If you are currently involved in a personal injury claim, you know that the process can be hard. Knowing who to turn to, what lawyer is the best, and whether to sue or not isn’t easy. There is a lot of advice out there, but should you take the first advice you get or seek a second opinion?
Like many things in life, not all advice is good advice. Getting the advice of several professionals can be the best way to make sure you are on the right track. When it comes to legal advice, the more advice you get can help you make a more informed decision.
Legal cases involve a lot of fine print, confusing language, and legal terms. Getting advice from more than one lawyer is a great way to ensure you understand all the important issues in your claim.
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First Steps for a Personal Injury Claim
If you are in an accident there are several things you need to do to protect yourself. Do not assume that a business or individual will do the right thing. Take these steps early to protect your personal and financial well-being.
- Collect Evidence: Take photos of the scene (use your phone if needed). Look for witnesses and get their names. Make sure to document injuries and damages.
- Write it Down: As soon as you can, write down everything that happened. The mind has a way of forgetting things or altering things so the sooner you do this the better. Get your statement in writing so you will have it when you need it.
- Write Down Contact Information: Keep a record of contact information. Get the contact information for everyone involved in the accident and witnesses.
- Make Notes: If you have any conversations about the accident make notes of the details. If you speak to anyone about the accident, it’s good to have a document detailing the conversation.
- Seek Advice: Call a lawyer soon after your accident. Depending on location and circumstances you may have a limited time to file. Call a lawyer soon and if possible, seek a second opinion.
Following these steps will help when it comes time for a lawsuit. You will have evidence and details of the accident that could help you to win your case. Doing this work early in the process will help increase your chances of winning your case.
Speaking to a Lawyer
Seeking the advice of a lawyer is an important step in the process. It is difficult to file a lawsuit without the aid of a lawyer so seeking out the best lawyer is important. You will want to call for a consultation to meet your lawyer and make sure they are a good fit.
Once you meet with your lawyer and discuss your case you will want to consider your options. Your lawyer may state that you do not have a strong case. Now what? You can seek a second opinion.
Reasons to Get a Second Opinion:
There are many reasons you may want to get a second opinion for your personal injury case. You may not like the advice your lawyer gave you or you may not like the lawyer. There is no wrong reason when it comes to getting a second opinion.
Lack of Trust
Trust is very important when it comes to hiring a lawyer. This person will be providing advice to you, so you need to be able to rely on them to represent you well. You should be able to trust your lawyer one hundred percent.
If you do not trust your lawyer, then seeking a second opinion is important. You will want to find an alternative that you find more trustworthy.
Disagreement on Case
If you meet with a lawyer and they tell you that you do not have a case, or you disagree as to the value of the claim or how to present the claim, then seeking a second opinion may be helpful. One lawyer may not feel confident in their ability to win the case, but another lawyer may feel different. You will not know unless you seek a second opinion.
Confidence in Competency
Along with trust, you should feel confident in your lawyer’s ability to win your case. Competency in the courtroom is a must for any lawyer you higher for your lawsuit.
If you have a lack of confidence in your lawyer, then seek out advice from another lawyer to find a better fit.
How to Seek a Second Opinion
Getting a second opinion is as easy as it was to find your original lawyer. You will need to call another lawyer and set up a second consultation to discuss your case. You can repeat this process as many times as you need until you find the perfect lawyer for you.
There are several qualities you should look for in a lawyer for a personal injury lawsuit. Your lawyer should have good communication with you, including returning your calls in a reasonable amount of time. They should be willing to answer your questions.
Your lawyer should encourage you to seek medical care if needed. You should feel comfortable seeking the care you need from the accident.
Your lawyer should not pressure you in any way. They should not encourage you to settle for lesser than you feel you deserve. They should also not encourage you to not pursue a lawsuit.
Making sure that you have a good lawyer is important in a personal injury lawsuit. Review your options and make the best decision for your situation. If you are unhappy with your current lawyer, then seek a second opinion that better fits your needs.
Still looking for the right lawyer for your injury case? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
