Proven Strategies to Help Find the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

proven strategies injury lawyer

Personal injury victims place a lot of trust in their lawyers to get them the compensation that they deserve. Because so much is on the line, finding the right lawyer to represent you following a personal injury can be stressful and even intimidating. Ultimately, you want to make sure you find a lawyer that has experience, that is knowledgeable, and that you can trust. There are things every personal injury victim should consider to help them find the right lawyer for their case. 

Focus on Local Attorneys 

If you were injured in Georgia, you almost certainly want a Georgia-licensed personal injury lawyer to represent you. Moreover, you want to find a lawyer that has experience practicing in your local court system. A lawyer need not necessarily have an office set up in your hometown, but you at least want to hire a lawyer that knows the local rules. 

Research Online 

Like everything else, you can find personal injury lawyers in your area on the Internet. This isn’t enough by itself, but it is a good place to start. A little research using your search engine of choice is a good way to get a rough idea of your options, to find links to law firm websites, and to see what lawyers have good reputations. It is also a good idea to search for potential attorneys on the Georgia Bar Association website to check their public disciplinary record and to ensure that they are licensed and in good standing. 

Look for a Proven Track Record 

As you look for information, keep in mind that the most important factor to consider is the track record of the lawyer. You want to hire a lawyer that not only has experience practicing law, but has experience winning personal injury cases in court. A lawyer that is willing to vigorously represent clients in court is a valuable asset to have on your side. 

Take Advantage of Free Consultations 

If you are satisfied that a lawyer has a good reputation and the right experience, the next step is to schedule a consultation. Nearly all personal injury attorneys offer free case evaluations. These are an excellent way to not just get a better understanding of your case, but also to find out if a lawyer is a good fit for you. As the American Bar Association explains: 

The lawyer will be helping you solve your problems, so the first qualification is that you must feel comfortable enough to tell him or her, honestly and completely, all the facts necessary to resolve your problem. No one you listen to and nothing you read will be able to guarantee that a particular lawyer will be the best for you; you must judge that for yourself. 

Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, Gets Justice for Personal Injury Victims in Georgia 

Located in Kennesaw, Georgia, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, are dedicated to maximizing compensation in every case. More than that, they are committed to providing accessible and compassionate service to every client. If you have been injured and would like to discuss your case, contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, to schedule a free case evaluation by calling 833-LEGALGA today.

Why Insurance Companies Pay Less to Some Lawyer’s Clients 

insurance companies pay lawyers

The success of a personal injury claim depends on a number of things. The facts of a case, the evidence available, and the parties involved all matter. It also matters who the plaintiff’s attorney is. Below are three big reasons insurance companies tend to pay less to some lawyer’s clients. 

1. They Know the Lawyer Doesn’t Focus on Personal Injury Law 

Lawyers that handle personal injury cases on a day-to-day basis are generally much better equipped to take on a personal injury case than lawyers who spread their time and resources across many different areas of law.  Insurance companies know this. Moreover, insurance companies hire experienced personal injury defense lawyers to represent them. When insurance defense lawyers find out that an injury victim is represented by a lawyer that doesn’t focus on personal injury law, they will be emboldened to offer less money. This is one major reason personal injury victims should hire attorneys that are dedicated to practicing personal injury law. 

2. They Know the Lawyer Lacks the Resources to Litigate 

Personal injury lawsuits are expensive. To maximize the value of a case, it is often necessary to hire experts, investigators, and conduct depositions of witnesses. Unfortunately, none of these things are cheap. Reputable personal injury attorneys often advance these cost on behalf of their clients who cannot afford to pay.  For more complex cases, these costs can be tens of thousands of dollars. However, there is always a risk of losing a case and not getting any of that money back. If an insurance company knows that a lawyer lacks the resources to carry out litigation, it also knows that an injury victim is more likely to take a settlement to avoid the expenses involved in litigation. 

3. The Lawyer Doesn’t Fight for Clients 

This is probably the biggest reason that insurance companies pay less to some lawyer’s clients. Insurance companies know which personal injury lawyers will go to court and which ones tend to settle for less than the case is worth. This is one of the big factors that an insurance company considers when it considers the risk of a lawsuit. If a lawyer almost never sets foot in court, the insurance company will not likely take the risk of a lawsuit seriously and will offer as little as possible to make the claim go away. Conversely, if the lawyer has a lot of litigation experience and is routinely fighting for clients in court, an insurance company will almost certainly offer a higher settlement. 

For More Information, Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter 

The experienced trial lawyers at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, will do what is necessary to maximize the value of claims, including trying cases before juries. Joel Williams has consistently been recognized as one of the best trial lawyers in the state of Georgia. Insurance companies and their lawyers know that Joel is ready, willing, and able to go to trial and obtain justice if they do not offer fair compensation. If you would like to schedule a free case evaluation, contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, today by calling 833-LEGALGA.

7 Ways to Maximize Your Settlement After a Back Injury 

maximize settlement back injury

Sustaining a back injury is a difficult thing to endure. There are several types of back injuries that personal injury lawyers encounter on a regular basis, such as whiplash, herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and spondylolisthesis. No matter what type of back injury a person suffers, they are almost always serious and painful. They are also the type of injuries that tend to cause permanent disability or lingering discomfort and thus often have a lasting impact on a person’s life. 

When back injuries are caused by negligence, victims are entitled to compensation for their harm. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is the best way for an accident victim to ensure that they receive everything they deserve.  Below are some other important things to keep in mind. 

1. Carefully Document Everything 

A claim is only as valuable as the evidence backing it up. If an allegation can’t be proven, it isn’t worth much in a court of law. This is why you should carefully document everything you can about the accident. It is a good idea following an auto accident to contact police and ask for a police report. You should also carefully document all of the medical care you receive, any expenses related to the accident, and record any work that you have missed as a result of the personal injury. 

2. Get Medical Care From a Back Injury Specialist 

It is essential in any back injury case to have detailed and thorough medical records in support of the claim. Personal injury victims need to present clear evidence that an injury was caused by the accident and not by something else. A doctor who is a back injury specialist will be able to explain with greater precision how the accident caused the injury and what the extent of damage is. The defendant is also likely to have their own medical expert testify that your injury is not as bad as you claim. It is important to have the support of someone qualified to refute this. 

3. Appreciate the Full Value of Your Claim 

When a personal injury plaintiff wins a judgment in a Georgia court, they are entitled to both “special” and “general” damages. Special damages compensate victims for both past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages and other quantifiable financial loss. General damages compensate for the non-economic loss, like pain and suffering. Personal injury victims should carefully consider all their potential damages and consult with an attorney if they aren’t sure what their case is worth. 

4. Negotiate 

Too often victims take the first offer that is made to them because they think that is all they deserve or will be able to get. It is almost always a good idea to negotiate because insurance companies will almost always initially offer less than a claim is worth. 

5. Avoid Social Media 

One of the worst things about a back injury is how much it can impact a person’s daily life. This loss of enjoyment is a type of pain and suffering that is compensable. If a plaintiff can no longer do certain activities, for instance, they may be entitled to compensation on that basis. Savvy defense lawyers will often closely watch a plaintiffs’ social media profiles to try to find evidence that a plaintiff is exaggerating how bad their injury is. This is not always fair, because while a person may look like they are having fun and being active on social media, they may be suffering in private. The best practice is to avoid allowing a defense lawyer the opportunity to take any of your photos out of context by simply abstaining from all social media while your case is pending. 

6. File Your Claim in Time 

All civil claims must be made within a certain time period or else they will be completely barred. Under the Georgia Statute of Limitations for tort claims, personal injury lawsuits for back injuries must generally be made within two years of the date of the accident. It is important to begin pursuing compensation well in advance of this. 

7. Get Your Settlement in Writing 

Personal injury settlement agreements should always be in writing. If a settlement isn’t in writing, it may not be enforceable. Although Georgia does recognize oral agreements as valid, they can be difficult to prove. 

For More Information, Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter 

If you would like more information or would like to discuss your case, contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, by calling 833-LEGALGA today.

Is Property Damage Included in a Personal Injury Lawsuit? 

personal injury lawsuit property damage

In almost all auto accident cases, the victim has both a personal injury and a property damage claim. Under Georgia law, these are two distinct claims. A plaintiff can claim both personal injury and property damages in a single lawsuit, but the court will consider them individually rather than as one claim. 

Generally, auto accident victims will pursue personal injury and property damages separately. The biggest reason for this is that a property damage claim is much easier to resolve. It is not unusual for a settlement to be reached within a few days or weeks of an accident for a property damage claim. In the vast majority of cases, the property damage claim is resolved much quicker than the personal injury claim. 

Can Property Damage Be Included as Part of My Settlement? 

Although property claims are distinct from personal injury claims, your property damage can be considered as part of an overall settlement agreement. After all, a settlement is a private agreement between two parties and can generally include whatever terms the parties agree to. If a plaintiff has a personal injury and a property claim, it is possible to settle both in one agreement. 

Types of Damage Recoverable in a Property Damage Claim 

Property damage lawsuits are designed to compensate victims for vehicle damage, any other property damage that occurred as a result of an accident, and any costs associated with the vehicle damage. Common types of damages include: 

  • The cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle; 
  • The cost of repairing or replacing personal items that were inside the vehicle and were damaged as a result of the accident; 
  • Towing expenses if the vehicle had to be towed after the accident; 
  • Rental car expenses if the victim needed to rent a car following the accident; and 
  • The cost of repairing any other property damage that occurred as a result of the accident. 

The Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury and Property Damage Claims 

Civil lawsuits must be filed within a certain period of time under something referred to as statutes of limitations. Each state in the United States has different statute of limitations laws that establishes how long a tort victim has to bring a claim. In Georgia, personal injury and property damage claims are governed by different limitations periods. Under the Official Code of Georgia Title 9 Chapter 3 Section, auto accident victims must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date of an accident and must file property damage claims within four years. 

For More Information, Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, Today 

The experienced personal injury attorneys at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, work hard to maximize compensation for personal injury victims in Georgia. Although our focus is on personal injury law, we will seek compensation for property damage as well when our clients also have property damage claims. 

Located in Kennesaw, Georgia, Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, serves clients throughout the State of Georgia in both state and federal courts. Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, is dedicated to providing thorough, accessible, and effective service to each personal injury client it serves. If you would like to learn more or would like to schedule a free case evaluation, contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, today by calling 833-LEGALGA.