Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for you is important to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. With so many attorneys in Petoskey, it can be hard to know how to find the right person for your case. However, there are some strategies you can use to get the help you need after a serious personal injury.
Look for an Experienced Lawyer
It’s important to find a Petoskey personal injury attorney who has experience with cases like yours. They can provide valuable insights into the strategy you should use to develop a strong argument to get the compensation you need and deserve.
Experienced attorneys know how to handle an array of personal injury cases, and they have resources that will benefit your claim. They know experts who can provide opinions in your case, and they aren’t afraid to fight back against the insurance companies who will try to take advantage of you.
Ask for Referrals and Check Online Reviews
The best way to find a Petoskey personal injury lawyer you can trust is to ask friends, family, and colleagues who they have used in the past. Their recommendations can provide information about how the attorney will handle your case and whether they are reliable.
You should also look at online reviews on Google, Avvo, and Yelp. Former clients often provide in-depth information about how attorneys work with clients. You can also ask potential attorneys for reviews from previous clients. Many lawyers have testimonials on their websites.
Meet Them in an Initial Consultation
Schedule a consultation and ask as many questions as possible. Inquire about the lawyer’s experience, fees, and how they might approach your case. Most personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation. Use that time wisely.
Some questions you should consider asking a potential attorney include, but are not limited to:
How long have you been practicing law?
What are your fees? Do you charge anything up front?
If I lose, will I be responsible for any case-related costs?
Have you tried personal injury cases similar to mine?
How much time can you devote to my case?
Who will be handling my case?
What is your preferred method of communication? How often will we communicate?
Typically, how long does it take to resolve a case like mine?
How much money do you think my case is worth?
Your goal is to become comfortable with the attorney before you hire them.
Ensure they Have Good Communication
A responsive lawyer will keep you informed throughout the legal process. This is important in a personal injury lawsuit because you will have many issues to consider.
While the legal process can begin slowly in a personal injury case, that doesn’t mean your attorney should go radio silent. Find out how often and by what means they will contact you.
Understand the Fee Structure
Be clear about your attorney’s fee structure. Do they use a contingency fee basis? Do they charge an hourly rate? What happens to case-related costs like filing fees and mailing expenses? There is no single way that personal injury attorneys operate when it comes to their fees.
You have a right to understand how and when you will be charged for legal services. The attorney should be able to estimate how much cases like yours cost to litigate. You may have sticker shock, but keep in mind that you are more likely to get a larger settlement when you work with an attorney.
Start to Gain Trust in Your Lawyer
During your initial consultation, you should begin to get a sense of trust and comfort. You should be confident that they are knowledgeable about state and local personal injury laws that apply to your case.
If you have any questions, your attorney should be able to answer them. If they don’t have an immediate answer, they should be able to find the information easily. Trusted lawyers are open with their knowledge and easily share with potential clients.
Check the Lawyer’s Bar Membership
Ensure the lawyer is in good standing with the state bar association. The State Bar of Michigan has a Lawyer Referral Service, which can be reached at (800) 968-0738. You can call this line and ensure the Petoskey personal injury attorney you’re researching is on their list.
If an attorney has been disciplined or isn’t a member of the state bar, you should reconsider using them as your legal representative. While it is possible for some lawyers to have minor discipline in the past, you should be able to find out enough details to ask the right questions during your initial consultation.
Consider the Lawyer’s Location
While it’s not always necessary, having a lawyer in your local area can be convenient. Consider methods of communication with the attorney as well as whether you’ll need to go into the office often. In many cases, you’ll be able to handle most interactions electronically if you do choose a lawyer who is farther away from you.
Your attorney does not have to be located directly in your city. However, they should be within your state or geographic area. You will likely need to visit the office at least once – even if it’s to sign your settlement check.
Don’t Be Afraid to Interview Multiple Lawyers
Compare various law firms and find out as much information as possible about their approach to your case. Some personal injury law firms are good at moving cases quickly; however, they may not get you the most money possible. Similarly, you don’t want to be waiting years for compensation. Most people want something in between.
.
When you meet with an attorney, take notes and compare their answers. Find out exactly how they can help you and determine who fits your personality and case the best.
Why You Should Choose MichiganLawsuit.com
The trusted personal injury lawyers at MichiganLawsuit.com have helped countless clients through the legal process in Petoskey.
We Get You Compensation Now
We understand that you need compensation now. We offer efficient settlement methods with skilled negotiation. We aren’t afraid to go up against the insurance company’s attorneys and force them to pay our demands.
We Don’t Charge Up Front Fees
We know you’re not interested in paying high legal fees. That’s why we work on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing up front. You won’t pay us until you win a jury verdict or receive a settlement in your case.
We Are Your Trusted Team of Lawyers
When you hire us, you get more than a lawyer. You get a team of personal injury professionals who will focus on your case until we help you get the compensation you need. You can trust us to guide you through the legal process and get what you need.
Call MichiganLawsuit.com To Get Started
When you’re looking for the right personal injury lawyer near you in Petoskey, MI, you should ask several key questions. Consider location, communication, experience, and knowledge to find the right attorney.
MichiganLawsuit.com has a team of Petoskey personal injury attorneys who are ready to speak with you. We offer free initial consultations. You won’t pay us anything until you get your personal injury settlement. Call us today!
Comments