Are you looking for a New Orleans Personal Injury Lawyer and don’t know where to turn? Before you hire someone, I have to warn you. There are TWO things a car accident attorney may hide from their clients.
- They are inexperienced
- There are hidden costs
This can be extremely frustrating for the client. You’re in pain from the car accident and now you’re fighting the insurance company. The last thing you need is to have an attorney you can’t trust.
So what can you do? I’ll give you tips for what to look out for, and how to avoid the pitfall.
What your New Orleans Personal Injury Lawyer may not be telling you…
1) “I’ve actually never handled a case like this…”
That’s right, your lawyer may not come right out and tell you “I’ve actually never handled or seen a case like this.”
Why not? They may want to get experience on a case like yours. They may be embarrassed. They may be just looking at dollar signs and not thinking “Am I the best person for the job?”
At Phillips Law, we don’t take your case unless we can answer YES to “Am I the best person for the job?” It is our office policy. We won’t take your case unless we have extensive experience with that type of case and facts. You aren’t going to be our guinea pig.
Always opt for a car accident lawyer with a proven track record in handling personal injury cases. We have decades of experience. Why does this matter?
- In-Depth Knowledge: Our understand the nuances of serious personal injury cases, increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.
- Local Expertise: Knowledge of New Orleans-specific laws and court procedures can significantly influence your case.
- Proven Strategies: Experienced lawyers know what strategies work best in personal injury cases, helping you secure maximum compensation.
How to verify the experience of a New Orleans Personal Injury Lawyer:
- Check Their Track Record: Look for case results and client reviews. Reviews from our clients can be found here.
- Ask About Their Experience: Ensure they have handled numerous personal injury cases, specifically in New Orleans.
- Ask about their experience filing personal injury lawsuits: Ensure they have filed personal injury lawsuits similar to yours
- Ask about their experience with insurance claims: Ensure they understand the insurance claim process and tactics insurance adjusters use
- Request References: Speaking with past clients can provide insight into the lawyer’s expertise and success rate.
2) “If you look closely at the contract, there are some hidden fees…”
Many people find themselves in a lawyer’s conference room with a long contract to sign to hire their personal injury attorney. Sure, they read over it. But do they really read over it?
While most car accident lawyers operate on a contingency basis, there can still be hidden costs like administrative fees, court costs, and expert witness fees.
Common Hidden Costs:
- Administrative Fees: Charges for managing your case, including paperwork and communication.
- Court Costs: Fees for filing documents, court appearances, and other related expenses.
- Expert Witness Fees: Costs for hiring experts to testify or provide crucial evidence for your case.
Why do attorneys not point these out? Maybe because they assumed you read it. Maybe it’s a larger firm and the younger attorney doesn’t even know about the additional fees. Maybe they are thinking about whether they want a burger or salad for lunch.
At Phillips Law, we make sure to go over our contract in detail with clients. This includes our section on additional fees or costs that may occur during our representation. As always, we keep it simple and easy to understand.
We don’t charge for administrative fees. Similarly, you are only responsible for court costs and expert witness fess unless we win your case. Those fees would come out of any eventual settlement. Again, nothing out of your own pocket.
If you’re not working with our firm, make sure you have a clear, written agreement detailing all potential expenses.
By addressing these essential truths, you can better navigate your personal injury case with confidence and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Want a New Orleans personal injury attorney that will tell you the truth? Call us today at 504-434-7000 to schedule your free consultation. Want to send us a message? Click here
