Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Phoenix? Choose Carefully
What steps do you have to take when you would like to file a lawsuit against the person who caused your injury? Just thinking about this question can overwhelm and frighten you. Do not despair, since this piece is designed to provide you with tips for paving the way to a victory.
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.
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.
Many people do not realize all of the expenses you can claim once you have had an accident. While you may be aware of things like lost wages and the cost of medications, be aware that you can also sue for any money that you had to spend on mileage to and from the doctor and attorney's office.
The Advantage of Having a Personal Injury Lawyer
You might think that you do not need a personal injury lawyer and can get a settlement on your own. However, hiring an lawyer could increase the amount of money you receive from your injury claim. An experienced attorney understands the damages available for an injury claim and they know how to maximize the value of your settlement.
An estimated 91% of people who hire a personal injury attorney receive a settlement compared to only 51% who did not. In fact, the amount received could be 2-3 times more 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 your insurance company is resisting a settlement, don’t go it alone. Contact a car accident or personal injury lawyer.
Where to Find An Attorney
Take the time to talk to others that you know who've been in the same situation. They may be able to help you find a great lawyer who will handle your case with care. You need the best attorney to fit your situation.
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.
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.
You Have A List Of Lawyers, How Do You Choose?
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.
Would you get married after your first date? If not, why would you choose the first personal injury lawyer you find in the Yellow Pages? Instead, check out all options in your town and choose the person with the best reputation for winning cases when it comes to personal injury law.
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.
Take the time to select a reliable lawyer if you receive an injury. Look for someone who has experience with similar cases and ask about prices before you decide to hire a lawyer. Meet with different lawyers in your area and choose one who makes you feel comfortable and knows how to listen.
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.
Never hire a divorce lawyer to oversee your personal injury case. This may seem like common sense, but many people feel that the lawyer they've already dealt with is great, so why not get them to help? Instead, ask them for a referral for someone who specializes in this type of law.
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
The only people you should discuss a personal injury case with are your insurance agent, your spouse, and your attorney. If an insurance adjuster calls you to record a statement about how the accident occurred, give them the number of your attorney and tell them that this is who should be called if they have any additional questions.
Final Words
Sustaining a personal injury can be very costly. If the injury was not your fault it can leave you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Hopefully, this article has helped you to feel a little more at ease about what to do in the event that you sustain a personal injury.
Good Advice for Family Law and Criminal Defense Representation Too
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.
Collection of Personal Injury Resources
Here’s a map of criminal defense lawyers, DUI lawyers, family law attorneys, and divorce lawyers throughout the Phoenix valley and communities.