Getting a payout from an injury suit can be just what you need to get your life back on track. Unfortunately, there are always costs associated with going to court and they can definitely eat into your payout. If you want to ensure the maximum payout, consider these tips before you engage the services of a personal injury lawyer.
Make Use of Your Free Consult
Almost every attorney will consult with you for free before you engage his or her services. This is a great time to ask your basic questions, as you won’t have to worry about this time getting billed towards your case. Ask about your likelihood of success, what your options might be, and how the general proceedings might work at this time. This is your best chance to talk to an attorney for free, so don’t squander this opportunity.
Compare Prices
Yes, it makes sense to compare prices when you talk to a personal injury lawyer. Be very up-front with your desire to know hourly rates during your initial free consultation so that you know exactly what you are going to pay. Remember – consulting with an attorney doesn’t mean that you have to choose to work with him or her in the future.
Gather Evidence to Avoid Fault
Another good way to maximize your payout is to make sure that you’re not assigned a portion of the blame for the accident. If you are found at fault, you might lose out on the entire potential payout, so you need to gather evidence to support your position. Any details you can gather from the scene can be used to support your stance, including knowing the speed you were travelling at, damage reports from repair shops, and any traffic camera recordings that may have been made. Keep up with witnesses to the accident, take pictures of the scene, and make sure that you provide your lawyer with everything he or she needs to present a compelling case on your behalf.
Consider a Settlement
Though taking a settlement offer may net you less money than the typical settlement offer, you can actually end up with a bigger payout if you simply settle. Settling reduces the amount of time spent in court, drastically cutting your costs. If you’re looking to get the most money for the least amount of time and effort spent on your case, it simply makes more sense to entertain any reasonable settlement offer.
Try to be smart with your time and your options. Ask questions when you won’t get charged and try to pursue a strategy that will lead to less time spent in court. If you can be strategic in your work with a lawyer, you’ll increase your odds of a better payout.