Having an experienced New York personal injury attorney by your side provides unbiased opinions that are unclouded by the fear, anger, frustration and stress many victims experience. They are also able to take steps to prevent you from being taken advantage of by insurance companies.
Once they have gathered information about your accident and injuries, they will file a lawsuit against the negligent party. Then they will initiate discovery processes, which can include interrogatories and depositions.
1. Experience
A reputable personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal system and secure the maximum compensation for your injuries. They are skilled negotiators and experienced trial attorneys.
They will investigate your case thoroughly to establish that the at-fault party is liable for your damages. They will examine police reports, interview witnesses, and review medical records. They will also use physical evidence such as photographs, videos, and documents.
They will know how much you deserve based on what similar cases have settled for. They will also take into account non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish. These damages can be difficult to determine and may require a jury trial to receive a fair amount.
2. Reputation
Many personal injury attorneys have an excellent reputation. Those who have won significant settlements command high salaries. However, compensation varies from state to state and depends on firm size and law firm structure.
Insurance companies and potential defendants in a personal injury case try everything they can to scare victims away from hiring personal injury lawyers. They might publish news releases, spin media stories or even use outside investigators to tame personal injury attorneys’ reputations.
Despite the sour stereotype perpetuated by comics and late-show hosts, most personal injury consumers do not view lawyers as ambulance chasers. They are more likely than the average legal consumer to value third-party attorney ratings and care about an attorney’s win/loss record. Displaying accolades prominently on your website could increase the number of PI cases your firm takes on.
3. Knowledge of the Law
Injury lawyers must have an in-depth understanding of tort law, which is designed to protect people who have suffered a loss due to the wrongful actions of others. They must know how to determine what a fair settlement is based on how similar cases have been settled in the past.
They also need to understand the specifics of your case, including details about what caused the accident. They may have relationships with investigators who can document the scene of the accident or speak with witnesses to shed light on the circumstances.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. In fact, studies show that victims who have legal assistance receive settlements 3 1/2 times larger than those without it.
4. Ability to Negotiate
Having worked on numerous cases, personal injury attorneys have a good idea of what a case is worth based on injuries and losses. They can identify whether the insurance company is presenting a low number just to close the claim quickly and not pay what you are owed.
They can also establish causation by demonstrating that the defendant’s actions or negligence directly caused harm to their client. They can also anticipate counterarguments and address them effectively. They can also cite non-economic damages such as severe pain and emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and worsening of preexisting conditions. This can help strengthen their negotiation position. Most personal injury cases never go to trial, but are resolved through mediation and negotiation. This is why having a dedicated personal injury attorney is so important.
5. Ability to Collect Evidence
Evidence is one of the most important aspects of any legal case. Without sufficient or strong evidence, a jury may reduce a verdict or settlement amount or deny the claim entirely.
Physical evidence, such as photographs or video, is vital for proving an accident and your injuries. Your attorney will request any police or incident reports as well as witness testimony.
Medical records are also crucial to a personal injury case, as they provide proof of your injuries and their effects on your life. They help determine the length of treatment and the expenses incurred as well as support your credibility in a court of law. They will also negotiate with insurance providers and handle all communication on your behalf. This way, you can focus on your recovery.
