Overview
Accidents happen sometimes no matter where you are or how careful you are. It is more worrisome if it was caused by someone’s negligence and disregard for other people. Whether you are in Oregon or Oakland, dealing with your injuries would be your immediate concern. The second thing on your mind should be to hire an attorney. Accidents that are avoidable should be. For Oregon accident cases, you have every right to pass the burden of medical bills to the offender and claim compensations for damages if you so wish. This is also true for all the states across the country. However, it is not as easy as it sounds. Every state has different laws and procedures. That is why you need to hire a personal injury lawyer to help.
1. Experience
When hiring a lawyer, choose from a reputable firm with experienced professionals on personal injury cases. Even though all lawyers have a general understanding of the law, just like doctors, they too specialize in various fields. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be objective and dive straight into your case. An inexperienced lawyer will have to do research to understand the laws regarding personal injuries before even working the actual case.
2. Understanding of the Law
Unless you are a lawyer practicing in Oregon, accept that you have little understanding of the judicial system of the state. Portland being the largest city in Oregon sees more personal injury cases. Some processes are not documented but are widely known among lawyers as trade secrets and best practices. Sometimes in order to frustrate a claim, insurance companies try to confuse you with corporate jargons and push you around in circles. For your best defense, when searching for lawyers to hire, seek out an experienced, professional personal injury lawyer in Portland who understands the law and how insurance companies work.
3. No Results, No Fees
Generally, personal injury lawyers do not charge a fee until your case is won. This means you really have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Aside from paying for extra services performed by other professionals, your lawyer will work tirelessly for free until you see results.
4. Trial or No Trial
Not all cases end up in court. In Portland, there are four ways to settle a personal injury case – negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and trial. Trial is the last resort because it costs time and money. As a result, most cases are settled out of court. A good lawyer will get you the best deal in the shortest amount of time. And if that doesn’t work, your lawyer is already prepared to defend your case in court. Waiting until you end up in court to hire a lawyer would cost you a lot more money and possibly hurt your case.
Summary
No matter how little or irrelevant your case might seem, you should consult with a professional personal injury lawyer first before making a decision on whether or not you have a case. That way you know you are getting the best advice and leaving nothing to chance.