Premise liability, auto accidents, product-defect-related injuries, daycare abuse, and construction accidents – These are typical reasons why you may need the help of a personal injury lawyer in New Jersey. The laws are meant to help victims who have suffered the consequences of someone’s negligence, reckless action, and carelessness. Yet, not many people file a claim or pursue the process of recovering a settlement. You don’t want to risk your chances, and the good news is many top law firms, such as Sattiraju & Tharney, LLP, will be more than willing to do a complete evaluation of your claim for free. If this is the first time you are engaging with an injury lawyer, here are some missteps to avoid.
Mistake 1- Not researching enough
You don’t need an attorney with a law degree, but someone specializing in personal injury law in New Jersey. Make a list of at least two to three names through references and online listings. If you know others who have worked with injury lawyers, discuss their experience and whether they would recommend their attorney to you.
Mistake 2 – Focusing on big ads
Many law firms spend thousands of dollars on advertisements and marketing, and while any lawyer can claim to be the best in business, all that glitters is not gold. As we pointed out, you have to see what the attorney does, what types of cases they take, and the overall outcomes of their cases.
Mistake 3 – Failing to prep for the first meeting
Personal injury lawyers will usually offer a free consultation for clients, and before you step in for that meeting, you have to be prepared. Start by collecting all relevant evidence and documents that are pertinent to your case. A lawyer will need the information to give their initial impressions. Secondly, ensure that you have questions ready. Whether it is about the lawyer’s work so far or the case, ask things that matter.
Mistake 3 – Not sharing critical details
Let’s take an example – Mia was involved in a car accident and wants to step outside of the no-fault system in NJ to sue the driver who rammed into her vehicle. While Mia explains everything to her attorney, she doesn’t tell him that even she was slightly over the speed limit. As a result, the case outcome is drastically different from what she expected.
Don’t repeat the same mistake. If you want an attorney to help you, be honest and transparent from day one.
Mistake 4 – Not discussing the fee
Personal injury lawyers don’t have the usual hourly rate or a retainer. Instead, they fight for the maximum compensation for clients and take a percentage of the recovered amount. That arrangement is called a contingency fee, and it varies largely on the nature of the case and the lawyer’s work. You should always discuss the percentage and additional expenses that you need to pay.
Mistake 5 – Not checking the reviews
If you really want to know whether a law firm is worth your time, you should check online reviews and ratings. Check what other clients are saying on social media and Google. Look at the minute details, such as whether there are similar negative reviews. You can also consider asking for references directly from shortlisted lawyers.
Finally, waiting too long to hire an attorney can be a big mistake. You don’t want to waste valuable time that could otherwise be used for investigation and gathering more evidence. If you don’t act right after your injury, you may lose details, and your lawyer’s job becomes extremely challenging. Find a reliable injury lawyer in NJ now!
