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(This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/personalinjuryat/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114If you were injured in an accident, you are likely evaluating your legal options and wondering if you will be compensated for your injuries.\u00a0 The first step is to determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim.\u00a0 There are essentially three components<\/a> to a valid personal injury claim:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Assuming these three components are met, the next step is to decide whether you need a lawyer to handle your claim.\u00a0 When deciding whether you need a lawyer, ask yourself the following questions:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Unless you are an experienced trial lawyer, the answer to these questions is likely ”no.”\u00a0 If you cannot answer ”yes” to all these questions, then it is unlikely you will receive full and fair compensation from the insurance company and their lawyers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The insurance company’s interests are in direct conflict with yours.\u00a0 Your goal is to get as large of an award as possible to compensate you for your suffering.\u00a0 The insurance company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible so they can make more profit; therefore, there\u2019s a strong argument for hiring a qualified personal injury lawyer.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Hire a lawyer who can answer ”yes” to all the above questions and choose your lawyer carefully.\u00a0 Not all attorneys may be right for your case because not all lawyers are personal injury lawyers.\u00a0 Navigating a personal injury lawsuit can be treacherous, even for experienced attorneys.\u00a0 You need a lawyer who has the specific knowledge and experience of handling personal injury cases.\u00a0 Insurance companies recognize experienced personal injury lawyers and pay their clients more than they do to people with inexperienced attorneys or no attorney at all.\u00a0 You will need a proven personal injury lawyer to receive anything close to the full value of your claim.\u00a0 You want a lawyer who:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you hire a lawyer who settles all their cases before trial, or refers their cases to other lawyers to try, then you will take a discount on whatever settlement you receive.\u00a0 The insurance companies know which lawyers take cases to trial and which lawyers usually prevail in court and achieve the best outcomes for their clients because of their skill, experience, and education.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If you are fortunate enough to hire a top personal injury attorney, we recommend that you move quickly and get the process rolling early in the legal process.\u00a0 Hiring late in the process, in contrast, may jeopardize your legal rights and diminish your chances of winning the case.\u00a0 Interview at least two lawyers that you by scheduling a consultation.\u00a0 Procrastination may create the impression that your injuries are less serious and not as consequential as you claim.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The insurance companies and their lawyers are professionals with years of experience studying the law and developing techniques to pay you as little as possible.\u00a0 Getting a good lawyer from the beginning levels the playing field and maximizes your recovery.\u00a0 Insurance companies will take your claim more seriously once they realize you are represented by an attorney, especially if your attorney is a reputable personal injury lawyer.\u00a0 The Insurance Research Council reported that the average person receives a 3.5 times<\/a> larger settlement with the help of a lawyer than without.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n One of your lawyer’s most important tasks is to properly value your case.\u00a0 Some of the factors your attorney will consider when valuing your case are:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Oftentimes your lawyer will hire expert witnesses, such as medical experts and economists, to help calculate and prove the value of your case.\u00a0 Attempting to value your case by yourself, without the help of a lawyer and expert witnesses, is likely to lead to major miscalculations and jeopardize your case.\u00a0 Remember that insurance companies and their lawyers will do everything in their power to take advantage of you – especially if you do not have a lawyer.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee.\u00a0 This means you don’t pay unless the lawyer wins your case.\u00a0\u00a0 Your lawyer will receive a percentage of the verdict or settlement you receive.\u00a0 Normally, a settlement check will be sent to the lawyer.\u00a0 The lawyer will contact you and explain how much they are deducting.\u00a0 The lawyer will calculate their percentage of the settlement and deduct the legal expenses they incurred on your behalf (filing fees, expert witness fees, court reporters, trial preparation, etc.).\u00a0 Your agreement with your lawyer should be in writing<\/a> and should specify whether the lawyer’s share is calculated before or after costs and expenses are deducted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Most contingency fee arrangements award the lawyer 35% \u00a0of any settlement or award.\u00a0 The percentage may be greater or lesser depending on the stage at which your case is resolved.\u00a0 For example, \u00a0the lawyer may receive a higher percentage (i.e., 40%) if the case goes to trial.\u00a0 Litigation costs can be significant and paying those costs up front is another service a lawyer may provide.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0A good lawyer will be well worth their fee, and you will still receive much more than you would have received without a lawyer.\u00a0 Beware of lawyers who guarantee an outcome or offer you a deal that is too good to be true \u2013 it\u2019s usually not.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The contingency fee may seem high until you consider that the lawyer is taking a risk on your case.\u00a0 Your case might make a lot of money, or it might make nothing.\u00a0 The lawyer will be paid nothing if you lose, regardless of how much time and money they invested in the case.\u00a0 Some cases settle, some go to trial, and some are appealed multiple times.\u00a0 Litigation is risky.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If your lawyer has specialized knowledge and experience, then you are receiving much more for your money than if you hired an inexperienced lawyer.\u00a0\u00a0 Without a lawyer, the odds are against receiving the full value of your claim.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Litigation costs include filing fees, deposition costs, investigators, expert witnesses, trial preparation, and other costs.\u00a0 Most lawyers will cover the costs and expenses of your case, then deduct them from your share of the settlement at the end of the case.\u00a0 It’s rare for a personal injury lawyer to charge their client for costs and expenses as they come due.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Litigation costs can be tens of thousands of dollars or more depending on the circumstances of the case.\u00a0 Ask your lawyer for an estimate of what the costs will be, and make sure your agreement with your lawyer is clear about who will pay the costs if you lose your case.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Litigation requires a grueling and strenuous amount of legwork.\u00a0 Your attorney’s job is to handle the legwork for you and explain the process as it unfolds.\u00a0 A personal injury claim can be one of the most stressful experiences you ever have.\u00a0 Your attorney can make it less stressful by managing the process for you.\u00a0 In addition to counseling you (the client), your attorney’s responsibilities include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If this sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it is.\u00a0 All these duties require the knowledge and skill of an experienced lawyer to be done properly.\u00a0 Attempting to perform these duties yourself will be unduly stressful and counterproductive to your case.\u00a0 Hire a lawyer to perform these duties for you if you want to receive the highest possible award for your personal injury claim.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n When deciding whether to take your case, a lawyer will consider a few factors including:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Keep in mind that the best lawyers are typically the most selective about which cases they take and will often turn down valid cases to better serve other clients.\u00a0 Just because one lawyer turns down your case doesn’t mean that it isn’t valid.\u00a0 Sometimes a lawyer will turn down a case simply because they already have a full caseload.\u00a0 If a reputable lawyer turns down your case, it doesn’t hurt to ask them if they can refer you to another reputable lawyer who may be interested.\u00a0 Good personal injury lawyers are typically tightly networked with other personal injury lawyers, and they may be able to provide you a referral.\u00a0 If you cannot get a referral directly from a lawyer, you may consider contacting your county bar association<\/a> as they typically have referral networks as well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Sources<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Consumer Attorneys of San Diego<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The State Bar of California – What to Expect Regarding Fees and Billing<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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How to Select a Personal Injury Lawyer<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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If You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer, Pick Carefully but Hire Soon<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How to Value Your Case<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Attorney Fees<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Litigation Costs<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What Will Your Personal Injury Lawyer Do for You?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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What if a Personal Injury Lawyer Turns Down My Case?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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