When someone is injured in an accident, it is important that they find the right lawyer to help them receive compensation for lost income, pain and suffering and damages to property. Without legal experience, it can be difficult to know where to look for representation. In this article, lawyer William D. Schroeder Jr. offers five tips for finding a proven Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.
- Meet with the Lawyer Before Making a Decision
The first step in the process is to meet with the lawyer directly before making a decision. Evaluate whether the lawyer is professional in his approach and if he or she takes the time to meet with you personally. This is the lawyer’s opportunity to showcase his experience and explain how he will approach your case. Ask him how often he takes a case to trial; this information could help you if you are certain you want to go to trial rather than settling the case.
- Ask Questions
When selecting a personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia, it is important to ask several questions about the potential legal representation. Questions such as “How much experience do you have?” and “What challenges do you foresee in my case?” These are important questions to ask at this stage of the process; this can help both parties build their understanding of the case and of the steps required to move forward.
- Obtain References
The lawyer being interviewed should be able to provide references from previous clients. Their comments will afford valuable information about the lawyer’s abilities and how he helped them in their particular case. In addition, go online and look for reviews. Positive references can help you decide if this lawyer is the right one for you by relating real first-hand experience that goes beyond a first meeting.
- Find a Lawyer that Is an Expert on Personal Injury Law
The lawyer selected for the work should be someone who has a great deal of experience in personal injury law. He should have familiarity in this complex legal area and should practice it regularly. This will ensure that the lawyer you choose has the requisite level of knowledge, skill and understanding to get the best possible outcome for you. He needs to know when to push forward based on the merits of the case, and when it might be in your best interest to settle a case out of court.
- Begin Collecting Documents Immediately
For those who are considering a personal injury case, it is important to begin the document collection process as soon as possible. This means if, for example, the injury is the result of a car accident, all pictures of the accident scene, all documentation from the insurance company and from police records should be collected for review by the lawyer. This will improve the chance of success because the lawyer has more information to base his conclusions on with regard to your individual situation.
There are many lawyers who offer personal injury assistance. Take the time to meet and assess the merits of the lawyers you are considering. A good attorney like William D. Schroeder, Jr. can help you understand the issues both in and not in your favor; you can discuss the range of outcome. He has over 30 years of experience with the law in Philadelphia and you can count on him to make the process go as smoothly as possible and to get the best possible outcome. Call 215-822-2728 today for a consultation or visit www.jrlaw.org.