When you hire a personal injury attorney, you count on him to use his skills, knowledge, and insight to handle your case in a way that gives you the best opportunity to obtain the most compensation you deserve. While you are right to expect this from your attorney, there are things that you can do to help him do the best job possible. Here are four important considerations that will help your case:
- Get Information and Evidence. Gathering as much information and evidence immediately after the crash/incident can help preserve important details and can give your attorney a head start in assembling the evidence he or she will need to put on a strong case. Take pictures, get the names and contact information of any witnesses, and preserve any physical evidence you can.
- Don’t Delay Hiring an Attorney. If you have any desire to seek justice or get the help you need to recover from your injuries, retaining an attorney as soon as possible after your crash/incident is crucial. There are time limits for filing claims which differ based upon what happened to you – and some are extremely short. Also, memories fade, evidence disappears, and any insurance company involved is diligently working to find ways to avoid or minimize the amount they have to pay. Don’t give them that head start.
- Do NOT Negotiate or Enter into an Agreement with an Insurance Company. Insurance companies aren’t charities. They are in business solely to make money. One way they try to maximize their profitability is to resolve claims as quickly and cheaply as possible. They want you to settle for significantly less than your claim is actually worth so they tempt you with quick cash-flow. Don’t be tempted. If you start to negotiate with them without an attorney, you could be costing yourself significant amounts of compensation – even if you later choose to hire an attorney.
- Tell Your Attorney Everything and Listen to Him. Your attorney is there to fight for you. By working on a contingency fee basis, the attorney only gets paid if he wins. So he has an incentive to work extremely hard for you. In order to thoroughly understand your situation and develop the best strategy, he will need you to provide full and complete information about your ordeal and your injuries. Do not hold back anything; especially any information that you believe may hurt your case. It is important that you let your attorney know that now because it will come out at some point. Everything you and your attorney discuss is protected by the attorney-client privilege. Remember that. Also, if your attorney asks you to see a doctor or take (or not take) any other steps they deem advisable, they are doing so for a reason. A good attorney will explain what steps they need you to take and fully explain why those steps need to be taken.
The Goodman Law Firm: Experience, Success and Compassion in Ohio Personal Injury Law
Attorney Grant Goodman and his staff at the Goodman Law Firm in Cleveland focus only on personal injury, wrongful death and malpractice claims. With this focus comes skill that has led to millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Along with results, the Goodman Difference is passion and a personal touch. Let us show you what the Goodman Difference is about. Let us help guide you along the path so we can tell the best story to the insurance company, judge or jury. Call 216-928-9990 for a free consultation.
This article has been prepared by the Goodman Law Firm for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.