Although no one ever expects to be harmed in a personal injury accident, many people get hurt every day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there were 24.8 million physician office visits for unintentional injuries in the United States in a single year.
After an accident, you may be facing medical bills, loss of income, and other financial burdens. While you can’t prepare for an accident, you can be prepared for what comes next. An NJ personal injury lawyer can help you recover financial compensation for your losses.
To learn how the personal injury attorneys at Judd Shaw Injury Law can help you after your accident, contact us to schedule a free case review. Call us 24/7 at 866-909-6894, start a live chat with a representative, or complete the contact form.
Steps to Take
A personal injury lawyer helps people who have been injured in an accident, perhaps by the negligence of another party. The right attorney can mean the difference between you receiving compensation for your injuries or having to cover your losses out of pocket.
You have decided to hire an attorney to represent you after your accident. Now how do you find a New Jersey personal injury lawyer? Consider the following suggestions.
Get recommendations
A solid way to find a good personal injury lawyer is to get recommendations from people you trust. Speak to family, friends, or coworkers in your area who have worked with personal injury attorneys. Ask them about their experience and whether they would recommend the lawyer.
However, do not hire a personal injury lawyer based solely on someone else’s recommendation. Just because a lawyer was a good fit for one person does not mean that particular lawyer will be right for you. Make sure to schedule a free case review, consult with the lawyer, and then decide for yourself whether he or she will be right for your case.
Additionally, if you have utilized the services of any other types of lawyers in the past, such as a tax or real estate lawyer, you can request a referral to an attorney who specializes in personal injury law. You will find that lawyers typically have a network of peers to whom they can refer you to.
Browse attorney directories
Another option for finding a New Jersey personal injury lawyer is to use an online attorney directory service. There are bar associations that run some of these websites and can connect you with attorneys in your area who practice the type of law you need.
Once you find an online recommendation for a lawyer in your area, browse the law firm’s website and find out as much as you can about them online. Read any reviews posted for the lawyer you are interested in hiring. Another thing to look for is any awards or accolades awarded to the lawyer or law firm you are looking to hire.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a NJ Personal Injury Lawyer
As you are looking for a lawyer, consider your personal needs as a client and look for a law firm that you feel can meet them. When consulting with potential personal injury attorneys, there are certain topics you should discuss to help you decide whether they are the right fit for you and your case.
Ask if the lawyer has experience in your practice area
An attorney may practice only in one certain area of personal injury law. You want to choose a lawyer who has experience in successfully handling the type of case you are going to file.
For example, if you were harmed due to a doctor’s error, you want a lawyer who has experience in medical malpractice lawsuits. If you were injured in a slip-and-fall incident, you should look for a lawyer who is skilled in bringing premises liability lawsuits.
While there are some legal guidelines and concepts that hold true regardless of the type of personal injury case being filed, you want to hire someone who will be knowledgeable of the statutes and laws specific to your accident and injuries.
Find out the law firm’s fee structure
The cost is likely high on your list of things to consider before hiring a personal injury attorney. The last thing you need is additional financial stress after your accident.
You will find that most personal injury lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis. This is a payment arrangement that allows you to receive legal services without paying upfront costs. Law firms that use this pricing structure only charge you if they win your case and you are awarded a settlement.
The contingency fee is a percentage of the amount your case is settled for, or you are awarded in court. Most personal injury law firms charge between 35 and 45 percent of the settlement amount. You should have a clear understanding of the fees you will be charged for legal services before you sign any paperwork to hire a lawyer.
Inquire how the lawyer communicates with clients
Communication is important in any relationship, including your attorney-client relationship. After hiring a New Jersey personal injury lawyer, it is reasonable to expect to receive regular updates as to how your case is progressing. It can be frustrating if you hire a lawyer who is not a good communicator.
Some attorneys are so busy handling numerous cases at once that they lose touch with their clients. They may claim that they are working on your case but do not take the time to speak to you when you call or return your emails.
During your initial consultation with a personal injury attorney, pay attention to how well he or she communicates with you. Ask the lawyer if the preferred means of communication is by phone, text, or email. You should be comfortable with your attorney’s method of communication.
Ask about the law firm’s access to resources
A well-established law firm will have access to the resources needed to take your case all the way to trial if needed.
When building your case, you want a lawyer who has the financial means and network needed to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Obtain information
- Gather physical evidence
- Hire accident reconstructionist
- Consult with expert witnesses
- Cover litigation expenses and more
In your case, you may be going up against large corporations, insurance companies, and defendants with plenty of money at their disposal. If your case is not settled during out-of-court negotiations, your lawyer could drop your claim if he does not have the resources to successfully litigate your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be tempted to handle your own case to avoid paying legal fees. However, personal injury cases can be complex, and insurance companies may pressure you into accepting a low and unfair settlement.
It is imperative to have a skilled accident attorney on your side to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Understanding how to find a personal injury lawyer in New Jersey who is knowledgeable and experienced can give you the confidence to hire legal representation after your injury.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we offer all potential clients a free case evaluation. We take all cases on a contingency fee basis. Call us at 866-909-6894 or complete the online contact form today to find out if our personal injury lawyers are the right fit for you and your case.