When grappling with losses after a car crash in Fort Wayne or dealing with injuries after a slip & fall mishap, you need the best legal team to represent your claim. Indiana has fairly balanced laws, and victims have the scope to seek compensation from at-fault parties. Despite the good things, recovering a settlement can be an uphill battle, and an experienced attorney can change the course of your case. If you are new to hiring a Fort Wayne personal injury attorney, watch out for these mistakes.
- Failing to research enough: You would want to hire someone who specializes in personal injury law and has been practicing in the state for at least a few years. Talk to people you know, look at online ratings, and check for directories available on the internet – Find as many potential law firms as you can find.
- Ignoring the first consultation: If you want to get genuine advice on your next step, you have to meet an attorney. Firms in Fort Wayne don’t charge a fee for the first consultation session, and you can discuss the claim in detail. Don’t judge an attorney over a phone call.
- Lack of preparation before the meeting: Lawyers often meet many clients on the same day, and they expect transparency and details. If you are going to meet an injury lawyer, ensure that you are prepared and have everything with you, including police reports and witness details (if any).
- Not asking about the fee: Yes, injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, which means they get paid after your win. However, you should still know what it takes to engage an attorney. The fee structure doesn’t include other expenses, which you should ask about. Your lawyer can offer assistance for things like investigation costs, but clear that in advance.
- Trusting guarantees: If you come across an attorney who is ready to promise you a particular figure in settlement or is offering advice that sounds unethical, do not hire them. Keep in mind that no law firm has absolute control over how injury cases shape up, and promises are usually fake and exaggerated.
- Not discussing communication: You should know injury lawsuits can take time, which means you cannot hope for an update every third day. However, you must be able to contact the attorney and ask for information.
Call a capable lawyer today and find out how to expand your scope. All it takes is the right strategy to win a personal injury case.
