Nowadays, getting legal assistance and representation are so costly that many are finding other ways to look for cheap and sometimes "free" legal advice. The Internet is filled with online sources and legal websites that offer supposedly free legal counsel.
Quite a few sites actually, offer detailed analysis of situations most often for free, or sometimes for a minimal fee. Many of them entertain legal queries. However, the legal advice that you may get from these sites are not reliable, and most of the sites even have a disclaimer on the advice provided.
Nothing beats advice coming from a reputable and knowledgeable lawyer. Here are some ways to help you find a good, experienced personal injury lawyer, whom you feel you can trust:
Innie Minnie Miny Moe… Who do you refer?
Getting referrals on experienced lawyers is easy. However, you need to meet with each of them to discuss your claim before you decide to hire someone. And be prepared to get rejected. Remember that lawyers are practicing their profession for their own gains. Many do not take cases if they fall below a certain potential recovery amount. In addition, there are also those who reject claims that are not crystal clear. So make sure you have everything in place and all the information when you meet with the potential lawyers.
You can get referrals from (1) friends and acquaintances, (2) other lawyers, and (3) referral services. Talk with friends or acquaintances who have been represented by a lawyer in their own cases. If they have nothing but good things to say about a lawyer, put him/her on the list. Discuss your case with that lawyer and decide if you feel that you will be comfortable working with him or her.
Other lawyers you know would also be able to make referrals of other lawyers. They usually confer cases with one another so most of them may know someone who can handle your case.
On the other hand, most bar associations have referral services where names of lawyers and their specialties are available.
Let's discuss the problem…
As with all referrals, discussing your case with each of the lawyers will help you determine the best representation that could handle your personal injury claim. Bring all pertinent documents from the police report, to medical bills and correspondences with the insurance company. Most lawyers do not charge at the initial consultation. Nevertheless, there still those who already want to charge for discussing whether or not he or she will take the case. When this happens, it's time for you to go look somewhere else.
His/Her General Experience…
You need to know a few basic things about your potential lawyer. These include: (1) How long has the lawyer been in practice; (2) What percentage of the practice involve personal injury claims; (3) Does the lawyer practice as a plaintiffs' or defendants' representative; and (4) Would he or she personally handle your case. If not, then find out who would be dealing with you directly, and ask to meet that lawyer. It's not uncommon for more than one lawyer in a firm to handle the same case. Often, less experienced attorneys handle routine tasks.
How much is it worth?...
After discussing the facts on your case, it's time to move on to how much he or she thinks your case is worth. In addition, ask your potential lawyer how difficult he or she thinks it may be to get the insurance company to pay the amount. This is the time to let your lawyer know what it is you want him or her to do for you.
In the end, getting your lawyer to represent you depends on your needs and wants. So don't confuse the information you get from the Internet with true legal advice. Obtaining advice and representation from a licensed, practicing lawyer is still the most reliable means when you're facing a particularly serious or complicated injury claim. As in any other regular hiring process, just remember to interview first before you decide. If you feel confident with a lawyer's experience and his ability to handle your case, chances are you found the best lawyer for you.
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