Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Phoenix? Choose Carefully
Sustaining a personal injury that keeps you from performing your usual tasks can be very costly and frustrating. It is all the more outrageous if your injuries occurred because someone else was negligent. If that is the case with your injury, you may be able to get the compensation you are owed. Keep reading if you want a better chance of winning your case.
Your First Steps After An Accident
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.
If you were injured by an animal, do your best to find out who it belongs to. If you make any mistake about who the owner is, and you file a suit, it may be difficult to sue someone else once it is revealed that this is not the owner.
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.
Don’t Negotiate With Insurance Companies Without an Attorney
You may believe you can negotiate with your insurance company without a lawyer. However, hiring an attorney could increase the amount of money you receive from your injury claim. An experienced attorney knows the monetary damages available for an injury claim and how to maximize the value of the settlement.
In a recent article, it was estimated that 91% of people represented by a personal injury lawyer receive a settlement compared to just 51% who do not. In addition, the amount you receive could be two to three times more with an attorney negotiating the settlement.
If you were injured due to negligence on the part of someone else in Phoenix or the surrounding communities, and you’re your insurance company is resisting a settlement, don’t go it alone. Call a car accident or personal injury lawyer.
Finding an Attorney
You may have to hire a personal injury lawyer if you are involved in an accident. If you do, make sure you consult with professional organizations in the area to obtain a list of qualified lawyers. These organizations will also know if there have been any ethical or legal troubles associated with the firm you are considering.
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 friends, family, and co-workers for referrals for a lawyer. They often know someone who has been embroiled in a personal injury case before and will be able to show you the way to a lawyer who was successful in the case. You can trust their opinion over reviews found online.
Look to the Internet for impressions on the lawyers you are considering. Others have hired these lawyers before, and they may have insights into their abilities. Do a Google search, go through local web forums, and even look them up on the State Bar of Arizona website. Anything you find can help you make an educated decision.
Finding A Good Fit For A Lawyer
Hire a lawyer as soon as possible. If you have been injured, try to start the process of locating a lawyer within a week or two at most. If you have been hospitalized, or are otherwise too injured to do the work yourself, enlist the help of a friend or family member. A lawyer is your best bet for a successful personal injury claim outcome.
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.
Always meet in person with your potential personal injury attorney. It is important that your attorney truly represents you and it is best to know before committing that you have a winning case. An attorney will rarely charge you for these meetings and it is important that your case is a strong one.
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.
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 type of cases; therefore, it is important that you have an attorney with experience in these types of negotiations.
It is important to hire a personal injury lawyer for a personal injury case. When they've done it before, know the ins and outs of the law and understand the secrets to win, they'll be able to get you the cash you deserve for your misfortune, which is really the outcome you deserve.
Pick your personal injury lawyer prior to giving recorded or written injury statements to insurance adjusters or those that represent the other party. Anything you say can later be used as part of the evidence in the trial, and you need to discuss the details of what you will say with a lawyer first.
Preexisting conditions do not necessarily rule out your ability to win a damage award. Be truthful with your lawyer about any injuries you suffered before the accident. Do not ask for a settlement that exceeds the impact of the personal injuries the other party can be held responsible for.
If the lawyer you are talking to normally works with insurance companies, you probably want to pass on their services. Instead, you want someone who has experience helping the injured person. These personal injury attorneys should have the background that you need to successfully win your case, and you will probably feel more comfortable with them as a result.
Let Your Attorney Do The Talking
The only people you should discuss a personal injury case with are your insurance agent, your spouse, and your attorney. If an insurance adjuster calls you to record a statement about how the accident occurred, give them the number of your attorney and tell them that this is who should be called if they have any additional questions.
Summary
You have learned now about the procedure for getting help with your claims. You should use these tips to build a solid case for your personal injury. Use one tip or use them all; it's up to you. If you follow this advice, it will prove beneficial in winning your case and getting the funding you need.
Need Help Choosing a Criminal or Family Law Attorney?
Although this article addressed personal injury cases, the same recommendations apply to finding and choosing a criminal defense, DUI, Divorce, or Child Custody Attorney.
In The Phoenix area you'll find many experienced law firms regardless of the practice area. In fact, 80% of attorneys licensed in Arizona practice in the Phoenix area.
Here’s a map of criminal defense lawyers, DUI lawyers, family law attorneys, and divorce lawyers throughout the Phoenix valley and communities.