The term “personal injury” refers to any accident that was caused by another individual’s negligence or fault. If, for example, a drunk driver veers off their lane and hits your car, you may be entitled to damages by suing them for personal injury in your district court. But the process is not as easy as you may imagine.
It involves intensive paperwork, and you must strictly adhere to court guidelines in your filings. There are also deadlines to keep, which are also referred to as the statute of limitations. To ensure you adhere to the timelines and have everything in order, speak to personal injury attorney Andrew Statmore of Fredson Statmore Bitterman.
Having a lawyer represent you to handle all of these responsibilities as you recover is the best option moving forward. A quick Google search will reveal hundreds of potential attorneys—so how do you find the right one? Read this blog for more details.
Start From Within
You don’t have to think far outside the box when looking for a lawyer. The benefit of testimonials from people whom you trust, such as friends, family, and peers in your community, who might have first-hand experience with the lawyer and can guarantee their performance. Also, seek out local community reviews. Check which lawyers are skilled at handling personal injury cases, and ensure that they are on the same page as you about how to proceed with the case.
Know What You Want From Your Lawyer
It’s better to draft a list of qualities you want from your attorney before meeting them. Are you looking for a local attorney? Would you prefer to work with a professional from a large, established firm? Or a smaller one? How would you like them to communicate with you? Each option has its pros and cons. A big-time firm will likely have many parallel cases, whereas a smaller one may not be so tied up. You’ve also got to consider communication. Will you have direct contact with the attorney? Or will you go through their assistants and paralegals? Ask these questions and any others before signing any contract.
Focus and Specialization Area
As you may already suspect, personal injury law is broad and vast. Some attorneys have experience in rear-end car accidents, others in truck collisions, whereas some have success with workplace accidents. Find a lawyer who focuses on cases like yours. If you were injured at the store after slipping on a wet floor, look for a lawyer who has taken these kinds of cases. A well-experienced professional knows what to expect. They’ll take on challenges as they come and fight for the best outcome for your case.
Lawyer Reputation
A lawyer’s reputation precedes them. If they have a knack for putting up a fierce fight and winning cases, the other side will be more inclined to settle than go to court. Trials can be unpredictable. Remember, jurors bring their own biases, perspectives, and interpretations to the case. The judge also has discretion over the ruling.
Talk to Different Attorneys
There’s no harm in scheduling multiple lawyer interviews. Many choices allow you to choose the best professional based on your needs and preferences. Planning for interviews with different lawyers can truly make a difference. Draft a list of questions you want to ask them during your initial consultation. Don’t land yourself in a problem of plenty. Be decisive and make the call that you have to.
Conclusion
A personal injury attorney brings a trained, experienced perspective to your claim. They understand how the system works. They know most victims’ mistakes and can help you avoid them. Work with a professional who has focus and experience in cases like yours. But don’t just pick anyone. Ensure they have a solid track record and a good reputation because this can soften the other side into settling rather than risking fighting it out in open court. Contact a lawyer for your case today.