Choosing the right personal injury attorney to handle your case is a critical initial step for a successful outcome. To make the right choice, we advise that you do research, ask questions, and evaluate your comfort level. Smith Jordan Law is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve and fulfilling your needs. We believe working with a Greenville personal injury lawyer from Smith Jordan Law is a good choice, but what matters most is that you feel confident, too.
Get referrals and do some research
Talk to friends who have worked with a personal injury attorney and ask for referrals. If they had a negative experience, ask them what happened so you know what to look out for. Talk to other attorneys you know. Even if they do not practice personal injury, they may still offer advice regarding qualities to look for and red flags to note.
Verify the license of any attorneys you are considering. You may also want to check online reviews not posted on the lawyer’s own website. Look for patterns in the clients’ comments regarding the lawyer’s management of personal injury cases and customer service.
Narrow your options
Review the lawyer or law firm’s website. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right firm. Consider their years and breadth of experience, and pay careful attention to their areas of practice. Not all personal injury claims are the same. Make sure you see evidence of the firm’s experience in the area related to your situation.
Read the client testimonials included on the website and compare them to those you found through a general search. Clients often say we gave them individual attention and helped them through a difficult time.
Notice the website details. Websites that are hard to follow or have lots of typos may be a red flag. You can narrow down your options after completing these steps for several lawyers and making comparisons.
Meet with the lawyer
Most personal injury firms offer a free initial consultation. Meeting with the lawyer is the most important step in hiring a personal injury attorney. Go to the consultation prepared with your police report, if applicable, or other relevant documents. Come ready with questions and ask them all. When you meet with us, we will answer all your personal injury questions.
Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingent fee. This fee structure means they do not accept out-of-pocket payments from you and only get paid if they deliver a settlement or trial award. However, you should still ask what percentage of your compensation pays their fees.
Ask about their experience negotiating with insurance companies. Typically, insurance companies are the parties responsible for paying compensation, and they will try to keep their payout low. Ask your potential attorney what strategies they have for getting an insurance adjuster to pay what they owe.
Make sure the team knows how SC laws can affect your case
The identity of the at-fault party plays a significant role in how your claim proceeds. According to the South Carolina Code of Laws, you generally have three years to file a claim against a private entity. The deadline for filing against a government entity is shorter, per the South Carolina Tort Claims Act. Make sure your attorney knows what deadline and other specific procedures apply to your claim.
Your level of fault factors into how your case resolves. The South Carolina Code allows victims 51% or less to blame for the accident to seek damages. Those eligible can have their compensation decreased in proportion to their percentage of fault. You need an attorney capable of fighting to minimize your culpability, so you can see the highest compensation possible.
Your attorney must know the types of damages in personal injury cases and how to value yours. You may be entitled to economic damages for your financial losses and non-economic damages for your pain and suffering. Certain cases also allow for punitive damages that increase your award by imposing an additional monetary penalty on the negligent party.
Check your comfort level
You need to have trust in your personal injury lawyer. Pay attention to how confident you feel putting your claim in the attorney’s hands. Note the way they speak to you. You want an attorney who is communicative and attentive, not someone who ignores your calls or shows annoyance when you ask questions.
It helps the process when you feel comfortable and supported by your attorney. Their goal should be to get you justice while helping you work through a difficult time in your life. You should never feel like just another case. Your story matters.
We promise to do our best for you
Choosing a personal injury attorney can seem overwhelming when there are so many options. Call (864) 343-2222 or reach out online with a message to schedule your free consultation with Smith Jordan Law. We will answer your questions, put your mind at ease, and invest our collective energy, skill, and experience into winning your case.