Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Phoenix? Choose Carefully
When you are hurt because someone has been careless, it might be smart to consider a lawsuit. Often, victims don't think of finding a personal injury attorney because they are unaware of the process involved in hiring an attorney and mounting a case. This article serves as a basic primer for all things related to personal injury lawsuits.
Your First Steps are Critical
If you are injured because of an auto accident or due to the negligence of another, always go to your doctor as soon as possible to determine the specific extent of the injury. The doctor will provide you with documentation that may later play an important part in supporting a lawsuit to obtain compensation.
You should not apologize to the other party after an accident. This implies that you are at fault, and they could use it against you. Do not apologize, as you should let your lawyer do all of the talking.
If you have to purchase any prescriptions or medical equipment as a result of an injury, make sure that you get the receipts and turn them in to your attorney. He will submit them as evidence and it may help you receive a bigger settlement than you had originally anticipated.
Don’t Negotiate With Insurance Companies Without an Attorney
You might think that you do not need a personal injury lawyer and can get a settlement on your own. However, hiring an attorney could increase the amount of money you receive for your injury claim. An attorney understands the monetary damages available for an injury claim and how to maximize the value of your settlement.
An estimated 91% of people who hire a personal injury lawyer get a settlement compared to just 51% who do not. In addition, the amount you receive could be two to three times higher with an attorney negotiating the settlement.
If you are injured due to someone else’s actions in Phoenix or the surrounding communities, and you’re your insurance company is resisting a settlement, don’t go it alone. Contact a car accident or personal injury lawyer.
How To Find A Lawyer
Take the time to talk to others that you know who've been in the same situation. They may be able to help you find a great lawyer who will handle your case with care. You need the best attorney to fit your situation.
When visiting a lawyer's website, navigate to the About Us section. This page will give you information such as the attorney's specialty, the location of their office, and years in practice. Many lawyers also have a testimonial page. On this page, you will be able to read about different cases from the client's perspective.
Ask your friends and family for personal injury lawyer referrals. There are countless personal injury lawyers in the Phoenix area serving a large population, but that does not mean that they are all good. If you do not already have a lawyer in mind you should seek the help of those that you know and trust.
When you take a personal injury case to a big law firm, you may meet the head honcho to talk, but your case will be passed down to junior associates. They tend not to have many cases under their belt, and this can lead to a loss. Look for a small firm instead.
Finding A Good Fit For A Lawyer
Your lawyer is representing you in court, so you must choose the best option for your case. That means you need someone with who you can build a great rapport to ensure they like you enough to truly care about your case. Select a lawyer you feel is on your side.
When choosing a personal injury attorney, ensure that you are choosing a law office that has an entire department dedicated to personal injury. Meanwhile, it is common for law offices to pursue several different types of cases, it is important to choose an attorney who's well versed in your niche.
Would you get married after your first date? If not, why would you choose the first personal injury lawyer you find in the Yellow Pages? Instead, check out all options in your town and choose the person with the best reputation for winning cases when it comes to personal injury law.
If your case involves an insurance company, ask the lawyer if he has experience dealing with insurance company negotiations. If the attorney does not have ample experience, it is in your best interest to look for a different attorney. Most insurance companies hire a group of lawyers to represent them in these types of cases; therefore, it is important that you have an attorney with experience in these types of negotiations.
Make sure that you hire an attorney that specializes in personal injury law. There are lawyers out there who practice several types of law. It is in your best interest to find one who only practices this type of law. It will increase your chances of success since your attorney will know exactly what he is doing.
If your case involves an insurance company, ask the lawyer if he has experience dealing with insurance company negotiations. If the attorney does not have ample experience, it is in your best interest to look for a different attorney. Most insurance companies hire a group of lawyers to represent them in these type of cases; therefore, it is important that you have an attorney with experience in these types of negotiations.
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.
Pick your personal injury lawyer prior to giving recorded or written injury statements to insurance adjusters or those that represent the other party. Anything you say can later be used as part of the evidence in the trial, and you need to discuss the details of what you will say with a lawyer first.
Preexisting conditions do not necessarily rule out your ability to win a damage award. Be truthful with your lawyer about any injuries you suffered before the accident. Do not ask for a settlement that exceeds the impact of the personal injuries the other party can be held responsible for.
If the lawyer you are talking to normally works with insurance companies, you probably want to pass on their services. Instead, you want someone who has experience helping the injured person. These personal injury attorneys should have the background that you need to successfully win your case, and you will probably feel more comfortable with them as a result.
Never Try To Negotiate On Your Own
The only people you should discuss a personal injury case with are your insurance agent, your spouse, and your attorney. If an insurance adjuster calls you to record a statement about how the accident occurred, give them the number of your attorney and tell them that this is who should be called if they have any additional questions.
In Conclusions
Now it shouldn't be hard to predict what the future holds for you. This type of situation is never easy to deal with; however, you should be much more equipped to handle it. Figure out what you should do from here.
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