If you’re involved in a personal injury accident, it’s very important to hire the right personal injury lawyer to represent you. While many may rush to hire the first attorney they come across with a quick online search, it’s critical to take your time and do the research to ensure you land with an experienced personal injury attorney who has not only represented cases like yours — but won them, too.
In this blog, we offer advice on how to find the right accident attorney, tips for hiring a personal injury lawyer in Denver, and highlight five mistakes to avoid when hiring a personal injury lawyer in Denver. Like any relationship, you want a personal injury attorney who will communicate openly and thoroughly, dedicate time and resources to your case, and do everything it takes to ensure you receive fair and full compensation for your injuries. They should also be compassionate, fair, and honest.
At the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm, our entire team is dedicated to defending your rights. If you’ve been involved in any type of personal injury accident, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and more, we can help you receive the financial compensation you deserve. Give us a quick call today to learn more about the specific details of your situation and what we can do for you and your case.
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What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
If you’ve never worked with a Denver personal injury attorney before, you may not have a clear picture of what services they can offer. In fact, many ask, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer in Denver.” Chances are, yes, you do. While some may feel like they don’t need legal assistance, most personal injury accident suits benefit from having a legal expert representing them.
First off, a personal injury lawyer will help you understand your case. It’s important to note that not every accident victim is eligible for financial compensation. These experts can help you determine the best course of action and see if you even have a winnable case on your hands. With a quick call to a personal injury law firm, you can save yourself a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Additionally, they can accurately assess the true value of your case. Insurance companies are notorious for undervaluing settlements. They are, after all, still for-profit companies trying to make money. A personal injury attorney knows how to accurately assess the value of your case so you get what you deserve, and they can even mediate on your behalf with your insurance company or another attorney.
While most personal injury suits are settled out of court, some still go to trial. It takes years of experience and expertise to know how to represent a case in front of a judge. After your accident, you shouldn’t have to burden all these concerns on your own. Hire a personal injury attorney, and you’ll have a legal expert in your corner.
Is it Expensive To Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Many people may hesitate to work with a personal injury lawyer after an accident because one more expense is truly the last thing they need. But in most cases, this concern is unfounded. Many personal injury law firms, including the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm, work strictly on contingency fees for their clients. What does this mean? Essentially, they only receive a payment if you win your case. Thus, they only get paid if you do.
5 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring Your Personal Injury Attorney
1. Making a Rushed Decision.
Just like any relationship, finding the right injury lawyer for your case takes time. You may be tempted to work with the first car accident lawyer in Denver you come across, but there’s no harm in contacting multiple attorneys and taking the time to do your research. Getting the right attorney for your case will save you time in the long run.
2. Being Afraid To Ask Questions.
Walking into a law office can be intimidating, but it’s important to remember that everyone in that office is there to support you. When you sit down with a potential personal injury lawyer for the first time, don’t hesitate to ask any questions that come to mind. Don’t worry if it doesn’t seem like a “good” question. Communication is essential, especially early on, so go ahead and ask what’s on your mind.
What are some important questions to ask your personal injury lawyer?
- What do you charge for your services?
- How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
- How will you keep me updated on my case as it progresses?
- Will you personally be representing my case?
- Have you handled cases like mine before?
- How much time can you devote to my case?
- What do you think my case is worth?
- How long will it take to reach a settlement?
- If necessary, will you take my case to trial?
Your personal injury lawyer should be able to adequately answer all these questions and more. Of course, with some questions, such as the value of the case or the time to settlement, they may only be able to offer rough estimates. But they should still be able to give you an idea of the scope of your case.
3. Hiring a General Practice Lawyer.
No two cases are the exact same, and your personal injury lawyer will know this. Some clients rush to hire the first lawyer they run across, hoping that they also cover the needs of their case. And yes, while a general practice lawyer can take on many different kinds of cases, you want one with specific experience taking on (and winning) cases similar to yours.
For example, if you are involved in a truck accident, you are going to want a truck accident lawyer in Denver to represent your case, likewise, for motorcycle accident lawyers in Denver or pedestrian accident lawyers in Denver. Specialized law firms know exactly what it takes to win your case in these practice areas and are well worth looking into if you are wondering how to find a personal injury lawyer in Denver. Call Paul today.
4. Paying Upfront.
As previously noted, most personal injury attorneys work on contingency fees. This means that they only get paid if you win your case. Thus, in most circumstances, you should never have to pay upfront for the services of a personal injury attorney. If they do demand upfront payment, this is a major red flag.
5. Hiring a Lawyer Who Won’t Go To Trial.
While most personal injury cases are settled out of court, some may still need to go to trial. This means you’ll want a personal injury lawyer with the experience to represent you effectively in court. Often, lawyers who always settle end up getting their clients less money. Be sure to hire a personal injury attorney with a proven track record representing cases at trial.
Conclusion — 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
If you’re ever involved in a personal injury accident, you shouldn’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Hire an experienced personal injury attorney who has represented cases like yours before so they understand the unique circumstances of your suit.
Don’t settle for a “discount” lawyer or a general practice lawyer who takes just any case. You need the right fit for your specific accident. At the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm, we’re experienced in representing (and winning) car accident cases, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, head and neck injuries, bad faith insurance cases, and more. If you need one of the best injury lawyers in Denver, Colorado, we’re more than happy to help.
Now that you have what to know before hiring a personal injury lawyer, don’t wait. Contact the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm to schedule your free consultation and learn more about the best options available for you and your case. Together, we can get you on the road to recovery and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
The Paul Wilkinson Law Firm is a team of personal injury attorneys in Denver, CO serving victims of car, truck and motorcycle accidents. Each of our lawyers is licensed with the Colorado State Bar (CBA) and specialize in injury law.
We've recovered tens of millions of dollars in personal injury settlements and verdicts for our clients. For 13+ years we've helped thousands of people get back on their feet after experiencing serious injuries. We will take your case to trial and get the maximum settlement possible.
