How to Find a Personal Injury Attorney On Any Budget

Published on: 26 December 2018 Last Updated on: 08 August 2019

Every year, more than 3 million Americans are injured in car accidents. Millions more are injured in slips, falls, and other accidents.

A large number of those victims choose to file personal injury claims.

Personal injury cases won’t resolve themselves. If you want the best shot at getting the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries, you need to the help of an experienced attorney.

But when money is tight and you’re already facing unexpected medical bills, hiring a lawyer may feel out of reach.

If you’ve been injured and are thinking of filing a personal injury claim, keep reading. We’re breaking down what you need to know to hire a personal injury attorney on any budget.

Don’t Fall for the Gimmicks:

One of the biggest reasons that many people end up overspending on a lawyer is that they fall for the gimmicks.

Loud television commercials, eye-catching ads, and catchy taglines can make even a sub-par lawyer look like a hero. When you’ve been injured in an accident and you’re feeling alone, it can be even more tempting to fall for these gimmicks.

But choosing the right personal injury lawyer means looking past all of this.

You need to do your research and make sure that you are choosing a lawyer that is not only in your budget, but who will also have the skills and experience that it takes to win you a settlement and the compensation you deserve.

Search Out a Local Lawyer:

A simple way to save money when hiring a lawyer is to hire from a local firm.

While a lawyer in a neighboring region or a big, distant city may seem cheaper up front, you may have to pay their travel costs.

If your trial drags on and you have to meet with him or her multiple times, these fees will add up quickly. What appeared to be a less expensive lawyer may suddenly become far less affordable.

Before you resort to hiring a lawyer who you’ll have to pay travel fees for, check your area for a well-respected, experienced injury lawyer to see how their rates and track record compare.

Find One With Experience in Personal Injury Law:

Choosing the best personal injury lawyer starts with actually searching for one who specializes in personal injury law.

While any lawyer may be qualified to take on your personal injury case, that won’t necessarily mean that they have experience or the right skill set.

The last thing you want to do is hire a lawyer and spend a lot of money only to lose your case because your lawyer was unprepared.

Even if you save money by hiring a lawyer with only minimal experience in personal injury law, if you lose your case, it’ll cost you big time. Depending on the amount of compensation you’re fighting for, you could end up losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Narrow your search right from the start. Only lawyers with experience taking on personal injury cases should make your list of finalists.

Check Online Reviews:

Online reviews have changed the way we shop for everything from electronics to local services. In fact, 84 percent of adult shoppers now trust online reviews as much as they do recommendations from friends.

Law firms should be no exception.

Checking out online reviews of any law firms you’re considering for hire can help you get real opinions from their previous clients.

Keep in mind that lawyers sometimes take on clients who have little hope of winning their cases. When they inevitably lose, these clients are likely to be disgruntled and may leave negative reviews that may or may not accurately represent the firm or its individual lawyers.

One or two negative reviews shouldn’t keep you from hiring a law firm that has dozens of other positive reviews. At the same time, a couple of good reviews may be a sign that one lawyer with the firm has a good reputation while others don’t.

Trust Your Instincts:

The best thing you can do when choosing a lawyer is to trust your instincts.

With a personal injury lawsuit, your health, well-being, and finances may all be on the line. Without compensation, you may not be able to get the necessary medical care. Or you may be forced to pay for care on your own, which can be devastating to your finances.

Before you trust your health and future finances to a lawyer, make sure you feel comfortable working with them.

Warning signs such as difficulty getting responses or a few rude interactions may be a sign that a lawyer isn’t right for you. No matter how experienced they are, if you’ll be on edge working with them or you feel they aren’t committed to your case, they aren’t the right choice for you.

Look for “No Compensation, No Fee Lawyers”

If your budget is so tight that even following these simple tips feels impossible, there is another solution.

Many lawyers are so confident in their abilities to fight for your case that they offer a “no compensation, no fees” agreement.

This means that if they fail to obtain a settlement for your case, you won’t owe them anything.

This type of agreement allows anyone, regardless of their financial situation, to afford an experienced personal injury lawyer. If you do win your case, you’ll be guaranteed to have the funds necessary to pay your lawyer, as their fee is often a set percentage of your settlement.

Check out this segment of The Mastrangelo Minute to learn more about how anyone can afford an attorney.

Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney:

Following these simple tips can help ensure that you not only find a personal injury attorney that’s within your budget, but also that you choose one who will best represent your case.

If you’re still on the fence about whether you need the help of a personal injury attorney at all, check out these reasons why you owe it to yourself to hire one.

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Steps to Filing a Car Accident Claim in Waukegan

Vehicle accidents can negatively impact households. Injuries to drivers, passengers, or pedestrians due to road accidents are common in Waukegan, Chicago. But, do you know how to lodge a compensation claim when you are a victim of another person's negligence? However, no need to worry, as this read will give you steps you can follow to ensure you are successful in the lawsuit. If you are in an accident and have injuries, you will spend money on medical bills to recover from the ordeal. Probably, you will not be in the right state to work or earn. Still, it will be challenging to undertake a lawsuit yourself. It is why you need a Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer to help you with the claims. You will need professional assistance since proving that the defendant is liable for the accident can be challenging. Here are the steps to follow when you want to file a car accident claim in Waukegan; i. Understand the Law It is critical to understand Waukegan's law surrounding car accidents and personal injury before suing another party. Since legislation can be extensive and complex to understand, you must consult an attorney to know your options. In addition, you have limited time to file a lawsuit, or the claims become invalid. An accident lawyer in Waukegan understands the law, and you can take advantage of their expertise. It would be best to consult an attorney with previous experience in a similar case to yours. The legal expert can help you understand the provisions and the process of undertaking a lawsuit in your region. Having law experts on your side will ensure you build a strong case and get fair compensation for the claims. ii. Case Building The most critical aspect of a car accident claims lawsuit is proving the other party's liability in the ordeal. A judge will consider submissions from all parties in the case to give a judgment. So, it is vital to build a solid case for your claims. An attorney will ask you questions about the incident, and it would help to be honest with them. They represent your interests, and you should be detailed about the accident. The case building entails getting the evidence to support the claims. It includes pictures or videos from the accident, police reports, witness accounts, and medical documents. On the other hand, an accident attorney will look for misconduct and negligence to show that the other party is liable. Also, they need to show the extent of harm resulting from the accident. iii. The Lawsuit After creating a draft for the lawsuit, a lawyer will submit the document to the court on your behalf. It includes details about the accident, the claims, and compensation. A case can go for a full trial, or the parties can agree to settle out of court. Conclusion It is critical to follow the correct procedures for filing a car accident lawsuit. A qualified lawyer will assist you throughout the process to ensure success. Read Also: Questions To Ask Your Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Is It Possible To Get A Settlement From A Car Accident Without A Lawyer?

Top 10 Reasons Why Everybody Over 18 Should Have a Will

Time does not stop for anyone, and life can often bring about unexpected circumstances that no one can ever be fully ready for. No one wants to think about the end of the line, but a little extra work now can help you care for your family even after you’re gone. It can be easy to assume that someone as young as 18 does not need a will. The spontaneity of life can prove this invalid, and also young people have many things that are worth money and could be lost in the shuffle. Every person over the age of 18 should go about the process of getting a will just in case. When the time comes you will want everything to be in order to take the stress off of those already grieving. Look through this list of reasons and see if any apply to you or a young person you know, one is sure to. 1. Young People Have Valuable Possessions Just because a person is barely considered an adult does not mean that they do not have any valuable possessions to be given away. You wouldn’t want someone laying claim to something of yours just to sell it, it should go to the right person. The amount of money that is spent on children and teenagers over the years has increased with the growing amount of toys and technology that are accessible. Some young adults have accumulated a great amount of worth in video games, movies, or even dividends they’ve invested in on the internet. 2. Children Since it is already unexpected when a young person passes away, any children involved can be left orphaned. Children need to have guardians predetermined and a will is a correct and legal approach. Choose someone who you know will take the best care of your children, someone who would be happy to, not someone who would just be stuck with them. There may also be something you would want to leave to them in particular. Something that is special between the two of you, or even an heirloom that was given to you. 3. Leave Less Stress A loved one experiencing a loss may not be able to think clearly enough to deal with all of your affairs. It is never easy to go through a loved one’s things. Others may not know your exact feelings on certain things or people and something important to you could be left out. When someone passes without requests it is common for rifts to form within a family over what should be done. With your direction in hand, there is no argument to be had. Creating a will in many ways transfers the responsibility to a legal entity. This can be helpful for the family member, as they will not be required to go over every detail of the same. You do not know what is going to happen the next moment. If you wish to more on summary probate, please click on the link. 4. People Receive Exactly What You Decided There are certain things that some may argue over who they belong to or even those who take things because they are unrightfully in possession of them. When writing a will, if the worse occurs, all of the important valuables in your life can be left to the specific person you want it to. Sentimental items can be of huge importance to some so it is vital to designate the right things to those you feel would honor them properly. 5. Digital Assets Technology is an integral part of life, especially those of young adults. The option of having digital assets is less thought of when developing a will, but it is now becoming necessary, This includes video games or online money wallets. Without your will these things can be lost forever, locked behind a password only you knew. 6. Separate Beliefs Than Parents If you want a specific arrangement dealing with your funeral or burial, it can be vital to state it, otherwise those responsible may not know. For instance, if donating your body to science is something you’d prefer, it is not something that will likely be imposed if it was not specifically stated. Religious beliefs can also come into play for certain burial procedures such as cremation or donating organs. 7. Sentimental Value Leaving possessions to the proper people can be helpful for sentimental belongings that would be monumental if left to a particular loved one. Sometimes a dear gift left from a close friend can mean a lot and help them bear with the situation as well. Much of dealing with loss is carrying pieces of the person with you. This can actually be done. You would want sentimental items like photographs and such to be thrown away. It may look like trash to whoever is cleaning the space, but it might be special to someone dealing with the loss of you. 8. Protect Inheritances If you have been left an inheritance, even if you are as young as 18 if you unexpectedly perish there is no clear answer of who will receive the inheritance if you are unmarried. The same goes for deciding the beneficiary of life insurance. It may fall to someone who has never even been involved in their life like an absent father, or estranged family when it should go to a child or other significant person. 9. You Can Always Change Your Mind Wills are official documents that can be altered at any point in a person’s life. With authorized assistance, you can always update it for others that may come into or leave your life. Updating will be important when it comes to new assets as well. This can be done easily with professional assistance and a company like Verhaeghe Law Office can show detailed explanations of a will and its uses. 10. Always Be Prepared Long life is promised to no one. Writing a will can be challenging and bringing yourself to do it can be depressing. But preparing your estate is an important responsibility that can help those close to you through the mourning process. Everyone Needs A Will There are many methods of writing a will, and only knowing them will make you will successfully convey your final wants. You can include letters with important aspects of your will that explain what makes the inheritance and the person special to you. Research examples of wills so you can find the correct format. It may also help you consider the exact types of possession you need for the layout. Consider all these things and be satisfied with knowing, no matter your age, that a will is necessary. Read Also: Top 7 Reasons the Medical Field Will Always Be In Demand Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most in Demand 2020–2025

How To Protect Yourself Legally During An Accident With A UPS Truck

Online shopping is the norm today and has led to a surge in UPS truck drivers on the road to cope with the increased demand for deliveries. This increase, while bene ficial in saving buyers the hassle of going to physical stores to shop, can also lead to an increase in road accidents. After all, UPS trucks can also be involved in such accidents, as is the case with all other vehicles. A UPS truck accident can lead to minor to critical injuries due to being a bigger vehicle. When this happens, you’ll need to be aware of what to do next as you explore your legal options and ensure you get compensated for damages, including your pain and suffering. That said, below are the things you need to do to ensure you're legally protected following a crash with a UPS truck. Top 5 Ways To Protect Yourself Legally During An Accident With A UPS Truck 1. Get Immediate Medical Attention Regardless of how minor your injuries may seem after a UPS truck accident, seeking medical attention should be your priority. Doing so is crucial even when you don't feel as though you're in pain, especially since some injuries like concussions don't show signs immediately and stay dormant for weeks or even months. By seeking medical attention, a medical professional can assess your condition, conduct the necessary tests, and prevent your injuries from becoming much more severe, ensuring your recovery. Aside from securing your health and well-being, getting a medical examination also provides a record of the full extent of your injuries. You can use this as evidence in court in your fight to seek adequate compensation for the damages you sustained from the accident. 2. Take Pictures And Videos Of The Accident Scene And Your Injuries One of the best ways to prove the UPS truck was responsible for an accident and increase your chances of winning your case is to take photos of the accident scene. You can do this yourself if you haven't suffered serious injuries. Alternatively, you can request a bystander to take the pictures. When taking the photos, capture different angles of the accident scene well. This can help get a better idea of the extent of damage resulting from the incident. Also, it’d be best to capture the license plates of the vehicles involved. Pictures are great evidence, especially when dealing with a big corporation such as UPS. This evidence can go a long way in establishing what happened and proving your claims that they’re responsible for the incident. In addition, you should also take pictures of any injury suffered following your crash with the UPS truck. This step is highly recommended since cuts, bruises, and other injuries fade and heal over time. As such, doing so can help provide a clear idea of how severe the injuries were to help determine your compensation. 3. Contact A Legal Professional UPS is a huge corporation with thousands of drivers spread parts in the United States. This company maintains files on all its drivers and records transport routes to maintain smooth operation. They also provide all drivers with internal training materials and safety programs. But despite all this, UPS truck accidents still happen. If you're a victim, you must contact a personal injury lawyer. With a legal professional's guidance, you'll know your legal rights. This is vital because UPS truck accident claim cases often get complicated, so you’ll need proper guidance as you navigate the complex process of pursuing a case. A legal professional is also better suited to examine the case to determine your deserved compensation. 4. Call The Police To File A Report Another way to legally protect yourself after an accident with a UPS truck is to contact the police. They can help you file a traffic accident report and put it all on record. The report should present a clear record of certain crucial details, such as: The accident's location Date and time of the accident Photos of the destroyed vehicle The weather conditions outline whether it was sunny, foggy, or rainy Other details explaining what might have led to the accident, such as failure to use the turn signal As you file for a report and work with your lawyer, ensure all the facts about the road accident, be it your injuries or damage to your car, are factual. This can help strengthen your case and your chances of successfully getting your compensation. 5. Collect Documentation And Evidence Supporting Your Compensation Claim Whether you sustained minor or life-threatening injuries following an accident involving a UPS truck, you’re likely to spend money on medical bills to nurse you back to good health. In most cases, this will be a huge financial burden, increasing the need to win your case against the responsible party and seek compensation. But to stand a chance of winning, make sure to have compelling evidence to support your claims. To start, you can compile copies of your medical bills and expenses. The medical bills you'll need to pay during your hospital visits may include the following: Physician visits Inpatient care expenses Physical therapy Medical prescriptions and devices Scans and x-rays Surgeries If there's a need for more medical care in the future, also include the documentation. You can consult your physician and do your research to get an overview of how much this future treatment will cost. Aside from medical bills, you could also prepare a summary and proof of other economic damages or tangible losses you sustained following the accident. This includes lost wages due to accident-related injuries and property damages. You can get an accredited auto repair facility to examine the extent of your car's damages. Wrapping It Up It's not anyone's wish to get involved in a road accident, more so with a delivery vehicle bigger than your car. But in the unfortunate event you get involved in an accident with a UPS truck, knowing your next steps can be beneficial. This guide has outlined insights you need to know to help you deal with such an incident. Hopefully, you can be guided as you navigate the legal process of getting the compensation you deserve. Read Also: Steps to Filing a Car Accident Claim in Waukegan Legal Ways to Determining Fault for an Arizona Truck Accident Filing A Personal Injury Lawsuit In South Carolina: Here Are 7 Things You Should Know