There are over 30,000 attorneys in Georgia. Most of them do not specialize in personal injury and have no experience in the field.
If you or a loved one are in need of a personal injury attorney in Georgia, you should definitely counsel with a competent and qualified personal injury attorney. There are a few key things you should look for in order to make the best choice for your situation. Hiring the wrong attorney for you or your family can have lasting consequences.
Experience and Perspective
First, it is important to choose an attorney who has real and significant experience in personal injury law. This type of law is complex and can be very different from other areas of law, so it is important to find an attorney you can trust who is knowledgeable about the specific laws and regulations that apply to personal injury cases in Georgia. Look for an attorney who has actually represented the insurance company earlier in their career and defended personal injury claims. Someone who has been on “both sides” will almost always have a different and better perspective than someone who has only presented injured persons. This unique perspective will often translate into a better settlement, often in less time. Insurance companies know which attorneys are experienced and which are not.
Track Record and Willing to Go Court
Another important factor to consider is the attorney’s track record. You should look for an attorney who has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in personal injury cases, as this can be an indication of their ability to get results for you. You definitely want an attorney who can take your case all the way to trial, if needed. Many personal injury cases are settled out of court, but there are times when going to trial is the best or only option. You need an attorney who is prepared to go to trial and who has the experience and skills to represent you effectively in court. Many attorneys do not represent clients if a lawsuit is required, and many attorneys do not bring cases before a judge and jury to a verdict. You should ask the attorney about their past cases and how they were resolved, and you can also look for online reviews or ask for referrals from people you know who have used the attorney’s services. Again, the insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to take a case to trial and which ones look to always settle. The insurance companies almost always pay more to the clients with law firm who are not afraid to take a case to trial.
Communication and Transparency
Additionally, you should look for an injury attorney who is willing to communicate openly and honestly with you. This is especially important when it comes to personal injury cases, as they can be complex and stressful. You need an attorney who will be able to explain the legal process to you in a way that you can understand, and who will keep you informed about the progress of your case. You should also look for an attorney who is responsive to your questions and concerns, and who is willing to work with you to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Often, the non-attorney staff at a law firm are the ones who do a lot of work on a personal injury file, so you should feel confident that the law firm’s staff are competent and friendly.
Trust and Integrity
It is also important to choose an attorney who has integrity and has a good reputation in the community. You should be able to trust your attorney, and you should know if the judges and other attorneys in your community trust your attorney. It is important to be able to confide in your attorney so he or she can offer you the best advice for your situation.
Fees and Terms
You should consider the attorney’s fees and payment terms. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they will not charge you any fees unless they are able to recover compensation on your behalf. However, you should still ask about the attorney’s fees and payment terms upfront, so that you know what to expect. Also, it is standard practice in the personal injury industry to have different fees for different types of claims. For example, most attorneys charge a fee of 33% of the total settlement for a car wreck injury claim but 40-45% for a medical malpractice injury claim. The amount of time, money, and skill by the attorney are different for each type of case.
Able to Meet in Person
Finally, you should be able to meet and shake hands with your attorney at their law firm office, if needed. This may seem strange, but many of the “billboard” or “super-marketing” attorneys never meet their clients and advertise in multiple states and jurisdictions. These attorneys often have thousands of clients and rely heavily on staff and computer systems to move their files. Look for an attorney preferably close to you who you can visit and speak in-person to and who knows your case. Your attorney should be able to discuss your case with you.
Summary
In summary, when hiring a personal injury attorney in Georgia, you should look for an attorney who has experience in personal injury law, a proven track record of success, good communication skills, a willingness to take your case to trial if necessary, and fair and transparent fee and payment terms. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the best attorney for your situation.
Contact The Jewkes Firm Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another, contact one of the personal injury attorneys at The Jewkes Firm for a free consultation or second opinion. Mr. Jewkes represented insurance companies before representing injured persons. The attorneys at The Jewkes Firm prepare every claim for trial, although most settle long before a lawsuit is needed. We can be reached at 770-741-2517 or by visiting the website at www.jewkesfirm.com.