Most people in Los Angeles have no clue how to deal with a personal injury claim. It could be related to a road mishap or a case of medical malpractice. More often than not, victims accept the insurance offer because they are not sure whether they deserve more. If you think your claim is valid based on initial facts, you can talk to a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer. Competent lawyers can get you a much higher settlement than you think, and there is no replacement for their expertise. Here’s what you must know about seeking help from an attorney.
Deciding the right course
Once you have shortlisted a couple of attorneys, call their offices and ask for an appointment. The initial meeting allows you to decide whether an injury lawyer is the right fit for your case and whether you would want to continue with them. Make a list of relevant questions that pertain to your claim, such as –
- What is my claim worth?
- What do you think can affect my final settlement?
- How long will it take to settle this claim?
- Do you have experience in handling similar cases?
- What are your first impressions of my situation?
Your injury lawyer will also share all the key details that you need to know, including ways to deal with the claims adjuster when they call for a statement.
Honesty matters
Clients often think they can outsmart their injury lawyers by telling favorable facts. One of the key reasons why you are hiring an attorney is to ensure that you don’t settle for less. You need to be forthcoming with facts. For instance, if you had a role in causing the accident or failed to seek treatment as suggested by your doctor, your lawyer should know these details. Make sure that you share all the evidence and details you have, even when things are not in your favor. This allows the lawyer to make the right judgment about the situation and investigate the case accordingly.
Hiring injury lawyers
Most injury lawyers will not ask for a fee immediately when they take the case. This is a contingency arrangement where the lawyer gets a share of your compensation. That also means that you need to win for the lawyer to claim a fee, and therefore, it makes it much easier to seek legal help when you need the most. Just ensure you hire an attorney without delay.