Tips to Find the Right Personal Injury Attorney in Philadelphia
Philadelphia roads are narrow and congested. The Southeastern Philadelphia Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates a large fleet of buses throughout the city and suburbs. While buses are a convenient way to get around, they can also be dangerous.
Accidents happen at any time, and when they do, you may need to seek the help of a personal injury lawyer. If you’ve never had to hire a personal injury lawyer before, it can be challenging to know where to start. How do you choose the right lawyer for your case? What must you look for in a lawyer?
This guide will discuss choosing the right Philadelphia personal injury lawyer for you and what to expect from your legal representation.
1) Check for License and Experience
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO) is the most prominent prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, serving more than 1.5 million residents of the City and County of Philadelphia. It employs licensed lawyers in the city.
You should check to make sure the state of Pennsylvania licenses your lawyer. A licensed attorney has gone through a rigorous process to prove they are qualified to practice law.
In addition to the license, you should also check for experience. Personal injury cases can be challenging to win, and you need a lawyer who knows what they’re doing. Ask the lawyer how many injury cases they have tried and won.
Philadelphia has many qualified lawyers who can represent you well, but not all of them are right for your case. You must ask about their knowledge and experience before hiring them.
2) Ask For Referrals
When you’re looking for a lawyer, it’s helpful to ask friends and family members if they know any good lawyers. Your family members may have had a personal injury case in the past, and they will be able to recommend someone who can help you.
If you don’t have any friends or family members who can refer you to a lawyer, you can check online directories or the Pennsylvania Bar Association website.
When looking for a lawyer, it’s essential to find qualified personal injury cases. Ask your lawyer if they have any experience with your type of case.
3) Check If They Can Handle Different Personal Injury Cases
Personal injuries can occur in the following ways:
- Car Accidents
- Slip and Fall
- Dog Bites
- Wrongful Death
- Medical Malpractice
- Product Liability
- Railroad Accidents
- Aviation Accidents
- Boating and Fishing Accidents
Your lawyer should have experience in handling different types of personal injury cases. They may not be the best lawyer for your case if they don’t.
Make sure to ask your Philadelphia personal injury lawyer if they have experience in your type of case. If not, they may be able to refer you to a lawyer who does.
4) Ask About Fees
Most personal injury attorneys are ready to work on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid until you win your case. It is helpful if you are worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer.
However, not all lawyers work on contingency, so be sure to ask before hiring one.
Some lawyers may require a retainer fee, an upfront payment that covers the case costs.
Be sure to ask about the lawyer’s fees before hiring them. It will help you avoid any surprises down the road. A lawyer’s fees include the following:
- Court Costs
- Attorney Fees
- Expert Witness Fees
- Deposition Expenses
- Medical Record Copying
- Travel Expenses
- Case Management Fees
- Mediation and Arbitration Costs
- Accounting Fees
- Postage Fees
- Court Reporter Fees
- Settlement Negotiation Costs
Ask your lawyer about their fees and what they cover. It is essential to understand what you are paying for.
5) Check If They Can Talk to Insurance Companies on Your Behalf
Many personal injury cases involve insurance companies. Insurance companies don’t want to pay out money for claims, so they may try to settle with you for less than what you deserve.
Your lawyer should be able to talk to the insurance company on your behalf and get you the best settlement possible.
Insurance claims will include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
Your lawyer can help you get the most money possible from the insurance company for your claim.
It is extremely necessary to hire a lawyer who can handle different personal injury claims and talk to the insurance company.
6) Check If They Can Represent You in Court
Not all injury cases go to trial. If a case goes to court, you’ll want a lawyer who can represent you well.
You want to hire a lawyer who has won many cases after a lawsuit.
Conclusion
Hiring a lawyer is an important decision, and you want to choose one that’s right for your case. You can find the best injury lawyer for your case using these tips.
