what kind of personal injury lawyer should i get

Lawyers tend to be specialists or generalists. Look for a lawyer who specializes in personal injury and accidents. This person will better understand the laws that apply to your case. They also have the resources of experts and medical professionals to help you build a case and get treatment for your injuries.

Full Answer

Is it worth it to hire a personal injury lawyer?

The biggest reason you should hire a personal injury lawyer is to protect your legal rights. A personal injury attorney will look out for you and your financial stability, as well as your physical and mental health One of their most important jobs is keeping track of paperwork and ensuring it gets submitted on time.

Who is the best personal injury lawyer?

Who Is the Best Personal Injury Lawyer for My Case?

• Experience in the Area of Law Relevant to Your Case. ...
• Research an Attorney or Law Firm’s Reputation. ...
• Proximity to You. ...
• Schedule a Free Initial Consultation to Discuss Your Case. ...
• Ease of Access and Open Communication. ...
• Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer Who Will Fight for You. ...

Do you need to hire a personal injury attorney?

Whenever you have suffered serious injuries, it is crucial for you to contact and hire a personal injury lawyer. Here are 3 instances you should hire a personal injury lawyer 1) You have long-term or permanently disabling injuries 2) There are multiple parties involved in your accident 3) Insurance company is refusing to pay.

Should you hire a personal injury lawyer?

You need to hire a personal injury attorney whose goals are the same as yours. Only a personal injury lawyer will fight for your best interests after an accident. You should contact a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation as soon as you have attended to your emergency medical needs.

What is personal injury law?

Personal injury law, also known as tort law , is in place especially to ensure safety and justice for those who have had damage inflicted on them by others. The law offers protection to victims by ensuring they get just compensation against intentional or unintentional injuries caused due to someone else’s fault. However, personal injury law encompasses a wide range of case types and there are many types of personal injury lawyers out there with each specializing in certain areas.

Can a pedestrian get life threatening injuries?

Injuries to pedestrians or cyclists hit by motor vehicles are usually quite extreme, often life-threatening. Certain personal injury attorneys have expertise in these cases and can help you get maximum compensation for damages.

Starting Your Search

Most lawyers who specialize in personal injury cases tend to represent a particular side of these kinds of cases—either the plaintiff (the person who was injured) or the defendant (the person, business, or other entity who is alleged to have caused the plaintiff's injury)—not both.

Narrowing it Down

No matter what resource you use to find an initial list of personal injury lawyers, you'll want to whittle it down to three or four prospective candidates by keeping the following tips in mind:

Money Matters

In most personal injury claim scenarios, you'll be able to hire a lawyer on a " contingency fee " basis. This means that the lawyer will be paid a percentage of any settlement or court award you receive—usually around one-third—and if you don't receive anything from the other side, your lawyer does not get paid a fee.

When should a lawyer feel right?

It will feel right when the team of people with whom you will be working are experienced, knowledgeable and talented and when you feel like they are genuinely concerned for your best interests.

Does North Carolina require insurance adjusters?

The responsible driver is legally required to have auto insurance in case something like this happens. Insurance companies employ insurance adjusters. Insurance adjusters work to resolve claims in the way that is best for the insurance company.

When you have been injured in a car accident, should you seek medical attention?

When you have been injured in any type of accident, you should immediately seek medical care for your injuries. It does not matter if it is a vehicle accident, slip and fall, or work accident. Taking care of the injury is the most important thing for you to do – even if you’re unsure whether you’ve actually been injured or not.

What happens if you have a long term injury?

If there are going to be long term effects from your injury, your lifestyle will change. This may include the inability to return to your current job or profession , the need for special renovations to your home and vehicle, and loss of income for the rest of your life.

What happens when you get injured in an accident?

When serious injuries occur as the result of an accident, you may be facing extended medical care or even life-time care. The cost for this type of medical care will be very high.

Can you get compensation for a long term injury?

Even if your injuries are not life threatening or long term, the medical costs associated with treating your injuries may be expensive. It is your right to seek compensation for these costs.

Can multiple people be injured in an accident?

Multiple people injured in the accident. When multiple people are injured in an accident, even if they are from the same family, it is crucial to speak with an attorney. Multiple injured parties can quickly complicate the compensation process.

Can you have more than one party responsible for an accident?

Accidents which occur in construction zones or as a result of dangerous road conditions may have more than one responsible party for the accident. If the road conditions were a contributing factor to the accident, other entities may also be held responsible for the event.

Can a spouse sue for wrongful death?

In most cases, direct family members, spouse and dependent children qualify for wrongful death. However, there are some instances where parents of minor children who died in an accident or as a result of an injury can sue for wrongful death.

1. Specialization in the Right Area of Practice

Just like doctors have various specialties, lawyers have specific areas of expertise, too. By focusing on a particular area of law, they’re able to learn the law in depth.

2. A Fully-Equipped Legal Team That Can Handle a Range of Legal Issues

Each case is unique. Some cases require expert witnesses, and some of those witnesses may be more than reluctant. There may be confusing evidentiary issues or other problems you may not know how to navigate. A good personal injury lawyer surrounds themselves with a team of attorneys and the resources to handle unique issues in each case.

3. Research and Writing Skills

A lot of advocating for a client is done in writing. In fact, to begin your case, the attorney prepares and files written documents. A good personal injury attorney knows how to research legal issues and present them in written arguments to the court. Effective research and writing skills are qualities that make for an excellent attorney.

4. Oral Advocacy Skills

While research and writing are necessary, ultimately, a trial is conducted by speaking. An attorney has to effectively argue to a jury and the judge. They have to be able to tell a story to the people who decide the case. Engaging and convincing public speaking skills are necessary to be an outstanding lawyer.

5. Listening Skills

An attorney won’t represent you well if they don’t know you well. They need to know the facts of the case, from your perspective. They also need to know what’s most important to you as you pursue your claim. An attorney should ask you questions and actively involve you. They should listen to your concerns.

6. Communication

A lot of your attorney’s work, research and strategizing happens behind the scenes. You may only see the surface of what is going on when it comes to your case. However, communication between lawyer and client is key. The lawyer needs to have the ability to keep you up to date.

7. Thorough Pursuit of Your Case

A quality personal injury lawyer pursues the case in detail. They don’t just talk to one witness; they speak to all the witnesses and line up expert witnesses as needed. They prepare for potential evidentiary issues, and they file motions for their clients. What makes for a good personal injury lawyer is dedication to a thorough pursuit of a case.

What to do if you don't have an attorney?

If you have insurance, you should submit the lawsuit to your insurance company and they will provide an attorney free of charge. If you do not have an attorney, you should contact one as soon as possible. Report Abuse. Report Abuse.

What to do if your insurance company does not provide legal counsel?

If the insurance company does not provide legal counsel, you should identify, interview, and engage a litigation attorney.

What to do if you have auto insurance?

If you have auto insurance put them on notice and they will hire an attorney to defend you. If not you need a lawyer that practices in the area of civil defense.

What to do if you have not been served with suit papers?

If you have not yet been served with suit papers, notify the agent and claims department immediately and give them all of the information they ask for.

What to do if you don't have insurance on your car?

If you did not have insurance then you need to hire an attorney that handles civil matters to determine what is the best approach to take. Report Abuse.

What can a personal injury law firm do?

In some cases, a personal injury law firm may also have medical personnel on staff that can evaluate your claim and tell you what type of personal injury claim you have and also interpret the medical records that they receive from your physicians and serve as a buffer between you and the physicians. They will also be able to make sure that you are receiving the best personal care for your injuries and best serve your personal injury case by being thorough and professional.

How to avoid medical malpractice?

Avoid Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitation Issues. If you have a medical malpractice claim, time is of the essence. There are state statutes that require you to put the doctor on notice within a specific period of time. If you believe that you are a victim of medical malpractice, you should engage counsel as soon as you can.