Whether you’re dealing with a serious injury or receiving treatment after an accident, it can be hard to feel like your life is moving forward while you wait for everything to return to normal.
That’s why it’s so important to have a personal injury attorney on your side. A professional lawyer can ensure that everyone involved in the litigation has their rights clearly stated and understood and will help guide you through the process of legal proceedings.
A personal injury attorney can help you navigate through all of this by working to get your case organized and moving forward as quickly as possible.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will take over administration of your case, including gathering evidence, court appearances and filing motions in your behalf. He or she will work to develop and present your claim at trial.
What you say matters.
A courtroom is no place for politicking. Still, it can’t be avoided and my job is to prepare your case for trial as effectively and efficiently as possible. I screen calls and emails, take depositions in private and direct witnesses so we get our story out first and foremost. And when needed, I stand up for your rights and press charges against your opponent in court.
Appear at every hearing.
A judge will likely ask you questions about your case, and you’ll need to be able to answer them. You also should appear when court is in session, which usually runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Most courts are in sessions several days a week, so even if yours isn’t held daily, you may still have many hearings.
Your lawyer will represent you in every hearing.
In personal injury law, a hearing is any form of testimony to determine your damages. If someone asks for information about your medical history or work details, this is also considered a hearing. Even if it’s not at trial, you will be asked to take part in a deposition—a private interview by a lawyer for the other side. You should never talk to anyone else about what happened to you until you have consulted with an attorney.
Don’t talk to anyone on the phone.
If you want to avoid talking to someone over the telephone, then speaking with an attorney is your best option. Calling instead of emailing or texting not only lessens the chances of misspelling something important but also allows the other side more time to prepare their arguments.
Answer every question.
Talk to your lawyer personally or over the phone as soon as possible after you contact them. Your attorney may ask you questions about your case, and they should also explain what information you need from witnesses and police reports. Get all of your answers before going to court, and if something is missing call your attorney right away so there won’t be a delay in presenting evidence.
