One day, everything seems to be going along just fine in your life: work, family, and health are in a good place. Then, everything changes. Maybe it’s a dog bite or a slip and fall at the grocery store, or perhaps you have been in a car accident that’s not your fault, and the other driver’s insurance company is pressuring you to accept a lowball offer.
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You’ve had friends who have hired an attorney to help them with situations, but that’s about as far as your experience with the legal industry goes. But now it’s your turn. What’s the first step? Some co-workers think you’re crazy to hire a lawyer; others recommend you call one immediately. Whom do you listen to?
Luckily, you can (almost) have it both ways thanks to no-win, no-pay fee structures and free, no-obligation consultations (more on this below). However, before you begin searching for a personal injury attorney, knowing just a bit about the process and the terminology will go a long, long way. And if you do end up hiring an attorney, learning the basics before you search will help lessen the stress of eventually choosing one to hire.
Before you start your search, here are four key things you should know.
- Know the Fundamentals of a Personal Injury Claim: First, you need to know what a personal injury claim is, and what it isn’t. First, what a personal injury claim is: a legal action that an injured person pursues for compensation from the at-fault party. Were you rear-ended at a red light? If so, why should you pay for the repairs to your car or go into debt because you can’t work while you are recovering from a broken arm or worse? Did you fall and break your arm at a park trying to defend yourself against an aggressive, unleashed dog? Whose fault is it?
Personal Injury Claims: The Bottom Line
The bottom line to understand: If another person or a company was negligent and their negligence resulted in your injury, they should and could be held responsible for paying you damages. Hiring an attorney will ensure no evidence is overlooked, no deadlines are missed, and negotiations are handled expertly.
- Know Which Kind of Attorney Can Help You: Personal injury law casts a wide net. Some law firms handle only one or two types of personal injury cases (e.g., car accidents, slips and falls). In contrast, others offer a team of attorneys capable of taking on virtually any personal injury case. But know this: Hiring an attorney with ample experience in exactly your kind of injury scenario is essential for a successful outcome (maximum settlement). So, for example, for a slip and fall, you’ll want a local premises liability attorney. If you’ve been in a car or boating accident, look for that type of experience. Lawyers with expertise in the specific type of case you have will possess a deeper understanding and a better skill set than someone who does not.
- Know What Free Consultations and Contingency Fees Are: Free initial consultations are not rare, but they should be “no risk” or “no obligation.” In other words, you should pay nothing for the consultation and case review, whether you end up hiring the attorney or firm or not. A no-risk consultation gives everyone the opportunity for sound legal advice at no cost. It shouldn’t be a financial burden to find out if you have a case.
Contingency Fees Offer Affordability for All
Likewise, contingency fee structures are also not uncommon, but they aren’t universal. Make sure the attorney you select for a consultation also offers a “no win, no fee” payment structure. As the name implies, if you don’t win a settlement, you don’t pay. If you do win, the attorney will get paid a percentage of your settlement. There is plenty of settlement research data that supports the fact that even after paying an attorney, you will end up with more money in your pocket than if you tried to file a claim and negotiate with insurance companies and attorneys by yourself.
- Know Where to Look for an Attorney and What to Look For: The old real estate principle of “location, location, location” also applies to hiring an attorney in most cases. Suppose you are in a car accident in Sacramento. In that case, it makes sense to hire a car accident attorney in Sacramento who knows the courts, court staff and judges, local laws and regulations, private investigators, and even the city itself, especially the roads.
Attorney Reviews, Testimonials, and Experience Matter
Look for law firms with strong client testimonials and good reviews on platforms like Google and Avvo. Most importantly, free consultations should be used to evaluate your attorney’s style, not just experience (though experience is essential). Are they a good communicator? Do they answer your questions or evade and provide vague or complicated answers that don’t exactly make sense? Consult with several lawyers to compare their experience, communication styles, and their approach to your case. Ask them what their approach will be.
Affordable Sacramento Personal Injury Attorneys Who Have Your Back
Eason & Tambornini offers 30 years of experience in personal injury and workers’ compensation law, with a combined total of over 100 years of experience amongst our team. We will review your case for free and if you hire us you pay nothing unless or until you win.
Call us today at (916) 438-1819 to schedule your free consultation and get your questions answered.