Your Advocate in Adversity: How to Select the Best Personal Injury Attorney

Accidents can happen to anyone on any given day, and another person’s negligence often causes these accidents. According to the World Health Organization, between 20 to 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries from a road traffic crash, with many incurring a disability.

Meanwhile, around 340 million workplace-related accidents occur worldwide every year. Most victims take care of themselves by settling with the responsible parties. But if you are looking to get justice and get adequately compensated for your injuries, then consider hiring a personal injury attorney.  

Hiring a lawyer may seem complicated, but it is simpler than you think. The key is finding one who will utilize their skills and expertise to guarantee a favorable outcome for you. Here is what you need to do to choose the best personal injury attorney to be your advocate in adversity.

Ask for Referrals

Looking for a legal expert can be daunting if you are new to your area or have never consulted a lawyer. But if you are considering resolving your claim without an attorney, you must know that this decision comes with risks. You could get less compensation, or worse, the responsible party may try to blame you. It would help if you had a lawyer, and studies show that people with attorneys receive larger payouts than those who represent themselves. 

Start your search by asking for referrals from your family and friends. According to legal professionals at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, the best personal injury lawyers are helpful, compassionate, and empathetic, and they understand what you are going through. They should never make you feel intimidated or fearful, and they are open to hearing your suggestions. They should never be rude or offensive, and they make it a point to listen to you.

Since the personal injury settlement process may take a few months to a year, you need to be comfortable with your lawyer since you will share important details about your injuries and communicate with them regularly.

It is also essential that your lawyer knows how to communicate specific details about your case so that you will quickly understand them. You should never feel clueless, lost, helpless, or in the dark about your case – a reasonable attorney will ensure that you are adequately prepared, informed, and empowered to pursue a settlement or file a lawsuit.   

Look for an Attorney Who Has Handled Similar Cases

There are many types of personal injury cases, and the most common types include automobile accidents, pedestrian accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, workplace accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, and dog bites.

While some general practitioner attorneys can handle different personal injury cases, choose one who specializes in cases similar to yours. They should have a track record and credentials to prove their expertise so you can feel confident they can help you win your case. Remember that the responsible party’s insurance company will likely hire a seasoned lawyer specializing in personal injury cases, so similarly, you need to hire a specialist to help strengthen your personal injury claims. 

Find a Local Lawyer

Your friend may know a personal injury lawyer in New York, but if you are in Pennsylvania and the accident occurred in your state, you should hire a local attorney for your case. Personal injury laws and statutes of limitations vary from state to state, and a local lawyer will be well-versed in the laws of your area.

Moreover, they will have access to local resources and have established relationships with medical examiners and local health care providers. They may also be familiar with claims adjusters and other defense attorneys in your area, so if the responsible party hires them, your lawyer will know what to expect to counter their strategies. 

Hiring a local personal injury attorney will also make the process easier since you will not have to travel far to meet them. You can arrange to have your meetings at home or in the hospital if you are still recuperating from the accident or if your injuries have impaired your mobility. 

Meet with the Lawyer for a Consultation

Once you have chosen someone to help you with your personal injury case, contact their office to schedule a consultation. Before going there, make sure to prepare the necessary documents and information so your attorney will be able to determine if you can make a valid claim. Gather all the documents related to the accident, such as medical records and bills, letters or emails from insurance companies, court papers, and the like, and make copies to give to your attorney. 

Write down any questions, and bring a notebook and pen to take notes and remember what you discussed during the consultation. You can bring a friend or a relative if you are feeling uneasy or vulnerable – it is a plus if the individual coming with you can provide essential details about your accident that you may have missed. Most personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation, so you should not have to pay anything when you meet them for the first time. 

Finding a compassionate and competent personal injury lawyer will help you get the proper compensation for damages and injuries. Consider the tips above to find a legal expert who stays in your corner and protects your best interests.