Experiencing an accident, whatever form it takes, can be a uniquely traumatic event to withstand. Accidents take place in all walks of life, and take many forms in the process; if you are unfortunate enough to have been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to claim compensation – but reticent to start a claim process.
This reticence is not an unusual response. After all, choosing the right legal representation can be a nerve-wracking thing. However, compensation could make a crucial difference in your quality of life, and it is in your best interest to seek what you may be owed.
But how do you choose the right legal representation, and what important considerations need to be taken when choosing?
Legal Considerations and Your Rights
Before seeking legal representation, you should have a basic grasp of the laws and structure around civil claims – as well as your rights in personal injury or public liability situations. In civil claims, there are strict legal procedures and time limits that must be followed. For example, with regard to personal injury claims centred around negligence, there is a three-year time limit in which a claim must be made.
Additionally, it is of vital importance that you understand your entitlements based on the circumstances of your accident. If the accident occurred in the workplace, you might consider the role of a trade union in providing support and legal advice. They can guide you through the process, and help protect your rights as an employee.
Preparing for a Consultation
Before you start to actively seek out representation, you should be sure that you have something of a case to present. This means gathering and organizing any relevant information and evidence to support your claim. These include:
Documentation
Collect and copy any relevant documents related to the accident, such as incident reports, medical records, or any correspondence with insurance companies.
Solicitor Experience
You’ll also want to find an injury attorney in Henry County who has sufficient experience to take on your claim. Only look for professionals who have a track record of successfully representing people and winning money. The best law firms will always advertise their big wins publicly, giving you an idea of the benefits working with them could offer.
Eyewitness Testimony
If there were witnesses to your accident, you should try to gather their contact information and, if possible, obtain written or recorded statements from them about their recollections of the event.
Photographs and CCTV
If available, photographs and/or video evidence – whether filmed by another or by a nearby CCTV system – can be incredibly powerful ways to support your claim.
Choosing a Firm
When choosing a legal representative to take your claim further, you will need to consider the following factors:
Solicitor Specialism
Personal injury is a broad field in and of itself, and as such there will be different solicitors with different specialisms. Military solicitors are better-placed to investigate the viability of claims regarding personal injury during service, while medical negligence solicitors are trained in navigating claims against the NHS.
Regionality
You might consider selecting a firm that operates locally to you. Local firms are often more familiar with local regulations and businesses, as well as legal teams and court staff.
Reputation
Lastly, and most importantly of all, you should research the reputation of any shortlisted solicitors’ firms to ensure they are the right choice for you. You can do this by reading reviews, testimonials, and case studies. Their track record with regard to similar cases can be telling of the potential outcome when it comes to yours.
