Accidents often have overwhelming consequences for victims. You might have been injured in a car crash or a sudden slip-and-fall accident on someone else’s property. There are also incidents like nursing home abuse and pedestrian accidents. Such cases happen often in New Jersey, but unfortunately, not many people seek compensation for their injuries. If you are dealing with damages because of another person’s reckless action or negligence, you need to at least check whether you have a valid personal injury claim. Of course, the legal maze is intricate to decode, and you certainly need to speak to a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer. In this guide, let’s discuss what dos and don’ts matter when you choose an attorney.
Look at their credentials and expertise
When you choose an attorney for an injury claim, you have to check whether they have knowledge and expertise in the field. You need a competent professional specializing in NJ’s personal injury laws. Make sure to also check whether the lawyer has relevant and direct experience. For example, an attorney may be great at handling nursing home abuse cases but may not have the same kind of understanding for motor vehicle accident claims. The idea is to find someone who is qualified and has worked in the field for at least a few years.
Don’t fall for promises
While hiring an injury lawyer certainly improves your chances of getting a fair settlement, you cannot just rely on words or promises. No attorney, even when they have been working for years, can guarantee you an exact settlement figure or other outcomes. There are variables that determine how a claim would move, and if a lawyer says things that are just too flowery, you know they are lying or overstating facts and details.
Get references and check reviews
While the overall work profile of an injury lawyer is everything, you cannot believe every word without some research. Make sure you ask for references, and because personal injury cases are not always about privacy-related concerns, you should get details. Another option is to check online. You can find reviews, ratings, testimonials, or even complaints about injury lawyers, which can tell you a lot about what to expect when working with them. Also, make it a point to see if the lawyer has been disciplined in the past.
Don’t forget to discuss financials
Your injury lawyer in NJ will not ask for the typical hourly rate. Instead, they work in an arrangement where their fee is dependent on whether you get money. If they fight all the way but fail to recover a settlement for you, there is no obligation to pay them. The contingency arrangement is always a percentage, which largely depends on the case’s facts, complexities, and variables. It would help if you had complete clarity on what to pay the attorney and whether you have to cover other things, like the cost of investigation or additional expenses.
Always look for trial experience
Most personal injury claims are usually settled. Many claimants may get compensation through insurance claims with the other party’s insurance, while in many situations, parties negotiate and settle things amicably. However, there is always a slight chance that you may end up in court with your lawsuit, and in such situations, your lawyer’s courtroom confidence and experience will matter. Ensure you choose an injury lawyer who has been to trials and can demonstrate a track record.
Check whether you feel happy talking to an attorney. They should be communicative and patient while hearing your story and answering your questions. Ask all relevant questions about your claim during the first meeting.
