Hiring an attorney is often a necessary step to navigate your legal options. Yet, many people have no idea who to turn to or why to choose one attorney over another. When it comes to hiring an attorney, there are several key things to consider.
This is a big deal. Look for an attorney offering legal support in the specific practice area that your case falls into, such as divorce, family law, real estate law, or personal injury.
This experience helps them to know:
This is another important differentiating factor to find the best attorneys. It’s critical to ensure you have a professional who has the time to talk to you. If they are too busy for your case, that may make it hard for you to get the quality of legal support you need.
At the same time, you also need to be sure they have time in their schedule for the level of support you need. For some, that means going to court, talking to witnesses, researching legal strategies, and providing individual consultations.
Another very valuable level of insight into helping you find the best attorney for your needs is the outcome of cases like yours that they've handled in the past. Are lawyers able to tell you what could happen in your situation? If so, do they know this from helping others like you?
There is also something to say about hiring an attorney you feel comfortable with, a person who is easy to talk to and fits the role that you need. If you’re fighting for custody of your child, you certainly want an aggressive attorney capable of doing the work for you. If you’re buying a home, you want an attorney who’s a solid negotiator by your side.
If you have been arrested – or you think you may be – there are some things you just do not want to do. This is a heated moment. You’re likely to have a lot of feelings to manage, from fear to anger. Here are the most common mistakes people make when arrested that you should avoid.
If you are in a car accident, there are several things you should do right away to protect yourself and your future. The first and most important thing to remember is that you need to call 911 to get the police to your location. In some areas, it is illegal not to contact the police for significant injuries. Then, consider these steps:
Do not leave the area. If you are in the middle of traffic or it is not safe where you are, move to the side of the road. Your priority should be to protect your safety and that of any other person at risk when possible.
Even if you think you are okay, you still need to head to the hospital for an exam. It is very common for health complications, such as neck injuries, back injuries, and internal organ damage, to be impossible to notice immediately.
After a car accident, your thoughts and memories of what occurred are fresh in your mind. Tell the police officer everything you remember from before and after the accident. Do not speculate or make any statements of being sorry. Instead, only provide facts about what occurred.
You may have to visit the police station to create a police report as well. A police report will outline all of the details and allow the police officer responding to the scene to make decisions about fault. Be sure everything you provide is accurate.
If you are able to do so in a safe manner, take photos or a video of the area. Capture images of those involved, the vehicles and their damage, your injuries, and any statements from witnesses. If you cannot get video safely, take any photos you can.
You also want to document factors like road conditions and who is involved. If possible, record yourself making a statement of what occurred, including who was involved, what occurred right before the accident, and any other details.
You will likely need to contact your insurance company to get clarity on filing a claim if you were at fault or have damage to your car. Your insurance company needs information as soon as possible to ensure there is a clear understanding of the incident and the losses involved.
After a car accident, you need to hire an attorney. Your attorney’s job will be to help you navigate the legal matters you are facing, including filing a claim with the insurance company if you are the victim of another person’s injury or mistakes. If someone else may be at fault, a personal injury attorney can help you navigate your rights to fair and full compensation after a case like this.
If you suspect that you are being blamed for the car accident, or there is any reason to believe you were intoxicated at the time of the incident, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately for help. That’s critical in protecting your rights.
There are many times when you will need ongoing medical care and support from specialists after a car accident. Get that care and follow the medical professionals’ opinions on your needs. If this is a personal injury case, the insurance company is likely to pay for those losses.
The more aggressive you are right now in protecting your rights, the better. Turn to a trusted attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and get the financial compensation you are owed in a personal injury case. If you’re being charged with a crime, don’t go without the help of a trusted attorney.