Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Phoenix? Choose Carefully
When you are hurt because someone has been careless, it might be smart to consider a lawsuit. Often, victims don't think of finding a personal injury attorney because they are unaware of the process involved in hiring an attorney and mounting a case. This article serves as a basic primer for all things related to personal injury lawsuits.
Your First Steps After An Accident
If you are injured because of an auto accident or due to the negligence of another, always go to your doctor as soon as possible to determine the specific extent of the injury. The doctor will provide you with documentation that may later play an important part in supporting a lawsuit to obtain compensation.
Choose your words wisely at the accident scene. Do not create conflict or directly blame the other party at this time. The things that you say right then and there can be used in court. Keep your cool and only answer the questions that must be answered in short sentences.
If you have to purchase any prescriptions or medical equipment as a result of an injury, make sure that you get the receipts and turn them in to your attorney. He will submit them as evidence and it may help you receive a bigger settlement than you had originally anticipated.
The Benefit of Having a Personal Injury Attorney
You may believe you can negotiate with your insurance company without a lawyer. However, hiring an lawyer could increase the amount of money you receive from your injury claim. An attorney understands the monetary damages available for an injury claim and they know how to maximize the value of the settlement.
An estimated 91% of people who hire a personal injury attorney get a settlement compared to only 51% who did not. In addition, the amount you receive could be two to three times higher with a lawyer negotiating the settlement.
If you are injured due to someone else’s actions in Phoenix or the surrounding communities, and you’re dealing with an insurance company, don’t go it alone. Contact a car accident or personal injury lawyer.
Where to Find An Attorney
You may have to hire a personal injury lawyer if you are involved in an accident. If you do, make sure you consult with professional organizations in the area to obtain a list of qualified lawyers. These organizations will also know if there have been any ethical or legal troubles associated with the firm you are considering.
You can also contact the State Bar of Arizona for referrals and relevant recommendations. Of course, you still need to spend time researching any referral that you receive. Check the recommendation's background and qualifications prior to contacting them. This is a great way to find reputable attorneys.
Ask friends, family, and co-workers for referrals for a lawyer. They often know someone who has been embroiled in a personal injury case before and will be able to show you the way to a lawyer who was successful in the case. You can trust their opinion over reviews found online.
Look to the Internet for impressions on the lawyers you are considering. Others have hired these lawyers before, and they may have insights into their abilities. Do a Google search, go through local web forums, and even look them up on the State Bar of Arizona website. Anything you find can help you make an educated decision.
Not All Lawyers Are Created Equal
Hire a lawyer as soon as possible. If you have been injured, try to start the process of locating a lawyer within a week or two at most. If you have been hospitalized, or are otherwise too injured to do the work yourself, enlist the help of a friend or family member. A lawyer is your best bet for a successful personal injury claim outcome.
When choosing a personal injury attorney, ensure that you are choosing a law office that has an entire department dedicated to personal injury. Meanwhile, it is common for law offices to pursue several different types of cases, it is important to choose an attorney who's well versed in your niche.
After you have gathered together a list of potential personal injury attorneys, set up a free consultation with each lawyer. At this consultation, the attorney will look over the facts of your case and answer any questions you may have. After each consultation, write down notes about the interview and how the lawyer treated you.
Make sure you ask the right questions if you talk to a personal injury lawyer. Make sure the attorney has experience in personal injury cases and is qualified in your state. Ask what kind of record the lawyer has. You want a successful lawyer, of course, and one who has years of experience.
Make sure that you hire an attorney that specializes in personal injury law. There are lawyers out there who practice several types of law. It is in your best interest to find one who only practices this type of law. It will increase your chances of success since your attorney will know exactly what he is doing.
Talk to your lawyer about their history. It is important that you find out their track record on cases similar to yours. This is useful information as it will allow you to hire an attorney that will give you the best chance of winning your case and getting compensated.
At your first meeting with your personal injury lawyer, bring anything that you think is relevant to your case. For example, if the police were involved, bring a copy of their report. If you have spoken with your insurance company, bring any notes that detail what happened with them. All of this information will help your attorney start piecing together your case.
If you find that you have to appeal your personal injury case, know that you do not have to use the same lawyer for both your original case and the appeal. Switching lawyers can provide new perspectives and new methods to win your case.
While getting to court quickly is helpful to your case, you may find your lawyer is just too busy. Find a lawyer who is available immediately to ensure the odds are stacked in your favor. Of course, this is just one of many factors you have to consider when hiring a lawyer.
If the lawyer you are talking to normally works with insurance companies, you probably want to pass on their services. Instead, you want someone who has experience helping the injured person. These personal injury attorneys should have the background that you need to successfully win your case, and you will probably feel more comfortable with them as a result.
Following Your Lawyers Advice
Remember that your lawyer is the expert. Sometimes it can be difficult to follow the directions of others, but when it comes to dealing with your lawyer, you must. If you do not follow his instructions you are only hurting yourself, and possibly putting your entire case in jeopardy, so be sure that you are doing what you are told.
Final Words
It is hard to know what to do after a personal injury has occurred; finding a good lawyer is just one of many decisions to make. This is perfectly understandable. Use what you've learned here to make the right decisions going forward, and you stand a very good chance of winning your case.
What About Criminal Defense, DUI, or Family Law Representation?
In this article, we discussed personal injury. However, the same rules can apply to choosing a lawyer or attorney for criminal defense, DUI, or family law cases.
Looking for representation in the Phoenix area? Below is a map of Phoenix-area Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, and Family Law Firms
Phoenix Area Attorney Documents
Here’s a map of criminal defense lawyers, DUI lawyers, family law attorneys, and divorce lawyers throughout the Phoenix valley and communities.