How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt, you may be thinking about working with a personal injury lawyer. One of the major pitfalls you need to watch out for is choosing the wrong attorney, because doing so could cost you more than you know.
The Pitfalls of Choosing the Wrong Personal Injury Lawyer
When you’re involved in an accident, many unscrupulous people are looking to take advantage of you. You’re vulnerable, and you may be more likely to follow bad advice when it’s delivered by someone pretending they understand.
Sometimes people will steer you to medical or law offices that don’t have your best interests at heart – people who only want to take your money. You may even be offered financial compensation for visiting these doctors or law firms, but you need to know that this is illegal. You’ll end up being a victim twice; first from your accident, and second from unscrupulous people who are trying to take advantage of you.
How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer
The Federal Trade Commission offers great advice when it comes to choosing the right personal injury lawyer.
First, steer yourself toward an attorney who focuses on personal injury law. There are thousands of laws on the books, and an attorney who usually performs divorce services or criminal defense services may not be as wellversed in personal injury law as a lawyer who makes this type of law a prime focus.
Make sure you understand the attorney’s payment system, as well. You shouldn’t have to pay for services unless you win damages in the case, and that’s a good thing; your lawyer will take his or her payment after a judge has ruled in your favor. The lawyer does not make any money unless you win your case.
It’s also okay to ask your lawyer about cases he or she has successfully represented in the past.
The first time you speak to a personal injury lawyer, he or she will probably ask you to describe what happened. It’s a good idea to make sure you’ve gathered any important paperwork, such as medical bills and other documentation, before you have this initial consultation. That way, your lawyer can see what’s available to back up your claim and determine whether you are likely to win a lawsuit in court.
Remember, most personal injury lawyers won’t take on a case that there’s little hope of winning. It’s important that you trust your attorney to evaluate your case accurately, and most people get this confidence by checking the lawyer’s references and seeing proof of past successes.