Victims of personal injury accidents may have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault party who caused their injuries. Understanding how to choose the right personal injury attorney in South Carolina can help you make an informed decision. We’ve included tips below for finding the right attorney to represent you.
For over 125 years, the law firm of Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. has successfully represented personal injury victims in South Carolina. Our compassionate attorneys understand how challenging it can be to move forward after suffering serious injuries. We work diligently and strategically to pursue the most compensation possible to help victims of personal injury accidents and their families move forward and receive the medical care they need.
The Importance of Contacting a Personal Injury Attorney As Soon As Possible
The most important step after being injured is receiving comprehensive medical treatment. Discussing your case with an experienced personal injury attorney after you receive medical treatment is an important next step. The thought of pursuing a lawsuit after being seriously injured may seem overwhelming or even impossible. However, there are strict time limits called statutes of limitations in place for personal injury lawsuits.
The longer you wait to contact an attorney, the more likely important evidence will be destroyed, or witnesses will forget what happened when you became injured. Insurance adjusters may begin contacting you and attempting to pressure you into accepting a settlement offer that is far too low and won’t cover all of your damages.
Write Down Important Criteria When Selecting a Personal Injury Attorney
Before speaking to a personal injury attorney, it’s important to consider your needs and goals. You may be spending significant time with your personal injury attorney and other legal staff members, so it’s important that you identify what specific criteria are important to you.
For example, many personal injury victims want to work with an attorney who works on a contingency fee basis. Attorneys who work on a contingency fee do not charge clients legal expenses upfront. Instead, the attorney will only receive payment from you if he or she recovers compensation for the client. Generally, the compensation will include a percentage of the amount the client received.
You may want to work with an attorney who offers remote online consultations, especially if you’ve been seriously injured and it’s challenging to leave your home. For others, effective communication is important. You likely want to work with an attorney who gets back to you quickly regarding case updates and answers your questions in a timely manner.
Ask for Referrals from Friends, Family, and Co-Workers
One of the most common ways to narrow your list of potential personal injury attorneys in South Carolina is to ask your friends and family. Perhaps you’ve had a friend who was injured in a car accident, and he obtained a fair settlement. Consider asking for a referral to your friend’s attorney. However, you should be careful when basing your decision solely on the advice of friends and family members.
An attorney may work well for your friend but not for you. Ask specific questions from your friends or family, such as whether they were satisfied with the outcome of their case, whether they felt their needs were addressed by the attorney, and whether your friend’s concerns were listened to or ignored by the attorney. You should ask your friend or family member whether the attorney tried to settle the cases as quickly as possible or whether he or she aggressively pursued the most compensation possible.
Do Some Online Research
In addition to asking friends and family for referrals, online research can help narrow your list of personal injury attorneys. You may choose a law firm close to your house, but remember that your goal is to work with an attorney who is skilled and effective and that attorney may not be extremely close to your residence. Several different online review sites apply rankings to different attorneys. Some law firms have social media pages, and reading reviews from current Informer clients can be helpful.
Schedule an In-Person Consultation
Many personal injury law firms in South Carolina and throughout the country offer clients complementary case evaluation meetings. During an initial case evaluation, the client is not required to pay for the consultation. After you’ve narrowed your list of potential law firms to five or fewer, you may want to schedule initial consultations with each law firm.
What to Expect During an Initial Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney
During your initial consultation, the attorney will ask you questions about the personal injury accident that caused your injuries. Ensure you bring any documentation and details to the initial consultation. The attorney will likely review the documents and help you understand whether you have a legal claim.
Additionally, the attorney may provide you with an estimate of your case’s value. It’s important to consider the availability of the attorneys you are meeting with and the law firm’s size. You may encounter greater resources at a larger law firm, but they may have less time to dedicate to your individual case.
During the initial consultation, you should ask important questions, such as whether a paralegal or an attorney will primarily handle your case. You should also ask about the attorney’s communication preferences and whether the attorney offers online consultations. It’s also important to ask whether the attorney has specific experience handling your personal injury case. For example, if you were injured in a slip and fall accident and the attorney you’re speaking to only handles car accident cases, you may want to find a different attorney.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Personal Injury Attorney in South Carolina
You may still be researching potential attorneys to represent you in your personal injury case. When you’re ready to discuss your case, don’t hesitate to contact the law firm of Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. to schedule a complimentary case evaluation. We are prepared to answer your questions and help you understand your legal rights.