If you don’t regularly deal with attorneys, the process of hiring a lawyer can be intimidating. The stress of finding an attorney can be even higher if it is related to a personal injury case.
If you have been injured or experienced a loss, the last thing you may want to do is start the process of finding an attorney. But finding an attorney doesn’t have to be stressful, and it can be extremely beneficial to you and your loved ones.
The right personal injury attorney can guide you through a difficult situation and lead you to a positive outcome that gives you the justice, compensation, and results you deserve. Don’t wait any longer. Use this guide on how to find a personal injury lawyer to start the process today.
What Is a Personal Injury Attorney?
A personal injury attorney specializes in civil lawsuits that help people receive compensation after they have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or company.
Personal injury cases may relate to:
- Auto accidents
- Medical negligence
- Slip and fall
- Premises liability
- Workplace accidents
- Product liability / defects
- Animal attack
- Assault and battery
- Wrongful death
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A personal injury lawyer’s primary task is to advocate for their clients to ensure that they receive fair compensation for injuries caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. A personal injury attorney works to:
Determine if you have a case. The first thing an attorney will do is review your case and determine if you should sue for personal injury. An experienced attorney won’t let you waste your time on a case that won’t be successful. They will let you know if you can seek damages and what your compensation might be.
Develop and win your case. Your attorney will gather evidence and testimony to prove your case in court. To prove fault in a personal injury lawsuit, you must have evidence that shows:
- The accident was caused by negligence.
- The accident led to injury.
- The injury led to damages.
Guide you through a deposition. During a personal injury lawsuit, you may be required to sit for a deposition to tell your side of the story. Your attorney will help you prepare for personal injury deposition so you feel comfortable and prepared to effectively share the details of what happened to you.
Help you collect full compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows the tactics corporations and insurance companies use to minimize the amount of compensation they must pay out. Your attorney will fight on your behalf to ensure you get the complete and full amount of compensation owed to you.
Related: Personal Injury Compensation: What Can You Fight For?
When To Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Knowing how to find a personal injury attorney is as important as knowing when to hire one. It’s a good time to talk to a personal injury lawyer:
Immediately after an accident. The ideal time to hire a personal injury attorney is immediately after the accident or incident. First, get the medical care you need. Then, find an attorney to take on your case.
If you are unhappy with your settlement. If you worked with an insurance company to obtain a settlement after an accident and you are unhappy with the details, contact an attorney to see if you have a case to fight for more.
If you are unhappy with your current attorney. In most cases, you can change attorneys if you are not happy with the way they are approaching your case. If you are not satisfied with your current attorney, you can look for alternative options.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
In most cases, personal injury attorneys do not charge a set fee or hourly rate. Instead, they typically charge a contingency fee. Under a contingency fee, personal injury lawyers are not paid upfront. They are only paid if and when the client collects.
When interviewing potential attorneys, ask about how and when they are compensated and if you will need to make any upfront payments.
How to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, you deserve to be made whole. The first step in seeking justice is scheduling a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
A free consultation with a lawyer is the time to share the details of your case, get to know potential attorneys, and decide who is right for you. Use this time to find out how attorneys will approach your case and who will be working with you throughout the process.
Find out if the attorney you meet with will be managing your case. In many law firms, a principal attorney or partner lawyer may initially meet with you — but you may never see them again. Find out who will be working on pleadings and arguments, who will be communicating with you, and who will be in court with you.
Request Your Free Consultation
You are not responsible for the financial and personal burdens caused by an accident that was not your fault. If you or a loved one has had their life changed due to an injury, it’s time to get justice. Now you know how to find a personal injury lawyer. Get started today.
TJ Grimaldi is an experienced personal injury attorney who has helped countless clients and has recovered millions of dollars. Each of our clients works directly with TJ Grimaldi on their cases. See how TJ can help you get what is owed to you, and only pay when you win. Schedule a free consultation today. Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 now.
TJ Grimaldi joined McIntyre in 2011. McIntyre recruited TJ to create the divisions of personal injury and family law, as well as to expand the existing criminal defense practice at the firm. During TJ’s tenure at McIntyre, he has helped oversee and grow these practice areas. He continues to practice in these divisions while also expanding his own practice areas to include estate planning and immigration law. TJ is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
