What Is the Process of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you’ve suffered injuries because of another party’s negligence, be it in a car accident or a slip and fall accident, hiring a personal injury lawyer is one of the first steps you want to take. An attorney can help you handle the complex legal aspects of your claim. They can gather evidence and negotiate with the negligent party’s insurance company on your behalf. If the at-fault party’s insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, a skilled lawyer can take your case to court and fight for you. But what is the process of hiring a personal injury lawyer? Below, we walk you through the key steps in hiring a personal injury lawyer.
- Research and Identify Potential Lawyers
The first step in hiring a personal injury lawyer is looking into lawyers or law firms specializing in personal injury law. Look for attorneys with experience handling cases similar to yours and who have a proven track record of success. For example, if you were injured in a car accident, look for a lawyer with experience handling car accident cases and a solid track record of results.
You can search online for personal injury attorneys in your area. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family members, or co-workers who have been through similar experiences. However, keep in mind that your case is unique. Just because a lawyer was the right fit for someone you know does not mean they are right for you.
Create a shortlist of potential attorneys based on your research and referrals. Review their website, client testimonials, and any shared case results. Narrowing down your list will help you focus on attorneys who align with your needs, making choosing the right person to handle your case easier.
- Schedule an Initial Consultation and Prepare
Once you have a list of potential lawyers, schedule a consultation with each. A consultation allows you to share details of your case and ask the attorney questions. To make an informed decision, ask the lawyer pointed questions during your meeting. Some questions to ask a personal injury lawyer during an initial consultation include;
- How long have you been handling personal injury cases?
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- What is your success rate in similar cases?
- What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
- How often do you take cases to trial?
- How will you communicate with me about my case?
You can evaluate whether an attorney is a good fit for your case by asking these and many other questions.
- Review Fees and Costs
A common concern when hiring a personal injury attorney is the cost. Personal injury lawyers have diverse approaches to billing practices. Seek clarification on how a lawyer will charge you to avoid surprises later.
- Decide and Sign an Agreement
If you feel comfortable with the lawyer, you can decide to move forward with them. If you choose to hire an attorney, the next step is to sign an agreement outlining the terms of representation, including the attorney’s obligations, your responsibilities as a client, and the fee structure.
Ensure you understand everything before signing the agreement. If there is something you don’t understand, do not hesitate to seek clarification.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been injured because of another party’s negligence, contact our experienced London and Southeast Kentucky personal injury attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm to schedule a consultation.
