Personal injury is a devastating experience for both you and anyone who depends on your income and ability to take care of things around the house. Most people don't realize how debilitating it is until they face it. If you are in this situation, find a good lawyer and read the following article; both will help you through.
At your first meeting with your personal injury lawyer, bring anything that you think is relevant to your case. For example, if the police were involved, bring a copy of their report. If you have spoken with your insurance company, bring any notes that detail what happened with them. All of this information will help your attorney start piecing together your case.
If you have medical bills as a result of your injury, make sure you keep copies of any bills. Remember, you can be reimbursed for more than just your out-of-pocked expenses. You are entitled to the actual cost of the treatment you received or the medicine that you took. Make sure you file all of your invoices so you have the proof that you need to give to the court.
Don't pay any money up front to a personal injury lawyer. A reputable personal injury lawyer will not require any money up front; in most cases they will offer a free consultation prior to taking your case. During this consultation be sure to ask them about exactly what you will be charged (whether it's a flat fee or an hourly rate), and if they offer some sort of payment plan.
A very common type of personal injury lawsuit can be brought against a property owner when a customer slips or falls on their property. If you fall and get hurt because of unsafe conditions, the property owner can be held liable for your medical costs. Make sure you make a detailed record of the situation.
Don't be afraid to question your personal injury attorney. For instance, understanding their education background is important. If they have been out of school for a while, also ask about their efforts to continue their education. Have they attended any conferences or seminars? Have they completed online work? You want the person you work with to have fresh, current information about personal injury law.
Always go to the hospital if your injury may be the fault of someone else. If you do not fully document your injury as soon as you can you put yourself at risk for not getting the money that you may deserve in a settlement. So, if you want to protect yourself, be sure to visit a doctor right away.
While you must take them with a grain of salt, check out online reviews about lawyers you are considering. This is a great way to find out if any lawyers are really messing up with clients. That said, few people bother leaving positive reviews, so keep that in mind as you read.
If you are seeking a personal injury attorney, consult with an attorney that you already know and trust. If you have someone who has represented you in a real estate transaction or drawn up a will for you, that is a good starting place. While this person might not take personal injury cases, he might be able to refer you to a trusted colleague who does.
Choosing a local lawyer is your best bet for many reasons, but the most important is that they have to be accountable to you. You will be able to literally go into their office if you need to get their attention. This is impossible over email, Skype or on the phone.
While you must take them with a grain of salt, check out online reviews about lawyers you are considering. This is a great way to find out if LA any lawyers are really messing up with clients. That said, few people bother leaving positive reviews, so keep that in mind as you read.
It is important to understand what contingency fees are, because personal injury attorneys almost always operate on a contingency basis. Depending on what the court awards you in damages, your attorney's fee will be a portion of that settlement. Always ask about this rate so that you aren't surprised by how much of your settlement goes to your attorney.
Make sure to take pictures of any vehicles that were involved in an accident. Take them from different angles so there are no issues later. If people claim that damages were done that were not, you will have solid proof that what they are saying is not what really happened.
Be sure and write down everything you remember about your accident to present to your attorney. Write down license plate numbers. Know the names of any insurance companies that may be involved. Ask the police for copies of any reports they file and tickets they issue. The more prep work you put into it, the faster your case will proceed.
Hire a local personal injury lawyer. It may be tempting to call that 1-800 number you saw on the TV for this or that lawyer, but you'll likely get a lawyer who lives nowhere near you. When things are on the line, you'll want to be able to communicate face-to-face with your lawyers, so local is best.
Choosing a local lawyer is your best bet for many reasons, but the most important is that they have to be accountable to you. You will be able to literally go into their office if you need to get their attention. This is impossible over email, Skype or on the phone.
It is imperative to get everything in writing. Demand that the insurance adjuster give a detailed account of any settlement offers in writing. This will make them aware of how serious you are and will make it more likely for you to get a better offer. When you both finally do agree, have that put in writing as well. Then you are sure they will carry through with what they said.
Watch for red flags when talking to prospective personal injury lawyers. It's usually not good idea to go with a lawyer that represents insurance companies. You need one that has experience representing injured persons. You should not choose a lawyer that asks for money or a retainer upfront or one that rejects a contingency fee. Avoid those lawyers that won't honor your wishes or sign the retainer agreement.
Photographs often play a huge role in your case, especially in a motor vehicle accident. Take a photo of the other driver's license, insurance and registration. Take photos of the damage and any injuries you may have. Also, take a photo of the other driver in case they try to claim fake injuries later.
It can be difficult navigating through a personal injury. However, if you understand what it takes to win a personal injury lawsuit, you greatly increase your chances of a positive verdict. Hopefully, this article has helped with your situation.
