If you’ve been injured through someone else’s actions, you are entitled to compensation to cover your medical and repair fees. This money can add up quickly, so make sure that you hire slip and fall lawyers or auto bodily injury lawyers to work on your behalf. Sometimes, insurance companies will try to get out of paying you what you’re owed. If you work with a lawyer, these companies will know that you’re serious about it. The lawyer can negotiate on your behalf while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Bodily injury and property damage insurance is generally included in your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you’re injured in a car accident, the money will come from your auto bodily injury coverage car insurance policy. Bodily injury & property damage liability how much will depend on your specific policy. When you purchase a policy, you need to make sure it is enough to fit your needs. However, if your insurance company isn’t paying you the money when you’re entitled to it, a lawyer will help you get that money much faster than trying to do it yourself.
Many legal cases, especially personal injury claims, are taken to court without the intention of ever going in front of a jury. Personal injury settlements are more common than personal injury trials. Personal injury settlements save money, valuable time, and resource of the court. In most cases, some type of a settlement can be agreed upon by both parties. However, finding a good attorney is still important to the settlement process. The following are some of the most common questions people ask when choosing an attorney.
Do I really need an attorney?
There is no question that you were injured. You suffered medical costs, lost work time, and pain and suffering. What judge would not rule in your favor? The problem, however, is that the legal system is extremely complex. You have to file paperwork and documents of proof at specific times. You have to go through a variety of legal steps to even have the case heard in front of a judge. Personal injury settlements also require careful negotiations by your attorney. The current annual cost of civil lawsuits to the U.S. economy is $233 billion (Statistic Brain). Without a qualified personal injury attorney, you will find it difficult to come up with an appropriate amount, based on your individual case.
When to get an attorney
When should you get an attorney? The answer is immediately. The legal system tends to be slow moving. Yet, you also have to keep statutes of limitations in mind. If documents are not filed in a timely matter, your entire case could be thrown out. Also, the more time that you give your attorney to prepare, the better they are able to help you. The median time from filing to disposition for civil cases was 8.5 months, up from 7.8 months in 2012 (US Courts). You will also want sufficient time to consult with multiple personal injury attorneys.
Where to find an attorney
How do you go about finding an attorney? It is possible that there are numerous law firms located around your city. But, how do you know which one will best serve your legal needs? The internet allows you to gain more information about a law firm, without ever stepping foot into it. Specifically look for a law firm that has experience with personal injury settlements and one that previous clients have reviewed highly. Once you have narrowed down your options, schedule a few consultations. From here, inquire who has time to make your personal injury claims and who you feel the most comfortable with. You should also have a list of questions prepared for your attorney to assist your legal case.
Questions to ask a personal injury lawyer
Questions are important both during the consultation process and again, during the initial legal phase. When you are looking to hire your personal injury lawyer, your questions should surround things like experience, costs, and their recommendations. It is possible that you will find multiple personal injury attorneys who have different recommendations on how to handle your personal injury case. You want to keep in mind the attorney?s level of experience and knowledge.
The important questions that will become a part of the initial legal phase will surround the specifics of your injury. You can ask questions related to the legal process, the angle the attorney intends to take, and the estimated timeline. Many of these answers will depend on the type of injury and accident. The overall incidence rate of nonfatal occupational injury and illness cases requiring days away from work to recuperate was 107.1 cases per 10,000 full time workers in 2014 (Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Your required time off from work will be an important factor in the settlement process.
Navigating the legal system can be confusing and almost impossible, especially without legal representation. If you were the victim of a personal injury case, you will want to find a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Be prepared to ask them a variety of questions. Also keep in mind that your case will likely be settled pre trial, rather than go to jury.
