Avoiding some of the most common mistakes injury victims make when hiring a lawyer could increase your chances of finding an attorney who will protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you are considering working with a Long Island personal injury lawyer to navigate your injury case, consider these common mistakes people make during this process.
- What Mistakes Do Injury Victims Make When Hiring a Lawyer?
- How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
- How Will My Personal Injury Attorney Handle My Case for Me?
- Let Our Legal Team Review Your Long Island Accident and Injury Case for Free
What Mistakes Do Injury Victims Make When Hiring a Lawyer?
The following are mistakes many injury victims make when choosing an attorney to handle their personal injury claim or lawsuit.
1. Hiring an Attorney Without Experience in Personal Injury
Some law firms take a “jack-of-all-trades” approach to handling cases. Just because your friend had a great lawyer for their divorce or an attorney advocated for your cousin after an arrest does not mean they have the knowledge or skill to secure a favorable outcome in your personal injury case.
You want someone who knows what they are doing and handles cases like yours regularly. Hiring a lawyer who lacks experience in personal injury cases could make you less likely to win your case. Instead, look for an attorney with a long history of proven success in personal injury cases.
2. Failing to Take Advantage of a Free Initial Consultation
Most personal injury law firms provide a free, confidential consultation. This consultation allows you to evaluate the law firm’s knowledge, communication style, and approach.
While it may seem easier to decide based on what you read online or recommendations from others, skipping this consultation means missing out on assessing whether the law firm understands your case and will represent you effectively.
3. Not Prioritizing Similar Communication Styles
You want to choose a personal injury lawyer who will keep you informed throughout your case. You also want to choose someone who has a similar communication style to yours.
Do you want to communicate by email or texts? Are phone calls more your style? Ask how your attorney will respond to questions and how often you will receive case updates during your free consultation.
4. Not Asking About Their Track Record in Similar Cases
You will want to hire a lawyer with a history of winning similar cases and obtaining compensation for clients. An attorney’s previous case results are a good way to learn if they are capable of handling your case properly.
5. Failing to Consider the Lawyer’s Caseload
Some personal injury lawyers take on many cases at once. This is especially true of small firms or solo practitioners. Ask questions to ensure their caseload does not limit their availability, and learn who would be available for you if your lawyer is busy when you need them.
Ultimately, the legal team you trust with your case should make you feel like you’re their only client.
6. Not Considering Their Reputation in the Legal Community
Lawyers with a good reputation among their peers and in the local courts may have an advantage in negotiations. Insurance companies, other attorneys, and others involved in the process rightfully anticipate that these experienced attorneys will present strong legal arguments.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-932-0400
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Personal injury lawyers usually work on a contingency basis. They do not charge clients upfront for their services or other related costs. Instead, they wait until they close the case and secure a settlement or verdict before collecting a percentage as their attorney’s fees. This should allow you to hire an experienced lawyer to manage your case regardless of your current financial situation.
How Will My Personal Injury Attorney Handle My Case for Me?
When you hire a personal injury lawyer, they should handle the entire legal process and all related tasks for you. They will protect your rights and fight for an appropriate financial recovery. You should expect your attorney to:
- Provide regular updates on your case
- Answer your questions promptly
- Identify the liable party and build a case against them
- Manage all communication with insurance adjusters and other involved parties for you
- Investigate and gather valuable evidence, such as medical records and bills, accident scene photos and videos, and expert witness testimony from medical experts, vocational rehabilitation specialists, life care planners, and economists
- File your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit
- Fight for a favorable outcome on your behalf
Your lawyer will also ensure you meet the personal injury statute of limitations found in New York Civil Practice Laws & Rules § 214. This is imperative when protecting your rights.
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Let Our Legal Team Review Your Long Island Accident and Injury Case for Free
Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. is a personal injury law firm with the experience, resources, and reputation to recover the money you need and deserve after suffering injuries in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or another negligence-based accident.
Call us today for a free, confidential consultation, or complete our online contact form. We meet people on Long Island or elsewhere in the New York metropolitan area. Contact our team today to get started.
Call or text 516-932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form