
How to hire a good personal injury lawyer is a question that people ask all the time. The reasons vary from person to person. Some might have been injured badly in an accident and need someone to help them get compensated. Others just want to know who they can hire to represent them in a personal injury case. And, still others might be trying to figure out whether they should really hire a personal injury lawyer at all.
The answer to the question posed in the title is ‘all depends’. In general, you should never hire a personal injury lawyer solely on the basis of their fee structure. If you are considering a lawyer purely on this basis, then you have made a mistake. There are 2 important reasons why this is case:
Firstly, it is important to bear in mind that there are different fees associated with different types of legal proceedings. There are personal injury lawyers who charge their clients based on a percentage or a flat rate for their services. They are paid a contingency fee, which means that in the event of a successful case, they only get their fee if they win. This means that, if you hire a personal injury lawyer and he wins your case, you will not be entitled to any compensation from him. If you hire a lawyer who does not follow this principle, you will be better off to pay him some amount so that you can make a claim. Of course, you will have to pay him for his services, not for the specific amount he will get.
Secondly, before hiring a personal injury lawyer, you should make sure that you check out the background of the lawyer. A goo personal injury lawyer should be prepared to demonstrate the true impact any injury will have on your life. Done with “settlement video” or “a day in the life” video. These videos are compelling during a settlement and tend to do a terrific job at maximizing claims. You can do this by asking for details such as his professional experience and the subject of the law firm he works in. It would also help you know how many cases he has already won and lost. This will give you a rough idea of his competence and whether he is truly adept at representing you.
Then, check out the personal injury lawyer’s website. You should be able to get an idea of the services that he provides and what most of his previous clients have to say about him. You could also search the Internet to read about testimonials given by other clients. These would be a good indication of the level of service expected from a personal injury lawyer.
Thirdly, it is important that you carefully outline your case to the lawyer. In addition to having all the relevant information ready, you should be clear and concise when explaining the circumstances of the accident. You should be prepared to explain both the parties’ view points and motivations for filing the case. You should also be honest and indicate clearly why you believe the other party acted unreasonably. Your intention to seek compensation must be crystal clear.
It is also advisable that you get to know how long a personal injury lawyer has been practicing. You may want to wait until he/she has built a reputation as someone who can genuinely handle your case and who cares for your best interests. You may also want to know about the number of cases he has already handled. It is ideal to choose a lawyer who has a good record of achieving good results for their clients.
How to hire a good personal injury lawyer does not end with the selection of the one who meets all these qualifications. You should also ensure that he/she has the necessary expertise in the field you need expertise in. This means that you should hire a personal injury lawyer who has dealt with a case that is similar to the one you are involved in. Such experience is not just an indicator of a good lawyer but also of a person who care for your best interest.