| Personal Injury Attorney: What You Need To Know |
| Written by Todd Wilcox | |||
| Wednesday, 04 November 2009 11:09 | |||
|
When it comes to finding a personal injury attorney, this is what every accident victim needs to know. The insurance company will hire adjusters whose job it is to minimize the amount that the insurance company pays to you. So, you need to find a personal injury that will represent your best interest while avoiding the ambulance chaser.
When it comes to finding a personal injury attorney, this is what every accident victim needs to know. The insurance company will hire adjusters whose job it is to minimize the amount that the insurance company pays to you. So, you need to find a personal injury that will represent your best interest while avoiding the ambulance chaser. Specifically, you need to know what to ask the attorney so that you can properly evaluate whether he has the experience and expertise to litigate your claim. Finally, you need to understand how personal injury attorneys are paid so that you can intelligently negotiate a fee agreement that is reasonable and fair. If you take a moment to read this short guide, you will arm yourself with information that will be crucial in selecting a personal injury lawyer that you can trust to maximize your recovery. Most accident victims do not understand that an insurance adjuster's job is to settle your claim for as little as possible. Specifically, insurance adjusters engage in a number of tactics designed to wear you down and lock you in before you can evaluate all of your damages. Adjusters will contact accident victims early on and attempt to get a recorded statement because they know that many victims are unaware of the extent of their damages and injuries until months after the accident. Furthermore, the adjuster will delay the settlement of your claim by asking you for multiple estimates, photographs, inspections, medical examinations. The adjuster knows that, over time, evidence is lost and witnesses disappear. Also, you might miss important deadlines or at least get tired and agree to settle. Now, that you understand who you are facing, you need to learn how to select a personal injury attorney of your own In order to properly litigate your accident claim, you need to find a qualified personal injury attorney. In many states, personal injury law is a specialized form of trial law and carries certain board certifications or specialization credentials. So, finding a personal injury attorney by responding to a television commercial or telephone ad is a poor way to select an accident attorney. Then, research the candidate using the internet to review firm websites, attorney search services and state bar websites. Once you have a potential personal injury lawyer, conduct an interview to determine the level of expertise and experience, the size and capability of the law firm and any certifications held by members of the firm. Once you have selected an attorney, you need to have a frank discussion about how the attorney is going to recover compensation for his services. Personal injury attorneys often take their cases on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, the client pays nothing up front. The attorney fronts the costs of litigation. If the case settles or is won at trial, the attorney recovers his costs first and the balance is split between the attorney and the client. The typical attorney takes approximately 35% of the net recovery after costs. If the case is not clear cut, the attorney might offer to take the case on a modified contingency fee basis whereby the client fronts a certain portion of the costs. When the case settles, the client recovers his costs plus a percentage of the net proceeds. The attorney recovers the balance. The client should ensure that, under this arrangement, the attorney's percentage is smaller than under a traditional contingency fee contract. After all, in this case, the attorney's risk is substantially reduced. Finally, if the case lacks merit, the attorney should be open and honest about telling you so. Courts will sanction parties that file frivolous lawsuits. Now that you know more about how to handle a personal injury claim, you can conduct your attorney search in a whole new light. Do not give a statement or submit to a medical examination until you have talked to a personal injury attorney. Find a qualified personal injury attorney using personal referrals or internet research. Avoid television and telephone advertising. Discuss the attorney's method of compensation early and get the agreement in writing. So, put this information to use and you should be able to find a personal injury attorney that will maximize the recovery for you and your family.
|