There were 121,345 motor vehicle accidents in Arizona alone in 2021. When you consider other common types of accidents, such as slip-and-falls, premises liability accidents and workplace injuries, it becomes clear that hundreds of thousands of people face wrongful injury in every state each year.
However, only a fraction of these people end up calling an attorney for legal help. One reason is that many people are unsure of how to talk to a personal injury lawyer. Knowing how to overcome this obstacle will ensure that you do not feel awkward or intimidated when you need help from a legal professional.
How Do You Start a Conversation With a Lawyer?
If you experience an accident caused by someone else, you probably know that you should call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. What are you supposed to say when someone picks up the phone, though? How can you make sure the lawyer takes you seriously?
Start your conversation with a lawyer by introducing yourself and stating the reason for your call. It is okay to be upfront with any questions you would like to ask, even if you think the answers might be obvious. More likely than not, your attorney will appreciate having a client who is willing to understand the legal process.
It can also be helpful to write down what you want to say or ask before making the phone call. You can avoid making multiple calls by being as prepared as possible from the outset. Be ready to provide information about the other driver, their insurance company, any witnesses who saw the accident and the police officers who responded to the accident so your attorney can conduct a follow-up investigation as efficiently as possible.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that you do not need to feel stressed when you talk to a personal injury lawyer. When you call Sargon Law Group, or any respectable law office for that matter, the attorney will understand that you are dealing with an immense amount of confusion and uncertainty. They will take you seriously and provide meaningful guidance, no matter what type of accident you had.
What Should You Not Say to a Lawyer?
Avoid exaggerating the details of your accident or speculating on who might be at fault. Do not downplay your injuries, either—tell the lawyer exactly what happened to you and how much it hurts, even if it feels embarrassing to do so. Provide all the facts and only the facts so that your legal team can build an appropriate strategy for your case.
When you are trying to determine how to talk to a lawyer, remember that your attorney will be fighting by your side to get a positive outcome for you. That is why you should not say anything to your lawyer that will make their job more difficult.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Even if you understand what you should and should not say to a lawyer, calling an attorney can still feel like too much trouble if you only had a minor accident. In reality, though, hiring a lawyer is usually worth the time and effort, no matter how trivial you think your damages are.
An experienced personal injury lawyer is someone who has a history of settling many cases similar to your own. They know what to look for to fully evaluate how much compensation you deserve. For example, they can identify situations when a minor injury might lead to future expenses for ongoing treatment. They also know how to negotiate with the insurance company to make sure they do not take advantage of you or convince you to accept a lowball settlement.
Another situation when you should hire a lawyer is when the insurance company denies your claim outright. Having an attorney will force the insurance company to take you seriously. Your legal team can search for evidence that proves beyond a doubt that the other person is liable for your injuries, giving the insurer no choice but to fulfill their payment obligations.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a lawyer often averages between $100 to $500 per hour, though personal injury attorneys rarely charge upfront. The exact fees that a lawyer charges will vary based on trends set by other law firms in the area, the complexity of your case and their own operating costs.
However, simply talking to a personal injury lawyer does not cost anything. Most attorneys operate on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay them if and when they win a settlement for you. Many also offer free consultations so you can learn more about the value of your case and the overall legal process without committing to hiring a lawyer.
Should You Ask Your Lawyer About Mediation?
It is absolutely worth discussing mediation with your lawyer. Mediation is a common method for resolving personal injury cases because it facilitates good-faith discussions in which both sides can advocate for an outcome that works for them. Even if you are the person who suffered harm in an accident, it is perfectly understandable to choose mediation over an aggressive and confrontational approach.
Keep in mind that mediation is not binding. It can lead to productive discussions, but that does not mean the insurance company has to abide by the decisions. It is extremely important to carefully review the settlement agreement before you sign it, even if you think the mediation process went well.
Talk to the Personal Injury Lawyers at Sargon Law Group
At Sargon Law Group, we care about being easily approachable so that our clients never have to stress about how to talk to a personal injury lawyer. We invite you to learn more about us so you can feel comfortable when you make the call.
When you feel ready, contact us to set up your free case evaluation. We are ready and available to serve clients throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and California.