If you have been injured in an accident, the person or company responsible may be required to pay you money for your losses. If you choose to pursue compensation for your injuries, it is often a good idea to hire an injury lawyer to represent you. An attorney can help you navigate the unfamiliar world of personal injury law.
The key to a successful personal injury claim is proving that the defendant or his insurance carrier was negligent in their actions, and that those actions caused your injuries. This is not an easy task, and even if you have suffered minor injuries, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney who has experience handling personal injury cases. A lawyer will be able to evaluate the evidence and explain what types of damages you are entitled to.
In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, an attorney can help you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. This is a difficult area of the law to quantify, but a jury can award an amount that takes into account the severity and permanence of your injuries.
An injury lawyer can also be helpful in settling your case out of court. If you can reach a settlement with the defendant’s insurer, you can avoid the expense and stress of trial. However, a good attorney will always be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
When you are interviewing potential lawyers for your personal injury case, ask about their experience and qualifications. How long have they been practicing law? Do they have a track record of successfully settling cases or winning jury verdicts? Is the firm a member of legal organizations that specialize in representing injury victims? These organizations may sponsor legal publications and seminars, conduct lobbying activities, or provide referrals to other lawyers.
It is also important to tell an injury lawyer about any pre-existing conditions that you have. Failing to disclose this information can have a negative impact on your ability to receive a fair settlement. This is because the insurance companies and attorneys for the at-fault parties will use your failure to disclose this information as an excuse to deny or reduce your compensation.
If you are considering hiring an attorney, be sure to understand the fees they will charge. Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning that they will not charge any upfront fees but will take a percentage of the settlement or verdict awarded to you. Some firms will also charge for certain costs associated with the case, such as obtaining copies of the traffic accident report and hiring expert witnesses.
A good personal injury attorney will have the financial resources to properly prepare your case for trial. This can include hiring experts to testify about the nature and extent of your injuries, tracing complex fleet ownership issues in truck accidents, or hiring life care planners, economists, or vocational experts to assess your future needs.