an active webpage, this can be a red flag.
Ask About Fees
Before deciding to retain a personal injury lawyer, make sure that you take the time to inquire about their fees. Most attorneys work for a contingency fee, meaning they aren’t paid until your case is settled. Most attorneys charge around one-third of your settlement in this situation, leaving you with the rest.
There are ups and downs to this fee structure. For instance, since the attorney’s fees are dependent on your settlement, they often work diligently to ensure you receive the highest possible amount. A downside is having to fork over a large portion of your settlement to cover legal fees.
Costs often increase if your case goes to court. Some attorneys also charge an hourly rate. A good tip is to compare the estimated costs to see which payment structure best suits your situation.
Hiring an Attorney is Worth the Cost
Investing in the services of an experienced attorney is a decision that often pays dividends, particularly in personal injury cases. Such an attorney will manage every facet of your claim, from the intricate legal procedures to negotiating with insurance companies.
Before selecting an attorney, it’s advisable to conduct thorough research to ensure you find someone whose expertise aligns with your specific needs. The right personal injury lawyer, equipped with the necessary experience and skills, can significantly increase your chances of securing full compensation for your damages, ensuring that your rights are effectively represented and your interests are diligently safeguarded.