Priya Rai
Legal representation is a vital element to winning full compensation after sustaining injuries because of another person’s negligence. Hiring a personal injury lawyer will make the difference in your case, but do you understand what they are supposed to do for you?
If you do not have a clue of what to expect from your lawyer, you might overpay or miss out on some valued services. Specific services will depend on the type of personal injury case. However, some responsibilities remain the same across the board. Read on to learn more about how a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue rightful compensation.
Duties of a Personal Injury Lawyer
1. Assessing and Explaining the Case
The first thing an attorney will do is examine the details of your case. Personal injury cases are specific and ruled by complex laws. Looking at the type of injury and the circumstances that led to the accident, the attorney will advise you of your options to move forward.
The assumption you must pursue compensation from the party at fault can be misleading. An experienced Seattle personal injury attorney can explain the entire process and represent your best interest every step of the way.
2. Gathering Evidence
If your attorney thinks you have a strong case with a good chance of winning, the next step is to gather a preponderance of the evidence. It is their responsibility to make sure the necessary evidence is collected immediately.
Collecting evidence is not a simple process, it involves taking pictures at the scene, getting reports from the police, medical reports, and retrieving CCTV footage. These initial stages are key to the success of your claim and a top-rated lawyer will know the shortcuts.
3. Negotiating with the Insurance Company
If you decide to face an insurance company on your own, you’re up against a massive corporation with robust legal teams. Insurance companies are profit-oriented and their negotiation schemes are an ordeal you do not want to go through.
Personal injury lawyers are accustomed to the path and have taken it many times. They know best how to deal with the insurance company. Focus on your health and recovery while your attorney fights for maximum compensation.
4. Protecting Client Rights
Consider freely providing your attorney all pieces of information about the case because they have your best interest in mind and can never share it with anyone. They are bound by the attorney-client privilege. Information is power when it comes to legal procedures and you must never leave any details behind.
Also, if your case goes to court, your attorney will advise you on when and how you provide information. Some details are kept between you and your lawyer, while others must be released in court.
5. Representing Clients in Court
Many personal injury cases are settled through mediation or after negotiations between representing attorneys. If the lawyers cannot agree or, in big cases, like wrongful death after the accident, the case can end up in court.
The lawyer you choose must be willing to take the long court route to get you what you deserve. For your case to win, they should be able to relate well with the jury and have your case heard.
Find an Attorney You Can Trust
Personal injury attorneys have many responsibilities and, for a case to win, they will put in more work than you may realize. There are many law firms out there, but not all of them are trustworthy. Choose someone with your best interest at heart.
If you made the right choice, you will be comfortable knowing someone is fighting for you. You should trust them with the most intimate details of the case. Otherwise, they might misjudge the value of your claim, leaving you less compensation than you are owed.
