If you are injured, there are several things that you can expect when you work with a personal injury attorney. One of these things is that they will keep you informed and on top of the situation. Another thing that you can expect is that they will make sure that you get a fair settlement.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may wonder if you should hire a personal injury lawyer like those at www.barruslaw.com. Fortunately, most lawyers offer a free consultation. They’re a great way to learn more about your case and get some good advice on how to go about securing compensation.
One of the most important things when seeking legal counsel is to be upfront with the attorney. Be honest about your injuries; you will be more likely to get a fair shake. It’s also a good idea to bring along a list of questions for the lawyer to answer. This will help your lawyer better understand your claim, which is a big plus in any personal injury claim.
Although there is no one right way to choose a lawyer, the best thing to do is to compare the lawyers in your area. The internet is great for looking for reviews, ratings, and other information.
Prepare for Your First Meeting
When you are in the process of hiring a personal injury lawyer, you will need to prepare for your first meeting. During this initial consultation, you and your attorney will get to know each other and decide if you want to pursue a case together.
In addition to your lawyer’s usual questions, you must have all the pertinent documents. For example, you’ll need to provide the attorney with medical records and insurance policy details. It’s also important to be ready to discuss bills and other financial matters.
Although unnecessary, you should bring a friend or relative to your initial meeting. Some attorneys may be more lenient about letting you bring a friend to your consultation. However, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons before bringing someone into the mix.
Negotiate a Settlement Offer
When working with a personal injury attorney, it is important to understand how to negotiate a settlement offer. Insurance companies will often make an initial offer before sending out a demand letter, but this offer will usually be lower than the actual value of your claim.
You can begin the negotiation process by submitting a settlement demand packet that includes copies of medical records, wage statements, and other documents. This package should be organized in a binder. The insurance company will want to see these items.
Medical expenses can be expensive. Add up your out-of-pocket costs and other special damages such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
During the negotiation process, take detailed notes. These should include your discussions with the adjuster, reasons for counteroffers, and amounts offered.
Keep Delays to a Minimum
A good personal injury lawyer can keep a case from point A to point B. While the jury is still out on your damages, it’s a great time to discuss your options with a well-versed professional. The right attorney can be the difference between a settlement that pays you in full or one that’s more like a lawsuit. When hiring a lawyer, consider the etiquette for legal and medical professionals and the fact that some types of insurance may require you to pay out of pocket. In most cases, your attorney will help you with medical bills, reimbursement for lost wages, and other expenses.
Keep Evidence on Hand
You’ll need to keep evidence on hand if you’re involved in an accident and want to file a personal injury claim. Using a personal injury attorney can help you to collect the evidence you need, but there are other things you can do to ensure the information you need stays intact.
For example, make sure you document the scene of the accident. This can include photos. You might also need to describe the incident. The location, the weather, and the traffic conditions can all impact how the accident happens.
Keeping a journal will also help you to document your experience. It will allow you to record your feelings and progress. Your lawyer may also ask for a detailed report of your injuries. Also, keep a copy of any correspondence you’ve received from medical professionals, your insurance company, or other parties.