When you’re already reeling from an accident, finding the right attorney can seem like a massive headache. From recovering from your injuries, dealing with insurance companies, and translating legal jargon, you may feel lost. But you can’t leave looking for a personal injury attorney in Washington, WA, to chance if you want to be fairly compensated. Here are 5 common mistakes that happen when looking for a personal injury lawyer and how to avoid them:
Focusing Only on Cost
We get it–you don’t have enough to give your legal representation the high cost it seems to command. You’re buried under medical bills and had to take time off work. The problem is, frequently, the best person for the job doesn’t exactly come at the cheapest cost.
Think about it–do you really want to save money on something as important as your attorney? The lawyers who charge less will usually have more cases they’re working on and will likely have less time to give you. Instead of worrying about the hourly fee, examine their experience, what their rates are, and what type of personal injury cases they’ve worked on previously.
Not Researching Their Background
A common mistake that many people make is that instead of researching for a suitable attorney, they pick the first one they can find. And this ends up ruining the entire case. There are only a handful of top attorneys in their field when it comes to personal injury law, and you want to find the ideal fit for your claim.
Check out an attorney’s past case history and make sure that they’ve handled similar personal injury cases in the past. Take your time in locating the most qualified attorney. In Washington WA, for example, make sure you choose a local attorney because that person will likely have the best understanding of Washington’s laws as they regard your injury.
Overlooking Communication Style
The last thing you want from an attorney during this trying time is radio silence. Establish great communication lines with a potential attorney before you sign any documents. Ask how you can communicate the best and which communication pattern is best. Understanding what your attorney’s expectations are will make your arrangement much more pleasant for the two of you.
Find someone who comes off as friendly and forthcoming to represent your interests. It’ll make dealing with an attorney easier in the long run.
Choosing Based on Promises, Not Facts
Some attorneys will overpromise, claiming that they can get you the win no matter what. While confidence is a good quality in an attorney, be cautious of a lawyer that guarantees certain results. No lawyer can or should be able to guarantee an outcome for you.
Instead of getting overly excited about what they can do, pay attention to their skills. How do they plan on winning your case? Will they be able to gather the proof that you need? Will they be able to get you in touch with experts? Can they help you negotiate with insurance companies?
Ignoring Local Expertise
Personal injury laws are different in each state. You want your lawyer to be well-versed in the procedures and regulations of your area. Some people make the big mistake of hiring a general lawyer without verifying that they have expertise in personal injury. Statutes of limitation, insurance practices, and damage caps – the specifics are going to be different in every region.
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