Semi-trucks are involved in roughly 500,000 accidents annually, and they can occur at a moments notice. Given the nature of these and any other accidents involving motor vehicles, many people often find themselves in need of personal injury lawyers to determine whether or not they have a case and are entitled to compensation. If you were recently injured in a car accident and need a personal injury attorney, it is important to do your homework and find the right firm that can understand your case and help you avoid getting hung out to dry by someone who lacks the credibility and experience you need. With that in mind, here are just a few simple tips you can follow to avoid some of the common mistakes that can be made in the process of hiring a personal injury lawyer.
HIRING A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER WITHOUT SUFFICIENT TRIAL EXPERIENCE.
The legal proceedings of a personal injury case can be exceedingly complicated, and fraught with important decisions that can make or break your case. While it may be true that only a small percentage of personal injury cases actually make it all the way to trial, choosing a lawyer without sufficient trial experience can seriously hinder your chances of success, should your case actually make it to court. In the event that your case does make it to trial, having an experienced court attorney not only increases your chances of success in the courtroom, but it will also put an experienced negotiator and litigator in your corner to help you get the best outcome for your case. Always make sure to choose a lawyer that has sufficient trial experience so that you are prepared for anything that comes your way at every turn.
NOT CHECKING THE CASE HISTORY OF THE PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY YOU HIRE.
Many people feel as though experience is all that matters when it comes to choosing a lawyer. This can often lead them to simply pick the lawyer that has the most years of experience or the longest resumé. Here at the O’Hara Law Firm, we believe that determining the true experience of a firm is about looking at more than just a number. It is always important to evaluate the case history of any potential attorney to determine how many successful settlements your lawyer has had over the years, specifically within the realm of cases that are similar to yours. When it comes to researching representation, it is always important to find someone who not only has experience handling cases like yours, but has a proven track record of success.
HIRING A LAWYER THAT IS UNCLEAR ABOUT FEES.
At the end of the day, most clients are looking for a lawyer they can trust. At our firm, we believe that an honest lawyer should be clear and upfront about the costs and fees associated with their professional services. If you are considering working with a lawyer and they will not give you clear and concise answers about their prices, this can definitely be a red flag. You should never feel obligated to pay for services without being fully aware of what you are getting in return, and you should be able to discuss any and all fees at any time with your lawyer without any ambiguity.
Ultimately, if you can follow these simple steps, you should be able to avoid some of the common mistakes that many clients make when seeking representation. Doing so can help you maximize the chances of success in your personal injury case, and hopefully establish a healthy relationship with an attorney you can trust. For more information about personal injury lawyers, contact Patrick O’Hara.