Avoid These Mistakes When Hiring an Alaska Personal Injury Attorney
Even when you take extra precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and your family, accidents in Alaska are still a threat because other people are not as careful. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 24.2 million people head to the emergency room for treatment of accidental injuries every year, while another 24.8 million victims seek care at a physician’s office. Plus, almost 225,000 people are killed in accidents, leading to tremendous losses for survivors.
Under state law, you may qualify to recover compensation if you were hurt or lost a loved one in an accident. However, many victims make serious mistakes when approaching the legal process, and it could affect their rights. A crucial first error to avoid is going without representation, so you should consult with an Alaska personal injury attorney right away. Additional mistakes involve the hiring process, such as:
Hiring a General Practitioner
Many lawyers offer a wide range of legal services, covering bankruptcy, DUIs, divorce, and family law under one roof. However, it is wise to retain counsel that focuses on personal injury. These cases require in-depth knowledge of case law, statutes, and court procedural rules because these are what drive strategy. A general practitioner may have broad knowledge but not the attention to detail you need when pursuing a personal injury case.
Waiting Too Long to Get Counsel
Delaying is a mistake that many accident victims make because they think they can deal with an insurance company on their own. They expect they will only hire a lawyer when it becomes necessary to go to court after settlement discussions break down.
Having representation is critical in the claims process because insurers are trying to find reasons to pay as little as possible. An attorney could negotiate a fair settlement, resolving your claim quickly without court, and without hurting the claim.
Not Asking the Right Questions
Meeting with a lawyer gives you the opportunity to find out more about their practice, experience, and knowledge. Plus, you want to know more about your rights and how the process works. Make sure to ask:
- Who will be the point of contact when dealing with your firm?
- How many of your client cases are in the same area of personal injury as my claim?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses in my case?
- Do you think my case will settle, or will I have to sue in court?
- Does your firm handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis?
Set Up a Consultation With an Alaska Personal Injury Lawyer Today
These are important mistakes to avoid when hiring an accident attorney, but you will find the right fit when you do your research and ask the right questions. At Power & Power Law, our team will provide answers and explain how we serve your needs in a personal injury case. To schedule a free case review at our offices in Anchorage, Alaska, please call 907-222-9990 or check out our website.