Having an attorney on your side can make it easier to file a claim, get a fair settlement and avoid going to trial. They will bring knowledge, experience and expertise to your case.
When choosing an attorney, focus on finding one that has extensive experience in your practice area. For example, if you sustain injuries in a car accident, search for a lawyer with expertise in this area.
- They Have Experience
From investigating a case, negotiating with insurance companies and representing clients in court proceedings, personal injury lawyers have a lot of experience that they can bring to your claim. The more experienced a lawyer is, the better their chances of getting you the compensation you deserve.
When choosing a personal injury attorney, be sure to ask how many cases they currently have and how often their clients win. You also want to know whether they handle cases similar to yours. This is because laws related to car accidents are different from those that pertain to medical malpractice claims.
A good lawyer can quickly assess your case and determine if it is worth filing a lawsuit. They will also be able to gather admissible evidence, file your case, and cite precedent in a short time frame. In addition, they will prepare you for trial if the case is not settled through a negotiated settlement. This will ensure that your case is taken seriously and the responsible parties pay their fair share of damages.
- They Can Help You Collect Evidence
Keeping track of the documentation, medical records, and insurance communication that is required to advance your case can be difficult. Your personal injury lawyer will act as a barrier between you and the legal world, redirecting all of the communications to their office, as your representative, so that they get firsthand knowledge of the progression of the case.
Your attorney will also help you to collect physical evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene, damage to your car, torn clothing, and other tangible items that can illustrate your injuries. It is important to preserve physical evidence as soon as possible, so that it is not altered by time or weather and does not lose its relevance.
Your personal injury lawyer will review the evidence to determine the maximum compensation that you are entitled to under the law. They will prepare your claim and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
- They Can Negotiate With Insurance Companies
When an insurance company contacts you asking questions about your injury, your lawyer can handle these requests for you. They can also take on the request for compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company if their negligence caused your accident and injuries.
Many people who attempt to negotiate with the insurance company on their own are at a disadvantage due to the lack of legal knowledge. A skilled attorney can handle the insurance companies for you, leveling the playing field with effective negotiation tactics that prove your case’s true worth.
A good personal injury lawyer can also help you avoid unnecessary mediation. This is where you, your lawyer, and the insurance representative meet in an informal setting to discuss a settlement. This is often less time-consuming than a trial and can save you both money and stress. It is also more likely that the insurance company will pay a fair settlement if they are dealing with an experienced attorney.
- They Can Take Your Case To Trial
During the investigation and discovery phase, your attorney will prepare interrogatories, request depositions of you and other parties to be interviewed under oath and obtain expert witness testimony. Your lawyer will also gather all medical records and document your injuries, their cause and effect on you and your life.
Ultimately, the case will either be settled outside of court with the insurance company or it will be tried to a jury. Regardless of the outcome, your lawyer will be prepared to argue for the best possible settlement or win a judgment in your favor.
It is important to understand that not all personal injury lawyers routinely try cases to a jury. Some of them mainly handle mediations and settle claims out of court. It is important to ask a prospective lawyer how often they take cases to trial and what their track record is like. If they regularly try cases to a jury, their experience can prove invaluable to your case.