Personal injury cases tend to be difficult to handle in New Jersey. From filing a case and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, all procedures require specialized legal experience.
Fortunately, you can rely on the help of a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in the dynamics of New Jersey law. Not only do such professionals interpret your rights for you, but they also strive to get the best outcome for your case.
However, to obtain an optimum personal injury attorney, it’s advisable that you take the following actions.
Check Their Experience and Track Record
Your priority number one when choosing a personal injury lawyer is their record and experience. A lawyer who has handled and won similar cases as yours stands more chance of obtaining a positive judgment for you.
An excellent legal representative should be well-versed in New Jersey’s specific personal injury laws, including statutes of limitations and comparative negligence rules. Their knowledge of local court procedures is paramount.
You can check an attorney’s success record and experience in several ways. First, try to get information on their firm’s website, ask them outright during your consultation, or check with the state bar association’s website that they are licensed.
Evaluate Their Resources and Networks
It would also be in your best interests to check a lawyer’s resources and professional contacts. A well-connected lawyer can bring expert witnesses, such as medical specialists or accident reconstruction specialists, in to help make your case stronger.
Good connections with investigators or local specialists are also vital. If your lawyer has these connections, they can dig deeper into evidence, uncover more information, and build a strong argument for your claim.
Generally, established firms can have bigger support teams, but smaller firms might be in a position to offer personalized service through the backing of niche experience. In any situation, find out if their infrastructure effectively meets your injury case needs.
Assess Their Communication Skills
You would like to have periodic updates on your claim, along with clear explanations about the legal procedure. So, ensure that you assess your potential lawyer’s communication skills.
Attorneys who listen attentively and address your issues show that they value openness. They also provide peace of mind throughout the case by keeping you informed at every step.
The initial consultation is one of the most effective moments to gauge a lawyer’s communication skills. You should note whether they respond to questions promptly and explain legal terminology without using complex terms.
Read Client Reviews and Testimonials
Past client reviews typically reflect a lawyer’s professionalism, competency, and overall approach. Reviews tell you how well they handle personal injury cases.
“You can go to Google, third-party review websites, legal directories, or even the lawyer’s website. While browsing, look for recurring patterns in reviews, both positive and negative, to identify the potential strengths or weaknesses,” says Lawrence A. LeBrocq, a seasoned injury attorney from Garces, Grabler & Lebrocq, P.C.
A lawyer with a solid reputation and lots of good reviews typically indicates reliability. However, a number of bad reviews should not automatically disqualify them unless recurring issues appear.
Check Their Fee Structure
Personal injury lawsuits can be costly, so ensure you know a lawyer’s fee structure before you hire them. Most personal injury lawyers in New Jersey work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if they win your case.
Contingency fees are typically 30 to 40 percent of the settlement amount. Some lawyers may also charge additional fees for things like court filing or expert witnesses, which they should let you know in advance.
After you agree on terms, get everything in a written agreement. A clear fee explanation protects you from unexpected charges and allows you to feel comfortable with your lawyer.
Schedule a Consultation
To finalize your search, schedule a meeting with potential lawyers. You will typically not be charged for a first meeting because most personal injury attorneys offer it for free.
Prepare a list of questions to ask beforehand. Topics may include their case strategy, expected timeframes, or how they have handled similar situations in the past.
During the consultation, gauge their attentiveness and clarity in explaining legal procedures or terminology. A lawyer’s demeanor during this meeting is typically a reflection of how they will conduct communication during your case.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
