If you get hurt due to somebody’s negligence, you deserve rightful compensation to ensure that the financial burden doesn’t add to the physical one you are already experiencing.
However, getting compensated is not as straightforward as you might think, which is why you need to hire a personal injury lawyer.
A car accident lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in handling cases related to car accidents. They help victims who have been injured in a car crash due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness. A car accident lawyer can assist with the process of filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing clients in court. They have a deep understanding of the legal system and can provide valuable guidance on the best course of action to take in a particular case.
Besides ensuring that you are reasonably compensated, getting a personal injury lawyer to work for you saves you from the complicated process of litigating your case. This way, you get the peace of mind you need to focus on recovering.
But how do I find and vet a personal injury lawyer near me?
Here are three qualifications you need to check for if you want to hire the best attorney for your case.
1. The Education and Certification to Practice
Despite carving out a niche in handling personal injury cases, the lawyer you hire should have the same education and training as any other. Before hiring one, first, ascertain that they hold a law degree and have passed a written bar exam.
A personal injury lawyer’s specialty is tort law, and so, in addition to the law degree, many of them will seek certification in civil trial advocacy.
For that, they’ll have to finish a specialty certification program that is approved by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification (NBTA). NBTA is a non-profit organization recognized and accredited by the American Bar Association that ascertains lawyers have adequate training to practice within their specialty.
2. The Right Set of Skills
A personal injury lawyer should have excellent negotiation capabilities to succeed in their career, and more importantly, your case. That means they should possess several relevant qualities and skills.
Some skills you should keep an eye out for include:
- Oratory skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Good written communication
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Compassionate
On top of these critical skills, the attorney should have a solid dedication to justice and a strict code of ethics.
3. Excellent Grasp and Experience in Personal Injury Law
Any good lawyer should know the law within their specialty. So, an excellent personal injury lawyer should have an in-depth understanding of the federal and state laws regarding personal injury litigation.
Laws regarding personal injury cases vary from state to state, and, in some states, they are pretty complicated. Therefore, you want to be sure that your potential lawyer knows what they are doing and can provide proper representation.
But how can you test this?
Try checking the attorney’s or the firm’s track record. Also, be sure that the lawyer has handled similar cases in your state before. Alternatively, schedule an initial consultation to find out more about the prospective lawyer to know if they have adequate experience for your case.
Finding a Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me: What Else Should I Know?
If you’ve been injured at work, on the road, or even while shopping at your favorite store, and believe you have a case against a liable party, a personal injury lawyer is definitely the first person you should contact.
Remember, the earlier you seek legal help, the better for your settlement claim, as statutes of limitations apply in most states.
But if you’re worried about making the wrong choice, consider the pointers listed above to guide you through the hiring process.
