Before you pursue a personal injury claim, it is crucial that you take the time to contact an experienced and trustworthy personal injury attorney. You need to have someone who will defend your rights in a way that benefits you as a consumer and also protects you from being liable for your injuries.
Your personal injury attorney is in a unique position to get the case against you that you want. They are familiar with all of the insurance companies in the area and know all of the personal injury attorneys and doctors. These lawyers are familiar with all of the local laws and regulations that apply to your situation and can assist you with your claims for damages, medical bills, lost wages, and even punitive damages.
It is important to get a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You want to hire someone that is expert and committed to getting you the fair settlement you deserve.
So how do you find a personal injury lawyer? By contacting your local bar association, medical associations, and visiting the offices of your local, reputable lawyers.
Do not be afraid to ask questions if they seem uncomfortable or rude. Be aware that most of them won’t have a lot of experience with personal injury cases, but as long as they have a good track record and can provide you with honest information, they will likely be your best choice.
Once you have found a local lawyer in your area, make sure you do not sign any contracts until you have received a written contract. It is vital that you read the contract thoroughly and make sure you understand all of the terms.
Most importantly, you need to have a written contract with your personal injury attorney that spells out your rights and responsibilities, the time frame by which you will receive payment, and all of the fees involved. If you find a personal injury attorney without this information, I would encourage you to move on to the next attorney before signing anything.
An important thing to note about the settlement agreement is that you should only ever sign it once. You may be tempted to take another look at it a few weeks later, and the risk of it changing in the middle of the settlement payment is just too great.
Ask your personal injury attorney if you can speak with them before you sign the contract. This will help ensure that you are signing the agreement as written.
Always get copies of the written agreement between yourself and your personal injury attorney. If the agreement seems to be different than what was offered to you during the initial consultation, you need to know the difference.
You should also take the time to call all of the attorneys you’ve chosen to receive compensation through your personal injury attorney. Call them and ask about their fees, if you have any paperwork that needs to be returned, and what time frame you are expected to be out of work.
In short, you need to be very careful when selecting a personal injury attorney. Many people fall victim to unethical practices when they become victims of negligence or other bad luck, so take the time to find a lawyer that will stand up for you and your rights.