While any accident is unfortunate, some just feel worse when someone else is responsible. Whether you were severely injured in a car crash in Kentucky due to the other driver’s fault or injured on someone’s property because of a hazard, you should seek justice. The criminal system will move on its part, but you can file a personal injury claim and ask for compensation. You may not get over what the other party did, but the money will come in handy to cover losses like costs of treatment and lost wages. Ideally, you should start with a legal consultation with an expert attorney. If you have never hired an injury lawyer in Kentucky, here are seven tips to follow.
- Always go for a personal meeting: Most law firms in Louisville will be happy to offer free personal meetings for victims, and at the least, you should go to see the attorney. Unlike criminal or family lawyers, personal injury lawyers don’t charge a consultation fee. The meeting is a great place to start the process, as you can share your side of the story and get answers to your questions.
- Be honest & transparent: If you want help from an attorney, ensure you share all the details you can remember. For example, if you were responsible for an accident to an extent, your lawyer should be aware of that, as your fault is a critical aspect for deciding whether you can sue the other party or what part of your awarded compensation you can recover.
- Check the lawyer’s details: What are the credentials of the attorney? What cases do they specialize in? Do they have a few landmark or prominent lawsuits to their credit? How long have they been practicing in Kentucky? How many cases with similar circumstances have they handled so far? These are some essential questions you should ask when meeting the lawyer.
- Hire someone with a trial record: Most personal injury cases in Kentucky are either settled through insurance or between the parties involved. However, if that doesn’t happen for you, you still have the choice to go to court, and you should find a lawyer who has been to trial. Trial experience is non-negotiable when hiring a lawyer, especially in complex cases like medical malpractice.
- Don’t fall for a big talker: Injury lawyers play a dominant role in recovering compensation for clients, but there is a limit to what they can do. If you come across an attorney who is willing to break ethical practices or wants to promise an outcome in advance, do not hire them. There are no guarantees for personal injury claims, no matter how experienced or reputed an attorney is.
- Talk about the fee: Personal injury lawyers in work on a contingency fee, which means they get a fixed share of the settlement and not a usual retainer fee. Ensure you discuss the percentage along with other expenses in advance. Your lawyer may charge 30% or more, but it should be clear before they come on board. You may have to bear other case costs, which they should explain in detail.
- Watch out for the communication style:You should feel comfortable around an attorney and must be able to communicate with them. Don’t wait for someone who is always busy or doesn’t have the time to answer your queries. Ask the attorney about their current caseload and whether they are available for your case. If they intend to pass the work to another attorney of the same firm, they must mention that.
Make a list of top-rated injury lawyers today through online directories and personal recommendations from people you may know.
