The Dos & Don’ts of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be wondering whether or not you need a personal injury attorney. After all, it’s tempting to try to handle the claim yourself and avoid the hassle and expense of hiring an attorney.

But before you make any decisions, it’s important to understand the seven dos and don’ts of hiring a personal injury attorney in Charleston.

Do your research

Not all personal injury attorneys are created equal. Some may have more experience than others or may specialize in a particular type of accident. When you’re doing your research and looking for a Charleston injury lawyer, be sure to check out online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends and family, and look for an attorney who has experience handling cases like yours. This can give you a good sense of what past clients have thought of their experience working with the attorney.

Additionally, be sure to ask any potential attorneys about their experience, their success rate in personal injury cases, and how they would handle your case specifically. This will help you get a better sense of whether or not they’re the right fit for you.

Don’t choose the first attorney you meet

Just because an attorney is the first one you talk to doesn’t mean they’re the best one for the job. You must interview multiple attorneys before making a decision. This will give you a chance to compare their experience, their success rate, and how they would handle your case specifically.

On the other hand, you shouldn’t wait too long to make a decision. After you’ve interviewed a few attorneys, trust your gut and go with the one you feel most comfortable with. The feeling you get from an attorney can be just as important as their experience or success rate, so if you have a good feeling about someone, don’t let the other factors sway you.

You’ll be working closely with your injury attorney for weeks or even months, so you must choose someone you’re comfortable with. This includes everything from their personality to their communication style. If you don’t feel like you can be honest with your attorney or if you don’t feel like they’re listening to you, then they’re probably not the right fit.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

When meeting with potential attorneys, don’t be afraid to ask them any questions you have about their experience or how they would handle your case. This is your chance to get to know them better and to find out if they’re the right fit for you.

Some questions you may want to ask include:

• What is your experience with cases like mine?
• How many cases like mine have you handled?
• What is your success rate in these types of cases?
• How would you handle my case specifically?
• What are the potential outcomes of my case?
• How much will it cost to hire you?

Additionally, you can use this time to get a better sense of their personality and communication style. Do they make you feel comfortable? Do they listen to your concerns? Do they answer your questions in a way that makes sense to you? If not, they may not be the right attorney for you.

Do ask about their fees

Fees can vary significantly from one personal injury attorney to the next. Some may charge by the hour, while others may take a percentage of your settlement. There are even some attorneys who will work on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you win your case.

Be sure to ask about their fees upfront, so there are no surprises down the road. You should also find out how they plan to bill you (hourly, percentage of the settlement, etc.) and what their payment terms are (weekly, monthly, etc.). This will help you budget for your legal costs and avoid any financial surprises down the road.

Do get everything in writing

Once you’ve decided to hire an attorney, be sure to get everything in writing. This includes their fee agreement as well as a detailed explanation of their services. This will help ensure that there are no misunderstandings down the road.

For instance, you may want to ask them to put in writing how much they’ll charge you, how they plan to bill you, and when they expect to be paid. You should also ask them to explain what services they’ll be providing and how often they’ll be communicating with you. This will help ensure that both you and your attorney are on the same page from the start.

Do provide honest information

If you decide to hire a personal injury attorney, you must be honest with them about your case. This includes providing accurate information about your injuries, how the accident happened, and what medical treatment you’ve received. It’s also important to be honest about your expectations for the case and any financial limitations you may have.

While it may be tempting to exaggerate your injuries or the circumstances of the accident, this can backfire if your case goes to trial. If the jury finds out that you weren’t truthful, they may disbelieve everything you say, which could jeopardize your chances of winning.

However, personal injury cases can often take months or even years to resolve. This is especially true if your case goes to trial. Be sure to discuss this with your attorney beforehand so you can manage your expectations and plan accordingly.

Don’t sign anything without consulting an attorney

If the other party’s insurance company offers you a settlement, don’t sign anything until you’ve consulted with a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies often try to take advantage of accident victims by offering them low settlements. An experienced attorney will be able to evaluate your case and determine if the offer is fair.

Additionally, don’t sign any releases or waivers without consulting an attorney. These documents may release the other party from liability, which could prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve.

When you’re hiring a personal injury attorney in Charleston, it’s important to do your research, ask lots of questions, and get everything in writing.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that you find the right attorney for your case, and by avoiding some common pitfalls, you can help protect your rights and maximize your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.