If you find yourself in this situation, there is much to consider. Read the tips below to learn the dos and don’ts when it comes to dealing with a personal injury legal matter. When in a car accident, write down what happened as soon as you are safe to do so. For example, what you were doing when it happened, how you are hurt, what damage there is to your car, what damage there is to the other car, and what you think caused the accident or how the other driver was at fault.
Tips to consider:
- Make sure that you gather all of the information you can from anyone that was involved in your injury. This means that you should get the addresses, names and phone numbers of the party that injured you as well as any witnesses that were on the scene. You should also take note of anything that is said during the time of the accident.
- It is possible to locate a personal injury attorney online, but don’t forget to check with people that you know, either. You may be surprised at the number of people who have had to deal with a similar situation before. Ask for their recommendations or find out if they had a negative experience with anyone in your area.
- Although personal injury lawyers advertise in the yellow pages, the better way to find a good lawyer is through word of mouth. If you don’t know anyone who has used a personal injury lawyer, check with the local bar association. They may be able to point you in the right direction.
- Look for an experienced lawyer. While there are a lot of personal injury lawyers, not all of them are experienced. Personal injury law is extremely complicated, and an inexperienced lawyer may not be able to get you the outcome that you deserve. Look into past cases that they have handled to see if they were able to secure a substantial monetary settlement.
- Call the police if it is at all appropriate to do so. Even if there would not be a criminal complaint, it is often a good idea to have a police officer document your complaints. This ensures that there is a solid paper trail to confirm that the event actually did occur.
- Personal injury lawyers tend to specialize in a number of different fields. For example, one may solely take on medical malpractice cases, whereas another may be proficient in automotive accidents. Don’t assume that all personal injury lawyers are the same and be sure to make inquiries about any lawyer you have under consideration.
- If you end up disliking your lawyer, remember you can fire him or her at any time! You should never feel stuck with a lawyer. If the job isn’t getting done, simply look for a replacement and move on. Your peace of mind is well worth the hassle of looking for a new one.
- When you are considering a settlement for a personal injury lawsuit, give yourself enough time to make a good decision. There is no reason to be overly eager to settle or give in to pressure from a claims adjuster who may want to tempt you by offering a quick payment.
- Always keep doctor’s appointments and be sure they are documented when you have a personal injury suit pending. In order to win your case and get the money you deserve, you must have proof not only that you are injured, but that you are doing everything in your power to get better. If not, it might appear like you aren’t telling the truth, or are trying to manipulate events.
Closing Lines:
Choose a lawyer who talks less and listens more. You’ll find that a lawyer who talks your ear off is one who also talks too much at trial, which can be to the detriment of your case. A lawyer who listens to what you have to say will be able to use your evidence better at trial. Are you owed compensation for an injury you’ve sustained? Is someone else responsible for your injury? These questions have been answered in the above article. Keep this information in mind to have the best outcome with your case.