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The thought of hiring a personal injury attorney can aggravate the stress you’re already feeling. Here are some tips to consider before you hire a personal injury attorney.
Things to Consider before Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
1. Is the initial consultation free?
This is a red flag if it isn’t. Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee. Most will discuss your matter on the phone, and if they believe you have a case, will invite you into the office to discuss your options further. Don’t be afraid to contact a personal injury because of the cost.
2. Experience is crucial
Many times when people are injured, they need a lawyer for the first time and get a referral from friends or family. Sometimes the referral will work out, but other times people are referred to a “general practitioner.” Make sure that the person who is taking your case on has experience litigating personal injury related cases.
3. Beware of improper solicitation
Like all states, California has ethics rules lawyers must abide by when it comes to soliciting clients. If you’ve been injured and something seems off with a lawyer contacting you, it probably is.
4. Understand the attorney’s fees before signing the contract
If you decide to hire a personal injury attorney, you will need to sign a contract to retain their services. Most personal injury attorneys work on a “contingency fee,” which means they don’t get paid unless there is a verdict or settlement. Before you sign, however, make sure you understand how the attorney’s fees are to be paid.
5. Understand case costs and how they may affect your settlement
Litigation is expensive. Even if your case doesn’t go to trial, you are going to have several case costs. These include filing fees, deposition transcripts, copying, travel, mailing, medical records, expert witnesses, etc. “Fees” are what lawyers are actually paid for the work. “Costs” are all of the costs associated with your case. Case costs are going to be a required part of any matter.
6. You will likely have to pay back medical bills from the settlement
When you’re injured, there are usually more than a few medical bills that have been covered by your insurance or a lien. These will need to be negotiated down by your personal injury attorney to try to keep as much money in your pocket.
7. Your case may take time
Nothing in the legal system is fast. If you’re not able to get your claim resolved before filing a lawsuit, a general rule of thumb is your case taking about 1-2 years depending on the complexity and court’s schedule.
8. You will need to do your part
Obviously you hire a personal injury attorney to do a job. That is, to navigate your claim and get you compensated. However, this doesn’t mean clients aren’t involved. You will need to be ready with documents, pictures, a complete story of what happened, and will need to stay in contact throughout the time. But if you are hard to get in contact with or delay giving things your personal injury attorney needs, it will only hurt your case.
9. Nothing is certain
No attorney is allowed to ethically give you a guarantee about the outcome of your case. This is because there are just too many variables that can come up through the course of litigation—especially if there is a trial. If someone is making a guarantee about your case, be wary.
10. Don’t be afraid and find the right fit
Hiring a personal injury can be intimidating—especially if it’s the first time you need an attorney at all. Don’t be afraid to call around to speak with different people and look for the best fit for you.
Contact Us
If you’re looking for a Sacramento personal injury attorney or San Diego personal injury attorney, Hanecak. P.C. can help. We are dedicated to delivering highly personalized legal services that will best serve your interests. Distinguished as a dedicated, qualified, and trusted law firm in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom, Roseville, and San Diego, California, you can’t go wrong with Hanecak, P.C. personal injury attorneys.
