When choosing a lawyer it is important to get a free consultation. A free consultation is the chance to sit down with the attorney and discuss your case without a fee. During the consultation the attorney will express to you whether or not he thinks you have a good case; you’ll be able to get a feeling for the attorney’s style and demeanor, and be able to choose someone you feel comfortable interacting with. They can also tell you how long you have before you have to file a claim.
It is important to file a personal injury case within a certain amount of time after the accident or injury took place because there is a statute of limitations, a timeframe when you are allowed to file a charge. The statute of limitations varies from state to state, so it is important to know how long you have to file, or your opportunity to recover damages may expire forever. As an example, California Statute of Limitations (Sec. 335.1) provides that an “action for assault, battery or injury to, or for the death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another” be filed within two years of the occurrence, and they allow four years for an action to be originated if it involves a written contract, obligation or liability.
Personal injury lawyers have been through many cases and not only know all the necessary procedures but also know how best to present your case. The attorney will build up your case to be as strong as possible, relying on the information you have supplied as well as doing any investigations that might enhance your chances of winning. The attorney can also negotiate with the other side to help protect your interests. Most of all, the attorney will be able to recover a larger amount as settlement than you would likely be able to if acting on your own.