If you’re going through the process of filing a personal injury claim, you will almost always get a more favorable outcome by hiring an experienced personal injury attorney. However, finding the right lawyer can seem daunting.
Above all, you need to find the right lawyer who is licensed in Colorado, has a successful track record of dealing with your type of personal injury claim, and is willing to do what it takes to defend your legal right to full compensation. Throughout this guide, we’ll provide you with some tips and suggestions for vetting Denver personal injury lawyers so you can find the best fit for your unique circumstances.
Why Should You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
First, you might wonder why you need to hire a personal injury attorney in the first place, and whether or not this is completely necessary. Though you can go it alone and negotiate your personal injury claim with insurance directly, this often won’t allow you to secure the maximum compensation that you’re entitled to.
You may think that the insurance companies are looking out for your best interests and will quickly offer a payout that covers any medical bills, vehicle repairs, or other costs you incurred as a result of the accident. However, insurance claims adjusters are looking to protect the profitability of their business, and want to minimize any payouts they make.
Thus, they may employ tricky tactics and strategies to get you to accept a lower settlement than you deserve. Skilled personal injury attorneys are aware of such tactics and know how to negotiate with the insurance adjusters to get you the best outcome for your circumstances.
In summary, here are some of the main reasons why you could benefit from hiring a personal injury lawyer after an accident:
- Expertise: Lawyers who are specialized in this practice area should be well-versed in personal injury law in Colorado, and can provide you with their expert advice on how to proceed in your unique situation.
- Evidence collection: Personal injury attorneys have a wider network and more resources than the average victim, which allows them to thoroughly investigate the accident and collect evidence that supports the victim’s claim.
- Negotiation skills: When it comes time to negotiate your claim with the insurance company, lawyers have more advanced negotiation skills than most victims, and are more effective at making the victim’s case than if they negotiated it on their own.
- Trial representation: Should the insurance company fail to offer a fair settlement, your case may go to trial, where your attorney can provide you with expert legal representation based on their experience with such formal legal proceedings
How to Find the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Denver
Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash can be extremely exhausting. So, hiring a personal injury lawyer can provide you with a dedicated advocate who can take the weight of negotiating your personal injury claim off your shoulders. Once you’re ready to hire an attorney, read through the following steps so you can find the right legal team for your needs.
- Search for Lawyers in Your Area
The first step towards finding the right personal injury attorney is knowing what your options are to begin with. You have a few options for discovering which personal injury lawyers are practicing in Denver, including:
- Personal recommendations: Ask friends and family in the area who have dealt with personal injury claims for any lawyer recommendations they might have.
- Local directories: Do a quick online search or browse through legal directories like Nolo.com or AllLaw.com to find personal injury lawyers near you.
- Colorado Bar Association: Contact the Colorado Bar Association or Denver Bar Association for referrals of reputable personal injury attorneys.
- Review Their Credentials and Reputation
Using the list of possible attorneys you’ve compiled from the first step, you’ll want to vet their qualifications and experience before you reach out to them. First, verify that they are licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado. Then, you might want to check where they went to school and how many years of experience they have, which they’ll likely list on their website.
During this step, ensure they are specialized in personal injury law. It can also be helpful to know of any specific certificates or awards they’ve received so you can further vet their experience and capabilities.
Before moving forward, check to see what past clients have to say about them. Browse through their Google reviews and client testimonials to give you a better idea of what it might be like to work with them.
- Schedule an Initial Consultation
Your next step is to set up an initial consultation with your top selections based on the previous steps. Doing so will allow you to meet face-to-face or over the phone with the lawyer to help you make your final decision.
Many great Denver personal injury attorneys will offer a free consultation, so there is no risk in scheduling an initial meeting. While meeting with them, make sure you pay attention to how they communicate with you. Do they explain things clearly? Do they seem in a rush? Do they show concern for your case? Asking yourself questions like these can help you find a lawyer that you can easily trust and communicate with.
You may also want to dive into the specifics of your case and ask them for their expert recommendation on what the next steps and overall timeline might look like in your situation. This can further help you evaluate their skills, expertise, and confidence in handling cases like yours.
This meeting will likely be brief, but you can still inquire about the resources they have available to them to investigate the accident, what type of legal strategy they plan on utilizing, and what their fee structure looks like. In most cases, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid once you receive your settlement.
- Make Your Final Choice
After going through the above steps, you should have a good idea of what lawyer you’ll want to hire to handle your case. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, though these steps can help guide you through the process.
Again, recovering after a crash can be stressful, but choosing the right personal injury lawyer doesn’t have to be. When working with a Denver firm like Sandene Law, you have the peace of mind of knowing that you’re working with lawyers with over a decade of experience and a successful track record of handling similar cases.
We take the time to understand the ins and outs of your case and will provide you with our expert legal advice that will leave you with the best possible outcome. We understand the nuances of negotiations with insurance giants and are well-prepared to take them on and shift the power back in favor of the victims.
When we believe a client has a just case, we do everything in our power to fight for rightful compensation. Even if that means filing a lawsuit against the insurance company and taking the victim’s claim to court, we are willing to do so.
If you’re looking for a staunch legal advocate who will help you recover the compensation you’re entitled to after an accident, contact Sandene Law for your free consultation.
FAQ’s
How does the statute of limitations affect the timeline for filing a personal injury claim, and what steps should individuals take to ensure they meet these deadlines?
The statute of limitations varies by jurisdiction and type of injury. Generally, it’s a legal timeframe within which a person must file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline could result in the case being dismissed. To ensure compliance, individuals should promptly consult legal resources or an attorney specializing in personal injury law in their area.
Are there any alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration, that individuals can explore before pursuing formal legal action for their personal injury claims?
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods like mediation or arbitration offer avenues for resolving disputes outside of traditional courtroom litigation. Before pursuing formal legal action, individuals may explore these options, which can be more cost-effective and less time-consuming. A mediator or arbitrator facilitates negotiations between parties to reach a mutually acceptable settlement.
What factors contribute to determining the potential value of a personal injury claim, and how can individuals assess the fairness of settlement offers presented by insurance companies?
Several factors influence the potential value of a personal injury claim, including the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term effects. Insurance companies often assess these factors when making settlement offers. Individuals should consult with an experienced attorney to evaluate the adequacy of offers and negotiate for fair compensation.
Are there any potential implications or consequences for individuals if they choose to represent themselves in a personal injury claim instead of hiring an attorney?
Representing oneself in a personal injury claim, known as pro se representation, may seem cost-effective initially. However, it carries significant risks. Without legal expertise, individuals may struggle to navigate complex legal procedures, assess the true value of their claim, or negotiate effectively with insurance companies. Ultimately, seeking professional legal counsel can help ensure fair treatment and optimal outcomes.
Can the article provide insights or guidance on how individuals can assess the credibility and reliability of personal injury attorneys they consider hiring, beyond simply reviewing credentials and testimonials?
Beyond reviewing credentials and testimonials, individuals can assess the credibility and reliability of personal injury attorneys through various means. They may consider factors such as the attorney’s reputation within the legal community, their track record of successful cases, any disciplinary actions or complaints filed against them, and their willingness to provide references from past clients. Additionally, scheduling an initial consultation allows individuals to gauge the attorney’s communication style, level of responsiveness, and overall fit for their needs.
