SERVING NORTH MYRTLE BEACH
If you’ve been injured in an accident in North Myrtle Beach, the Stanley Law Firm is ready to step in and take the case. North Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination for family vacations. Visitors who may not be familiar with the area can make navigating Highway 17 and the surrounding side streets difficult and accidents are bound to happen. The area’s many hotels, shopping complexes, restaurants and entertainment venues are supposed to provide a fun experience for visitors and locals alike but accidents can and do happen at these places.
The period immediately following a personal injury accident can be emotional, stressful and in some cases physically painful. What are you supposed to do first? Who are you supposed to call? Should you find an attorney to represent your interests?
Finding the right lawyer can be daunting. You see so many attorney billboards on the highway and so many television commercials. How do you choose the best attorney for your case? Ultimately, you will have to rely on your own judgement but here are a few tips for selecting the best personal injury lawyer.
First Impressions – Many people assume they will have to pay for an initial discussion with an attorney and this might put them off from the whole process. However reputable law firms offer free initial consultations where you can discuss your case. Make sure to bring as much documentation as you have regarding the case. This initial consultation is also a great opportunity to interview the attorney. Ask them questions about their past cases and outcomes, their areas of expertise and their fee structure.
Experience – Make sure to pick an attorney who has experience with the type of accident you were involved in. Personal injury law is complex, however an experienced lawyer will be able to weave their way through those laws.
Proven Track Record – The best personal injury attorneys have a proven track record with settlements or winning in court in personal injury or auto accident cases.
Location – Some lawyers advertise in locations that they don’t have an office near. While not essential, it’s always a good idea for your attorney to have an office close to where you live or where you were injured.
Size of the Firm – The size of a law firm does not necessarily dictate the outcome of a lawsuit. However there are several considerations to keep in mind. While a bigger firm may have more resources available to assist you in a lawsuit, your case might get also get neglected or lost among the firm’s many cases. You are more likely to receive more personal attention from a small firm. In addition, large law firms often spend freely on case expenses, eating up much of your potential settlement.
Communication – At the initial consultation, make sure the attorney gives you their undivided attention. The best lawyers will communicate well, explaining complicated laws and legal procedures so you can easily understand. They should also check in with you regularly after taking your case, answering your questions or concerns in a timely manner, taking your input and filling you in on any progress.
Settlement Outcome – If your preference is a settlement, it’s important to work with your attorney on your desired outcome. Each case is unique and even if the lawyer you choose has won large settlements for other clients previously, that may not be the outcome of your case. There are several goals you may decide early on, such as: settling the case within a certain time frame with as few expenses as possible; obtaining any amount above what the insurance company has offered; settling for as much as possible, no matter the time it takes. Keep in mind that even if you decide on one of these goals initially, it is always possible to change your mind and go down another route with your attorney.
