Accidents happen all the time, whether it’s a slip and fall, an automobile collision, or something else. When you or someone you care about gets injured, you may not know what to do next. Personal injury claims are complex, and it can be difficult to seek compensation for your injuries.
It’s crucial that you gather all the facts and hire a personal injury attorney to help you navigate your claim. My Case Helper can help you find the right representation to get you the compensation you deserve.
Before you hire your personal injury lawyer, here are the answers that you’ll want to know to the five most frequently asked questions about legal representation.
1. How Do I Know If I Need a Lawyer?
This question goes hand in hand with the question of whether or not you actually have a case. You won’t know the answer to either of these questions until you talk to an attorney.
That may seem counterintuitive when you’re trying to figure out if you even need a lawyer, but they’re trained to know the laws, so they’re the only ones that can really help you figure out if you have a case.
Fortunately, most attorneys offer a free initial consultation. At this appointment, you’ll walk them through your story and provide them with as many details as you can. They should be able to advise you on whether you need legal representation or not.
Since personal injury cases are complicated, it’s essential that you hire an experienced lawyer to help you navigate the ins and outs of the case. They will also be able to negotiate with insurance companies and represent you in court if your case makes it that far.
Also Read: The Myth of Frivolous Lawsuits
2. How Do I Choose Legal Representation?
There are thousands of personal injury lawyers out there. So, how do you know who to hire? Every state has different laws regarding personal injury, so it’s vital that you find an attorney who is local and understands your region’s rules and regulations.
You don’t want to panic and hire the first lawyer you find. Instead, interview at least three or four candidates. During these interviews, ask them questions, like how long they’ve been in practice. A lawyer who has been practicing for many years will have more knowledge and experience dealing with these types of cases and is a safer bet than someone who has just started.
Keep in mind that not all personal injury lawyers handle every type of personal injury claim. Some specialize in certain types of cases. Double-check that whoever you schedule consults with can handle your case.
Reading reviews is another good way to find a quality lawyer. You’ll be able to hear about each candidate’s communication skills, success rate, and more. You’ll also want to make sure that you feel comfortable talking to whichever attorney you choose since you’ll be spending a lot of time together.
Here at My Case Helper, we can do the heavy lifting for you. When you call our number or fill out a consultation request form, we begin working on connecting you to the best available attorney to represent your case.
Also Read: 12 Questions To Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer
3. How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
The value of your claim will vary based on several factors, so it’s impossible to say how much it’s actually worth. When you hire a personal injury representative, they’ll thoroughly research everything they can about your case and similar cases from the past.
Once they’ve found some cases that are similar to your situation, they’ll discover past verdicts and settlement data to give them an idea of how much you can expect to receive in compensation.
Some of the factors will depend on your exact situation. These include things like medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. If you were in a car accident, you might be able to include damages to your vehicle as well.
4. Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?
It’s pretty rare for a personal injury case to go to trial. The vast majority of claims are settled long before the court date. However, this doesn’t mean it can’t happen.
There are a few reasons that your personal injury case may go to trial. If any of the facts are in dispute, you may end up in court. That goes for damages or liability disputes. You can also choose to go to trial if you feel like the defendant is offering an unreasonable settlement or doesn’t offer a settlement at all.
A good personal injury attorney will build your case carefully, ensuring that your evidence is strong enough to encourage the defendant to offer an appropriate settlement. Your lawyer will also help prepare you in case the claim does make it to court. They’ll tell you what to expect and represent your best interests during the trial.
5. How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take To Get a Settlement?
Every personal injury case is different, so the length of time it takes to get a settlement varies greatly. For minor injuries, it’s possible your case could be resolved in a matter of weeks.
However, more severe injuries that would require more significant compensation are likely to take a year or longer, especially if there are any disputes, which could lead to a trial.
The majority of cases fall somewhere in between these timeframes. The more complicated your case, the longer it will take to settle.
Often, your lawyer will want to wait until you’re fully recovered from your injury, so they can get a total value of your costs and lost wages, which could lengthen your case.
You can also shorten the length of the claim by accepting initial settlement offers, but you may not get the full compensation you deserve.
No matter what type of injury you’ve sustained, a free consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will help you figure out your next steps. My Case Helper can connect you to the representative that’s best suited to handle your case.
