In a personal injury claim, the difference between a win and a loss is often the lawyer who represents you. You want to work with someone who you trust has your best interest at heart. Every strategy they formulate regarding your case is well thought out.
Negligence that causes personal injury can be a very traumatic experience, which is why you need a lawyer who will alleviate your stress in your time of need. When asked, an Indianapolis injury attorney said they would first try negotiating with insurance companies before putting their clients through the stress of going to court.
Factors to Consider When Hiring an Attorney
1. They Are a Bar Certified Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer grants you access to valuable legal expertise that will be instrumental to the success of your claim. The four years in college and an additional three years should be enough to convince you to get a lawyer if you were considering representing yourself.
2. They Have Experience
When looking at a lawyer’s credentials, you need to look beyond where they went to school. You want to know how many years they have been practicing law and if they’ve successfully dealt with a case like yours. The difference between an experienced lawyer and an inexperienced one is understanding the insurance company’s tactics and how to put together a preponderance of evidence to support the claim.
3. They Have Good Reviews on Their Website
Getting good reviews online is today’s equivalent to a personal referral. It means their past clients had a good experience while working with them. Even if they’ve had some mixed reviews, did they respond to those clients? How did they respond to the criticism, and what reasons did they give for their shortcomings?
All these are essential questions you must ask while going through a lawyer’s website. Don’t hesitate to ask questions in case you are not satisfied with what you see.
4. They Should Be Good Negotiators
One way to determine their negotiation skills is through recommendations or looking at what their past clients say about them in reviews. This is an essential quality in a lawyer because they will represent you in settlement meetings with the insurance company. They should have your interests at heart and remain firm during tough negotiations.
5. They Value Communication
You want to work with a lawyer that gives you and your case attention. Even if they are busy, go with the lawyer that will always answer when you call or get back to you as soon as they can. There is no excuse for poor communication if you are paying for their services.
They should also keep you updated on your case. If some things are not going according to plan, they should shoot straight and tell you the truth. Make sure you work with a lawyer who is patient with you even when you ask too many questions.
6. They Are within Your Budget
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. In contrast to an hourly rate, in a contingent fee arrangement, lawyers receive a percentage of the monetary amount his/her client receives when they win or settle their case. To put it simply, they don’t get paid until you get paid.
The Importance of a Lawyer During a Personal Injury Lawsuit
There are many advantages to having a trained attorney looking out for you during personal injury settlement proceedings. With their expertise and knowledge, they can work to ensure you win the compensation you deserve.