Have you been injured recently by the negligence of someone else?
Whether you’re the victim of an automobile accident or hurt after a slip and fall, you may be considering whether to hire a personal injury attorney.
But what does a personal injury lawyer do?
The simple answer is that a personal injury attorney acts as a legal representative for clients who were injured as a result of another’s actions. But the day-to-day reality is so much more than that.
In this article, we’ll go over what a personal injury lawyer does and how they can provide support to your case.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
Any injury that was caused by another person, company, or organization can become a personal injury case.
The most common of these injuries are:
- Auto accidents
- Defective products
- Drowning injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip & fall accidents
- Wrongful death
This is just a small list of the many different types of personal injury cases that an attorney may deal with or specialize in.
Finding the right personal injury lawyer is a lot like finding a family doctor: the right credentials are just as important as a good bedside manner. It’s important to find a qualified attorney you can trust.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
Personal injury law is a type of tort law, which deals with providing relief and compensation to people injured by another’s actions (or lack of actions). This means that both neglect and intentional acts of violence fall under the reach of a personal injury lawyer.
Although many people may think of lawyers in a courtroom setting, oftentimes the most important work they perform is spent outside the court, lending their time and expertise to your case. Personal injury lawyers wear many hats during your case to both advocate for and represent you.
1. Advising
Most people hire a personal injury lawyer for one main reason: their knowledge of the law.
Personal injury attorneys are vital for their understanding of the law and your rights as a victim.
The first thing your attorney will do is take the time to discuss your case in detail. They will go over the facts, how the law applies to your case, the potential outcomes, and any other relevant details.
Having a solid grasp of personal injury law will help your attorney provide the best guidance for your situation.
2. Investigating
As part of being your representative and advocate, your personal injury attorney is highly motivated to win your case. This often calls for an investigation.
Your attorney will speak to witnesses, examine the police report, document the scene of the accident, and gather other evidence to build your case.
3. Negotiating
Sometimes, your personal injury case may require negotiating with insurance companies or other businesses to reach a mutual agreement. This is best accomplished by a professional with a clear understanding of the law and how similar cases were settled.
Not having a personal injury lawyer on your side could result in you accepting way less than you deserve, simply because you did not know what you were entitled to.
4. Communicating
After an auto accident, slip & fall, or other injury, there are many different parties that want to communicate with you. This is a useful time to start using the classic phrase, “Speak with my attorney.”
As a layperson, you won’t always know what to say or not say to the opposing party. And the last thing you want is to give them information that can be used against you.
Instead, rely on your personal injury attorney to do the talking for you.
5. Litigating
Most personal injury cases are handled outside of the courtroom, but in the event that your case goes to trial, your personal injury attorney will represent you.
Trying a case is a special skill that few people (not to mention lawyers) have. Finding a personal injury attorney with the right background and skills for the job is vital to winning your case.
The Importance of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring the right personal injury lawyer for you is crucial to the success of your particular case.
You need to spend time with your attorney to get a feel for the way he or she operates and determine if they are the best person to represent you.
The attorney-client relationship is built on trust and respect for one another. This relationship develops through strong communication and honesty.
If your injuries are caused by the negligent actions of another person, you should contact a personal injury lawyer today.
At Sunshine State Law Firm, we put the interests of our client above all else. Call us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you!