If you have been injured in an accident, it is vital to work with a skilled lawyer. However, with more than 64,000 personal injury law firms in the United States, finding the right attorney for your case can be a daunting task. Most lawyers are capable of providing adequate representation. If, however, you want the best attorney available, there are a few qualities you should look for in your prospective legal counsel, such as extensive experience handling cases similar to yours and a well-established track record. If you were injured through no fault of your own, the experienced Outer Banks personal injury lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.
Experience
Experience is something for which there is no substitute. In matters of personal injury, unexpected roadblocks are not uncommon. An attorney with experience will know how to handle any problems or situations that may arise during your case since they have probably dealt with these issues before. During your free consultation, ask your prospective Outer Banks personal injury lawyer how much experience they have in handling cases similar to yours and if that experience can be segued into a successful case result for you.
Strong Negotiation Skills
Shortly after your accident, an insurance adjuster is going to call you and ask you a lot of very specifically worded questions in hopes that they will be able to use your answers to reduce or even deny your claim. When you get this call, keep in mind that the insurance adjuster does not have your best interests in mind. They are trying to minimize your payout by making you look negligent. Before you respond to anything they ask you, consult with an Outer Banks personal injury lawyer who is willing to answer their questions on your behalf, and who can effectively negotiate a fair settlement for your claim. Make sure that if the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement they will be willing to represent you in court.
Effective Communication Skills
Personal injury cases involve a lot of moving parts. In order for your claim to be successful, your lawyer needs to be an effective communicator. They need to iterate the merits of your claim in front of an insurance adjuster, jury, or judge. The lawyer you choose should also be a good listener and empathize with the losses you endured. If you work with a lawyer who does not listen to you, they will not be able to understand the most crucial aspect of your claim; how the accident has adversely affected your life.
Proven Results
When you are selecting a personal injury lawyer, remember that consistent results matter. You need to choose a lawyer with a strong track record of positive results. During your free consultation, ask your lawyer how they dealt with past cases that were similar to yours, bearing in mind that no two cases are exactly alike. If a lawyer tells you right off the bat that they can guarantee a specific financial outcome in your claim, be wary. If they are able to produce a list of previously successful outcomes to other personal injury claims, they will most likely bring professionalism and commitment to your claim and work diligently to maximize your compensation.
Contact an Experienced Outer Banks Personal Injury Lawyer
The experienced Outer Banks personal injury lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp provide a free initial consultation to all new clients. During your consultation, we will review the facts leading up to your accident, address any concerns you may have, and make sure that you know and understand your rights. Our dedication to our clients and attention to detail is how we won a $3.5 million settlement for the family of a client who died after he was rear-ended by a negligent truck driver. To schedule your free case review, call (833) 997-1774 or fill out our easy contact form. We serve clients in the Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills regions.