Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Phoenix? Choose Carefully
So, you have been involved in an accident. Maybe you have been bitten by a neighbors dog, or run over by a bicycle. No matter what type of injury you have received, it can end up being very costly for you. This article will give you some great advice about what to do in the event that you sustain a personal injury.
Your First Steps are Critical
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.
Choose your words wisely at the accident scene. Do not create conflict or directly blame the other party at this time. The things that you say right then and there can be used in court. Keep your cool and only answer the questions that must be answered in short sentences.
If you have to purchase any prescriptions or medical equipment as a result of an injury, make sure that you get the receipts and turn them in to your attorney. He will submit them as evidence and it may help you receive a bigger settlement than you had originally anticipated.
The Advantage of Having a Personal Injury Lawyer
You may believe you can negotiate with your insurance company without a lawyer. However, hiring an lawyer could increase the amount of money you receive from your personal injury claim. An experienced attorney understands the monetary damages available for an injury claim and how to maximize the value of the settlement.
An estimated 91% of people who hire a personal injury lawyer get a settlement compared to only 51% who do not. In addition, the amount you receive could be two to three times higher with an attorney negotiating the settlement.
If you are injured due to negligence on the part of someone else in Phoenix or the surrounding communities, and you’re dealing with an insurance company, don’t go it alone. Call a car accident or personal injury lawyer.
Finding the Best Lawyer
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.
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.
Not All Lawyers Are Created Equal
Your lawyer is representing you in court, so you must choose the best option for your case. That means you need someone with who you can build a great rapport to ensure they like you enough to truly care about your case. Select a lawyer you feel is on your side.
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.
If your case involves an insurance company, ask the lawyer if he has experience dealing with insurance company negotiations. If the attorney does not have ample experience, it is in your best interest to look for a different attorney. Most insurance companies hire a group of lawyers to represent them in these types of cases; therefore, it is important that you have an attorney with experience in these types of negotiations.
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.
At your first meeting with your personal injury lawyer, bring anything that you think is relevant to your case. For example, if the police were involved, bring a copy of their report. If you have spoken with your insurance company, bring any notes that detail what happened with them. All of this information will help your attorney start piecing together your case.
Set up communication ground rules with your personal injury lawyer. Lawyers are oftentimes working many cases, and yours can get lost in the shuffle. In your initial consultation, tell your lawyer how often you want to communicate. Work something out before your relationship begins full steam.
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.
Choosing a local lawyer is your best bet for many reasons, but the most important is that they have to be accountable to you. You will be able to literally go into their office if you need to get their attention. This is impossible over email, Skype, or on the phone.
Let Your Attorney Do The Talking
Never try to negotiate with an at-fault party or their insurance company without having an attorney present. They may try to take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge to make you an unfair offer. Even if you feel like you are confident and can represent yourself, call a lawyer and have them present at the time.
Summary
It is hard to know what to do after a personal injury has occurred; finding a good lawyer is just one of many decisions to make. This is perfectly understandable. Use what you've learned here to make the right decisions going forward, and you stand a very good chance of winning your case.
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.
Looking for representation in the Phoenix area? Below is a map of Phoenix-area Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, and Family Law Firms
Here’s a map of criminal defense lawyers, DUI lawyers, family law attorneys, and divorce lawyers throughout the Phoenix valley and communities.