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
Contact the authorities asap if you've suffered a personal injury. If you are injured at work tell your supervisor right away. In the case of an injury caused by an automobile accident, make sure that you report the incident to the appropriate authorities as soon as you are able to. Also, make sure that you or a witness contact an ambulance right away so that you can receive any necessary medical attention that is required.
You should not apologize to the other party after an accident. This implies that you are at fault, and they could use it against you. Do not apologize, as you should let your lawyer do all of the talking.
Even if you are in an accident and you do not feel like you are injured, go see a doctor. There are many times that injuries come up later as a result of an accident. Seeing a doctor will show that you had some concerns about your condition early on.
Don’t Negotiate With Insurance Companies Without an Attorney
You might think that you do not need a personal injury lawyer and can get a settlement on your own. However, hiring an attorney could increase the amount of the settlement you receive for your personal injury claim. An experienced attorney knows the damages that may be obtained for an injury claim and they know how to maximize the value of your settlement.
In a recent article, it was estimated that 91% of people represented by a personal injury attorney receive a settlement compared to just 51% who do not. In addition, the amount you receive could be 2-3 times higher with an attorney negotiating the settlement.
If you are injured due to someone else’s actions in Phoenix or the surrounding communities, and you’re your insurance company is resisting a settlement, don’t go it alone. Contact a car accident or personal injury lawyer.
Finding the Best Lawyer
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 your friends and family for personal injury lawyer referrals. There are countless personal injury lawyers in the Phoenix area serving a large population, but that does not mean that they are all good. If you do not already have a lawyer in mind you should seek the help of those that you know and trust.
When you take a personal injury case to a big law firm, you may meet the head honcho to talk, but your case will be passed down to junior associates. They tend not to have many cases under their belt, and this can lead to a loss. Look for a small firm instead.
Finding A Good Fit For A Lawyer
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.
Do not hire personal injury attorneys that you've only seen on the television. This only leads to disaster. If you're considering a television lawyer, make sure you vet them properly. Otherwise, you may end up in a real mess.
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.
Always meet in person with your potential personal injury attorney. It is important that your attorney truly represents you and it is best to know before committing that you have a winning case. An attorney will rarely charge you for these meetings and it is important that your case is a strong one.
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.
It is important to hire a personal injury lawyer for a personal injury case. When they've done it before, know the ins and outs of the law and understand the secrets to win, they'll be able to get you the cash you deserve for your misfortune, which is really the outcome you deserve.
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.
Preexisting conditions do not necessarily rule out your ability to win a damage award. Be truthful with your lawyer about any injuries you suffered before the accident. Do not ask for a settlement that exceeds the impact of the personal injuries the other party can be held responsible for.
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.
Never Try To Negotiate On Your Own
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.
In Conclusions
You have learned now about the procedure for getting help with your claims. You should use these tips to build a solid case for your personal injury. Use one tip or use them all; it's up to you. If you follow this advice, it will prove beneficial in winning your case and getting the funding you need.
What About Criminal Defense, DUI, or Family Law Representation?
Although this article addressed personal injury cases, the same recommendations apply to finding and choosing a criminal defense, DUI, Divorce, or Child Custody Attorney.
In The Phoenix area you'll find many experienced law firms regardless of the practice area. In fact, 80% of attorneys licensed in Arizona practice in the Phoenix area.
Here’s a map of criminal defense lawyers, DUI lawyers, family law attorneys, and divorce lawyers throughout the Phoenix valley and communities.