A personal injury attorney can help you if you’re injured in an accident. They can inform you of your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
However, you may not know what to consider when choosing an Arkansas personal injury lawyer.
A good attorney should listen to your needs, make the legal process as painless as possible, and fight for you and your rights. They should also be responsive to your questions and make you feel comfortable talking with them.
The Cottrell Law Firm is a high-quality, dedicated personal injury firm. Below, we describe some important things to consider when selecting a personal injury attorney. Do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions.
Characteristics to Look for in an Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured by the negligence or intentional acts of another, a good personal injury attorney can be indispensable.
It can, however, be difficult to differentiate between the many personal injury lawyers listed online. They can all look the same when you do a quick internet search. Yet, there can be significant differences in the quality of these attorneys.
Perhaps you don’t know what to consider when choosing an Arkansas personal injury lawyer, particularly one of the highest quality. Below are some key things you should take into account to help you make an informed decision.
Personal Injury Experience
You should prioritize finding an attorney with experience fighting and winning the type of case for which you seek legal representation.
This means you will need a firm with ample experience handling personal injury claims in Arkansas. You’ll also likely want a firm that will handle all aspects of your case from start to finish rather than just parts of your case. This will allow you to focus your energy on your recovery.
Ability to Effectively Communicate
Having a good working relationship with your personal injury lawyer is critical. The success of your case can depend on it. You must communicate effectively with your lawyer and trust your attorney enough to be open and honest.
Evaluate how the prospective personal injury attorney addresses your questions. Assess how they communicate with you during your initial consultation.
Determine whether they treat you respectfully. Also, pay attention to whether they explain legal terms and procedures in a way you can understand.
History of Success
A firm with a winning record will help you obtain the most compensation possible through a settlement or a trial. Hiring a firm with experience and a track record of success is wise.
You will want a firm that will see your case through to the end and won’t pressure you to settle your claim for less than you deserve.
Compassion for Accident Victims
You want an attorney that has compassion for accident victims. This makes the attorney-client relationship operate more effectively.
When an attorney exhibits compassion, they will fight harder on your behalf. Your Arkansas personal injury attorney should care about you as a person, not just as a case.
Determination to Fight Back
Insurance companies focus on maximizing profits. They create tactics to discourage and demoralize people filing claims. Your attorney must be willing to push back against the insurance company’s tactics and advocate for your rights.
Positive Client Testimonials
Client testimonials can help you find the best personal injury lawyer in Arkansas. If you identify patterns in the testimonials that are unfavorable, this is not a good sign. It’s best to avoid firms with numerous negative client testimonials.
Don’t Delay in Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
While you may think that you have plenty of time to find an attorney, don’t wait too long. In Arkansas, you typically only have three years to file a lawsuit in a personal injury case.
It’s best not to wait until the last minute. The sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer, the better.
Common Personal Injury Claims in Arkansas
A good personal injury attorney can handle most common personal injury claims, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents,
- Bicycle and motorcycle accidents,
- Nursing home negligence,
- Medical malpractice,
- Defective products,
- Premises liability issues,
- Slip-and-fall accidents,
- Animal attacks,
- Workers’ compensation, and
- Catastrophic injuries.
There are many other types of personal injury claims. Speak with us if you’re not sure about the type of claim you have.
Potential Compensation in a Personal Injury Claim
If a victim experiences a personal injury caused by someone else, an attorney may be able to help them obtain compensation. Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Pain and suffering,
- Loss of earning capacity,
- Emotional distress, and
- Property damages.
A victim’s compensation could be diminished or eliminated if they are partly at fault. The modified comparative fault law in Arkansas bars compensation if a victim is 50% or more at fault for their injuries.
An Arkansas personal injury attorney can help you determine if your actions will impact your compensation.
Contact an Experienced Arkansas Personal Injury Attorney Today
The Cottrell Law Office routinely gets favorable client outcomes. For over 32 years, we have helped injured clients in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas get the maximum compensation they deserve.
Our personal injury attorneys can provide the advocacy, guidance, and support you need today. Call us or contact us online to get started.