Like any chosen profession, some are highly skilled at what they do, and others don’t cut the mustard. When seeking guidance from a legal professional, you’ll want to work with those who’ve honed their craft to a sharp-edged blade. Sure, plenty of attorneys can get the job done with a butter knife, but don’t you want one with an expertly sharpened cutting tool? If so, this article will help you to weed out the weed-wackers from the lawnmowers.
Victims of accidents of no fault of their own should consult with a Long Island personal injury lawyer before negotiating with an insurance company for a settlement. They have the savvy to cut to the bone and get you the best settlement offer possible.
The Tools of the Personal Injury Attorney Trade
When going up against a savvy team of insurance company lawyers and claim adjusters, not just any lawyer will do. Imagine negotiating with the defendant’s legal team without a lawyer with the tools to do the job right. Without a good lawyer, you’ll most likely leave money on the table, that is, if there’s any money being offered. So, before you attempt to negotiate a settlement yourself, you’ll need to get a lawyer on your team.
Not all lawyers are created equal. Here’s what you’ll want to look for when deciding who you want to represent you.
Experience With Your Type of Case
Lawyers come in all flavors. While some may say they can handle any kind of case, why would you hire a copyright lawyer for your personal injury claim? And to dive in deeper, you’ll want to work with an attorney who has experience with your specific type of case. When consulting with an attorney, ask them what their experience level is with your type of claim. For example, if you’ve been hit by a car while on your motorcycle, you’ll want an attorney who has handled motorcycle accident claims.
A Proven Track Record of Success
Just having experience in a particular type of personal injury claim isn’t enough to prove that they’re the right lawyer for you. You’ll want to work with the best, right? It’s not uncommon for a personal injury claimant to ask a prospective lawyer for a list of their successful cases and how much was awarded for those cases. Sometimes, experience doesn’t equal consistent successful cases.
A Good Reputation
A personal injury attorney will be representing you, so wouldn’t you want one with a stellar reputation? While the vast majority of attorneys are honest, there are a few unscrupulous that are left in the mix. You can check to see if yours has any blemishes on their record by consulting with your state’s Bar Association.
A Vast Network of Available Resources
Sometimes just an understanding of the law won’t be enough to prove your case. While lawyers can be savvy, sometimes they’ll need outside resources to help you win your case. A law firm that has a wide range of resources and a large network is a very powerful tool to have. Those with ongoing relationships with experts can help to expedite a case. Examples of outside resources that could be of value to a personal injury case include:
- Accident reconstruction professionals
- Medical experts
- Investigative services
- Product design and manufacturing experts
- Financial/economic experts
Compassionate Spirit
A valuable tool a personal injury attorney should have in their toolkit is compassion. A lawyer who is compassionate about righting legal wrongs while showing their clients the attention they deserve is a winning combination. Their passion for ensuring that clients receive the best possible compensation is a tool that not all lawyers possess. It cannot be learned or purchased, so lawyers with this ingrained spirit are amongst the best of the best.
Finding the Right Personal Injury Lawyer Is Key: Final Thoughts
When you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, the only way to seek justice and compensation is by working with a personal injury lawyer. While there are plenty to choose from, you’ll want to find one with the sharpest tools in their toolkit. Knowing what the best tools a lawyer should possess will make your search for a personal injury lawyer that much easier.
If you’ve been the victim of a personal injury, don’t fight the battle for justice alone. Seek an experienced personal injury attorney with the tools and experience to get the job done.
