Before starting a trial, a PI attorney will perform a thorough analysis of liability. This process often involves extensive research and reviewing relevant legal precedents. It will determine whether the client has a valid basis to pursue a claim against a party responsible for an accident. Simple cases, such as an auto accident, will require less analysis, while more complex cases may require more time and effort.
PI lawyers specialize in a specific area of law
When it comes to personal injury law, it makes sense to hire a lawyer who specializes in this area. However, not all lawyers are created equal. Some are general practitioners and will handle cookie-cutter cases. For example, they may be good at filing bankruptcy and divorce cases. They may even handle traffic ticket infractions. But you won’t get the same level of service if you hire a general practitioner.
They advocate for clients before and during the trial
Although personal injury lawyers are primarily interested in settling cases out of court, they are also involved in the trial process. These attorneys must navigate obstacles within the legal system and the opposing side of a lawsuit. Their work requires them to juggle a large caseload, meet tight deadlines, and represent demanding clients. The best part of this profession, however, is advocating for injured victims.
The best personal injury lawyers are knowledgeable in their field and constantly update their skills to stay on top of legal developments. Lawyers who regularly lecture at legal education seminars and write articles on related topics generally have high regard amongst their peers. Check their website to see if they have any speaking engagements on their resume. If they don’t, request a resume. However, if they are unwilling to provide testimonials from past clients, this may be a red flag.
They perform a detailed liability analysis
To help determine whether you have a viable claim, personal injury attorneys perform a detailed liability analysis. This process involves thorough research on applicable laws and precedents, establishing a solid rationale for pursuing a claim against a responsible party. Although simple auto accidents can be settled without this step, more complex cases require a more thorough analysis. If you feel you have a valid claim, contact a personal injury attorney today.
In addition to performing a detailed liability analysis, personal injury lawyers also collect evidence from the accident scene to support their client’s case. These pieces of evidence include photos of injuries, eyewitness statements, CCTV footage, and police reports. A detailed description of the accident is essential for establishing fault and determining how much compensation you can receive. Your attorney will carefully analyze the evidence to support your claim, presenting it to the court as evidence.
They negotiate with insurance companies
Many people involved in serious accidents will have to deal with insurance companies. You may have heard that personal injury attorneys negotiate with insurance companies to maximize the amount of compensation they pay to their clients. But how do these negotiations work in practice? Perhaps you are feeling that the insurance company has offered a low settlement that you cannot accept. Unless you are a lawyer, you should not try to negotiate with the insurer on your own. If you are not sure how to approach the insurance company, here are a few tips.
The first thing PI attorneys do is evaluate your claim. If you attempt to negotiate with the insurance company yourself, you may be tempted to say something that could be used against you in court. Remember, the insurance company’s job is to save money, so they will often try to use your statements against you. An attorney can effectively deal with these negotiations on your behalf. And don’t be afraid to tell your lawyer everything.
