With 94,831 people and 51 constituent neighborhoods, Erie is the fifth largest community in Pennsylvania. For the size of the city, the number of people who use public transportation is relatively high. As the roads are congested, accidents are a common occurrence.
If you have been injured in an accident, it is essential to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. It will help ensure that your rights are protected, but it can also help you receive the compensation you deserve.
When looking for personal injury lawyers in Erie, it is crucial to consider several factors. This blog post will discuss five qualities you should look for when choosing a lawyer.
1) Experience
A lawyer’s experience is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for legal representation. A personal injury lawyer who has been handling cases similar to yours for many years will better understand how to handle your case and provide you with the best possible outcome.
In addition, an experienced attorney will also have a network of medical professionals and other experts who can help strengthen your case. If you’re looking for an Erie personal injury lawyer, ask about their experience handling cases like yours.
Here are the various kinds of personal injury cases:
-Car accidents
-Slip and fall accidents
-Medical malpractice
-Workplace injuries
-Birth injuries
Ensure to question a potential lawyer about their experience during your initial consultation.
2) Trial Record
It is crucial to check the lawyer’s trial record before hiring them. It will give you an idea of how many cases they have tried and their success rate. You always want to go with a personal injury lawyer who has a good track record of winning cases in court.
You can even ask for previous clients’ feedback or ask the lawyer directly about their trial records. Doing a bit of research before hiring personal injury lawyers in Erie will save you a lot of hassle.
3) Availability
A lot of people in Erie, Pennsylvania take the bus for their daily commute. Hence, the need for public transportation is very high. With a large number of people and automobiles on the roads, there is also an increased likelihood of accidents.
With rising cases of road accidents, lawyers often have their plates full. So, an attorney who is available to their clients is worth hiring. You want an attorney who will be able to answer your questions when you have them and be available to meet with you when needed.
4) Fees
The average lawyer salary in Erie, PA, is $91,314. The fees depend on various factors like:
-The severity of your injuries
-The amount of work required to build your case
-How much money you are asking for in damages
-Whether or not the case will go to trial
You should never have to pay any upfront fees for a personal injury lawyer. A good lawyer will only charge a contingency fee, which means they only get paid if they win your case.
5) Communication
When you choose a personal injury attorney, you should be able to communicate with them easily. You should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing your case. If you feel like your lawyer is not listening to you or is not interested in your case, you may want to find someone else to represent you.
Some things to check for are:
-How quickly does the lawyer respond to your phone calls and emails?
-Do they answer your questions in a way that you can understand?
-Do they make you feel comfortable discussing your case?
-Are you able to get in touch with them when you need to?
-Do they offer a written retainer agreement?
-Do they have a good understanding of the law and your rights?
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you need an experienced Erie personal injury lawyer on your side. Check for these top qualities when choosing a lawyer to represent you. With the right attorney, you can get the compensation you deserve.