Steps to Take Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Been in an accident and hurt?
If so then chances are you’re going through a lot right now. Medical bills are coming in. You can’t go to work and you already have insurance companies on the phone hounding you. The last thing you probably want to do is think about hiring a lawyer.
But guess what…
The single most important decision you’ll make will be who to hire as your personal injury attorney. The difference between a fair settlement and being ripped off comes down to one thing and one thing only…
Who represents you.
People with a personal injury lawyer end up with payouts nearly three times higher than without representation. We’re talking about $15,000 settlement versus $45,000 for the same exact injury.
But how do you know which lawyer to choose? Let’s dive in.
You’ll learn:
- How To Document Your Injury Properly
- Questions Every Lawyer Should Answer
- Red Flags That Scream “Run Away”
- Timing Your Legal Consultation Right
- Understanding Fee Structures That Work
How To Document Your Injury Properly
Before you even start looking for a personal injury lawyer you need to get your evidence in order.
Here’s why: Your case is only as strong as the evidence you provide. No evidence = no money. Period.
Most people assume a lawyer is going to take care of evidence collection. Wrong. By the time you hire a lawyer important evidence may already be gone forever.
Start documenting evidence now and don’t stop:
- Take photos of your injuries
- Obtain copies of all medical records and bills
- Keep a daily journal about pain levels
- Save all communication with insurance companies
- Document any missed work or lost income
The personal injury market is projected to be worth $57.3 billion by 2024 which means insurers have a lot of money on the line. Insurance companies will fight you tooth and nail to lower their payout.
Don’t give them a reason to deny your claim.
Questions Every Lawyer Should Answer
Not all personal injury lawyers are created equal. Some will fight to the death for every penny you deserve, while others will strong arm you into the first lowball offer.
How can you tell the difference? Ask the right questions during your consultation.
These are the questions that should be answered:
How many cases similar to mine have you handled? Specific experience in your injury type is a must.
What is your record with settlements vs. trials? Around 95% of personal injury cases settle out of court, but you want a lawyer that will not shy away from a trial.
How do you communicate with your clients? Will you or your paralegal be handling communication?
What expenses will I be responsible for? Good lawyers are upfront about costs such as medical record fees, expert witness fees, and court filing costs.
Red flag alert: If a lawyer promises you a specific outcome, or guarantees you’ll get rich, RUN. No ethical attorney can guarantee the result of your case.
When searching for a National City personal injury lawyer to handle your case, make sure they can answer these questions honestly and with clarity. Your future depends on making the right choice.
Red Flags That Scream “Run Away”
Some injury lawyers are out to make a quick buck and don’t give a damn about your rights. Here’s how to spot them:
Here’s the warning signs to look out for:
- They called you first (ambulance chasers)
- They pressure you to sign on the dotted line
- They don’t have an office and meet only at coffee shops
- They can’t provide past client references
- Fee structure is confusing or changes later
Here’s what most people don’t realize…
A good personal injury lawyer will turn down a case if they don’t think they can win. If a lawyer will take on ANY case that walks through the door that’s a giant red flag.
Timing Your Legal Consultation Right
When should you contact a personal injury lawyer? Most people wait far too long, to their detriment.
The optimal time to call a lawyer is right after your accident. Here’s why:
Evidence disappears quickly. Security cameras get recorded over, witnesses lose memories, and the accident scene is cleaned up.
Statutes of limitations are 1-3 years in most states. Miss that deadline and you get nothing.
Insurance companies work against you immediately. They will try to get a recorded statement while you’re still in pain.
But here’s the catch…
You don’t want to hire a lawyer immediately out of the hospital either. Spend time researching your options, but don’t wait months.
The sweet spot for consulting with a personal injury attorney is within the first 2-4 weeks following your accident.
Understanding Fee Structures That Work
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case.
Sounds great right? It is, but you need to know exactly how this works:
Contingency fees typically range from 33% to 40% of your settlement. The contingency fee increases if your case goes to trial.
But this is only half of the equation. You are responsible for the following expenses:
- Medical record fees
- Expert witness costs
- Court filing fees
- Investigation costs
Which can all easily cost you thousands of dollars.
Here’s what’s interesting: Studies show that 91% of those with an experienced personal injury attorney receive settlement payouts, versus only 51% who go without legal representation.
Even after paying the attorney fee you still end up with a lot more money than if you handled it on your own.
Getting Your Consultation Strategy Right
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. You should take advantage of this, but you need to be prepared.
Before the consultation:
- Get your medical records and bills organized
- Write down a timeline of events
- Prepare a list of questions to ask about your case
During the consultation:
Pay attention to how the lawyer treats you. Are they listening to your concerns? Can they explain things in easy to understand language?
Trust your gut. If you don’t feel right about them, keep looking.
Making Your Final Decision
You’ll probably meet with a handful of lawyers before you finally hire someone. Don’t just pick the cheapest one.
Consider these factors:
- Similar experience to your case
- Communication style and responsiveness
- Resources available to handle your case
Remember: Personal injury cases can take 6-12 months or longer to settle.
Putting It All Together
Getting hurt is stressful enough without having to worry about finding the right lawyer to represent you. But taking the time to do your homework up front will save you thousands in dollars and months of frustration.
The key is to start your search early, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts on who will fight hardest for your rights.
Don’t settle for just any lawyer. Your case is too important and there’s too much money at stake to leave it to chance.
