5 Things to Look for When Choosing A Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault and you’re looking to make a claim, there are certain things you need to look out for when choosing a lawyer to represent you.

Whether your accident happened while on the road, at work, in a supermarket or is the result of medical negligence, you’re eligible to make a claim if the injury you suffered was no fault of your own.

Selecting the right lawyer is crucial when making a claim to ensure you receive the best outcome possible.

Here are just five things you need to look out for when choosing a personal injury lawyer.

#1 Free Initial Advice

Before you even proceed with your claim, you want to know whether you have a valid claim and what your outcome is likely to be.

This advice is usually given at no cost to yourself and without any obligation to start your claim with the lawyer providing the information.

Most solicitors can look out the aspects surrounding your injury and let you know straight away whether or not you are eligible to claim.

#2 Fixed Legal Fees

Nobody likes surprises, that’s why choosing a lawyer that offers fixed fees is the best way to go when choosing a lawyer to represent you.

Fixed fees mean that the amount you pay for the legal services provided will be agreed upon before you start your claim.

#3 No Win No Fee

No win no fee means that if for any reason your claim is not successful, you won’t be left out of pocket. The law firm will foot the legal costs.

Because of this, firms will only take on your claim if they are very confident that your case can be won.

Any legal fees incurred will be taken from your compensation once your claim is settled and if you’ve chosen someone that offered fixed fees, this amount will already be agreed upon.

No win no fee is available to all claimants regardless of their financial circumstances.

#4 Experience in Cases Like Yours

Choosing a candidate that has experience in cases like yours is probably one of the most important points on this list.

It’s no use selecting a lawyer that specialises in medical negligence claims if you’re looking to claim compensation for a whiplash injury.

Most legal practices have different people that specialise in different aspects of personal injury.

#5 Local Knowledge

Because the law varies from state to state, it’s crucial that your solicitor has local knowledge.

Choosing a lawyer based in a different state may confuse things when your case is presented to the courts if they are not aware of the legislation in your state.

For example, if your accident happened in Perth, Western Australia, it would be best to hire a personal injury lawyer based there as oppose to one on the other side of the country.

You’re Ready to Go

Now that you’ve ticked all these boxes you’re ready to go ahead and start your compensation claim.

If you’re going to go through the trouble of making a compensation claim you want to ensure that you have the best possible chance of maximum compensation, with a lawyer that can fight your case to fullest.

Failing to research your lawyer thoroughly can drastically decrease your chances of your case being won when presented to the court.

About the author

Written by Rachel Erin, Media manager at Australian Accident Helpline. They are a national personal injury compensation company based in Perth, Western Australia.