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HOW TO CHOOSE A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

May 3, 2018

Choosing an attorney, in general, is a difficult task considering that most attorneys claim to have impeccable backgrounds and references. Finding a personal injury attorney becomes increasingly challenging when an individual or their loved ones has been injured, given that they want to receive the fairest compensation possible. Below contains some key tips on how to choose a reputable personal injury attorney.

  1. A personal injury attorney should be hired rather than a general attorney. This is because laws are constantly changing, and a general attorney may not be able to keep up with the most recent developments in personal injury law.
  2. Individuals should try to seek out experts in their claim area. For instance, if their claim is in the area of medical malpractice, individuals should choose prospective attorneys based on whether or not they have experience in that specific claim area.
  3. Individuals should search for personal injury attorneys in their area, or call their personal attorney first if they have one. Their personal attorneys may be able to recommend a few reputable personal injury attorneys who will be able to handle their case successfully. If individuals do not have a personal attorney who can give them recommendations, they should call their local Bar Association or log into the American Bar Association’s website, where they can search for personal injury attorneys. Both individuals’ local Bar Association or the American Bar Association’s website will be able to provide information on most attorneys, such as education and length of years in practice.
  4. Alternatively, individuals can search for well-known local personal injury attorneys from television commercials and/or other advertisements, and view their background information on the American Bar Association’s website. They can also speak with their personal friends and/or family who have used personal injury attorneys in the past.
  5. Once individuals have selected a few personal injury attorneys, they should set up appointments to meet with them. When meeting with personal injury attorneys, individuals should take detailed notes in order to compare prices, professionalism, background and personal demeanor afterwards. Individuals should keep in mind that they should not hire the first attorney they meet or recommended to them.
  6. Individuals should especially make sure to inquire about any and all fees, since each attorney has his or her own system of billing clients. However, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they only get paid after, and if, individuals receive a settlement. Their fees generally range from 30 to 40 percent of the settlement award. Individuals should reconsider going with any personal injury attorneys who request money upfront.
  7. Individuals should make sure that any prospective personal injury attorneys are effective at dealing with insurance companies, given that most personal injury claims are settled out of court. Individuals should also ask to see proof of successful past negotiations as well as past average award amounts.
  8. A highly qualified, reputable personal injury attorney should also have trial experience. Although most injury claims never go to court, the attorney should be prepared and know how to deal with an injury claim should it end up going to court.
  9. Individuals should also ensure that they personally get along well with any attorney they are considering hiring, given that they will be spending a lot of time with him or her. Individuals should also make sure that they are able to communicate with any prospective attorneys effectively.
  10. Individuals may also want to consider learning about the attorney’s staff before choosing them. Specifically, they should ask to speak with a few staff members to ensure that they will get along well, and that the staff members are responsive to their needs.
  11. Once an attorney has been chosen, individuals should be patient and request regular updates, given that most personal injury attorneys have several cases going on at the same time.
  12. It should be kept in mind that once individuals have hired a personal injury attorney, they are not stuck with them – individuals may fire an attorney at anytime if they prove to be incompetent and neglectful. However, the old personal injury attorney may be entitled to a lien on the new attorney’s fees.

If individuals follow these above tips, then they are on the right track to finding a high quality, reputable personal injury attorney to handle their case. Individuals should always keep in mind that they should not rely on the insurance companies to adequately compensate them for their injuries. With the help of a personal injury attorney, individuals will be able to receive maximum compensation for their personal injuries.

Find more like this: Personal Injury

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Candy J.

2/9/2020

“I was in an accident and decided to call Wattel and York. After months of going to a Chiropractor, I finally felt better. When it came time for settlement, the insurance company was making an offer I wanted to accept, Mr. Wattel advised against it and felt the insurance company was shortchanging me. He recommended I file a lawsuit and that will get them to cave. Well, Dave filed suit, and sure enough, the insurance company increased their offer by $4,000! I am very satisfied with how my case was handled.”

Nardeasha S.

20/20/2020

“Wattel & York were flat out outstanding with my personal injury case. They made the process painless and kept in constant communication throughout the entire time. Any questions I might’ve had were promptly answered and detail oriented. They gave me crucial advice that I would’ve otherwise not been aware of. I couldn’t have asked for more from them. Put your trust in these guys, you won’t be disappointed. Thanks Wattel & York.”

Mattew P.

13/9/2020

“Thank you so much for all your hard work on our behalf! Thinking I could handle it on my own, I was originally reluctant to take my accident claim to an attorney. But I am SO glad I called you instead. Your people were always helpful, pleasant and responsive at every step along the way. You represented us with honesty and integrity and made a traumatic experience as painless as it could be. And best of all, you helped us get a settlement that was fair and far more than I could ever have negotiated on my own! I highly recommend Wattel &York to anyone who has suffered a personal injury.”

Cathy M.

“I was the passenger in a vehicle that was 'T- Boned' at an intersection in 2014. The issues of responsibility and recovery became a difficult and convoluted confusion. I really needed help. This Team at Wattel and York walked me patiently and encouragingly through difficult months, sorting through issues and finally arriving at a satisfactory conclusion. I especially want to name two great and encouraging "warriors" of Wattel and York who directed me along the way..Brian Torba and Melissa Patterson..to them and the whole team I say "Thank You" with heart felt gratitude. Sincerely, God Bless You.”

Robert G.

“Honesty. Integrity. Transparency. Partnership. Wattel & York brought all of these qualities and more to my accident case. I'd love to thank all of the team members who helped me with the process: David Guzman, who conducted the initial interview in my home, Aly Shomar-Esparza, who seamlessly guided me through paperwork and filings, Debbie Harrach, who conducted final review, paperwork revisions and scheduling, and Thomas Grisoni, who counseled me before and attended my deposition. I never felt alone during the arduous process and always knew there was a professional team looking out for my best interest. I highly recommend Wattel & York if you are unfortunately involved in an accident that was not your fault.”

Russ W.

“I was a passenger in a car that got t-boned a few years ago and got a huge gash. I didn't know a lot about lawyers, so I basically just picked one on the flip of a coin. I called Wattel and York and they explained everything, I went into the office and filled out paperwork. Got treatment on my gash over the time I worked with them, glad I did as it opened back up a couple times and bled. They did really good, got me the maximum amount of money, and made sure I was well taken care of. I was updated from time to time so that was good. The only thing I might change is I never got to thank or talk to my lawyer. I think it was because I was already used to dealing with the lady at their Glendale office so they just kept her as my point of contact. So it's okay, I'll thank them with a good review. The last thing I could say about them is months after I thought my case was over they called me and said they had another check for me for a few hundred dollars. Apparently, they negotiated with the hospital I went to after the accident. It was a nice surprise and shows they really had my interests in mind.”

Trent B.

“Wattel & York has been great for me in the past few years. I was involved in a really bad accident while I was on Active Duty in Yuma, Arizona and they have been patient with me every step of the way through a very long process. I would recommend them to anyone thank you for all your help.”

Levy G.

“Appreciate David taking the time to speak with me. He was most kind. From the front line with the receptionist, to him, the firm was a class act all the way around.”

Claire B.

“Dave Wattel represented me and my son on a Personal Injury case from a motor vehicle accident back in 2009. Jake P. handled my deposition and Dave did the Quarterbacking. The insurance company hired NFL referee Ed Hochuli's firm to try and deny our claim. But Wattel & York made it look as easy as Tom Brady on the football field. The result was more than acceptable and my son and I were compensated for our injuries and rehabilitation. Dave Wattel cares about his clients. If I ever find myself in a situation like this again, Wattel & York will be on speed dial!!”

Vince C.

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