What to Ask When Hiring an Attorney: How Much Trial Experience Do They Have?
Your attorney’s trial experience can play a big part in the outcome of your personal injury case. But there’s a misconception that all attorneys have extensive experience in a trial setting.
Most personal injury cases are settled before they ever go to trial. Some attorneys can negotiate large settlements for their clients. But if a case has to go to trial, they may lack the knowledge, skills, and confidence to get the outcome their clients need.
Hiring an attorney with trial experience can ensure that you get the legal representation you need. If your case can’t be settled outside of a courtroom, then you need an attorney who can back you up in a court of law.
Trial Experience in Personal Injury Law
A small percentage of personal injury cases make it to trial in the United States. Personal injury cases may only see the inside of a courtroom during later states.
Many personal injury attorneys hand off cases to other firms when they end up having to go to trial. Attorneys typically spend most of their time, energy, and other resources preparing a case, working through depositions, and attending the occasional hearing.
When you’re hiring an attorney, there are many questions you need to ask and take into consideration.
But the trial experience of an attorney should be one of your priorities if you want to get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and recoup any financial losses.
What Your Attorney Needs to Know
The best approach to preparing your case is to assume that it could end up going to trial. Attorneys who adequately prepare from the get-go are more likely to help you get the outcome you want.
Failing to prepare for a trial can cause your attorney to overlook key factors that can significantly impact your case.
During the discovery phase, attorneys representing you and the opposing party must disclose evidence and information related to the circumstances of your case and the injuries you’ve suffered.
Having trial experience helps your attorney prepare and present the evidence that supports your case. They can ensure that all documents are filed accordingly, helping you avoid unwanted delays and other issues.
Personal injury attorneys need to establish factors that demonstrate the other party’s liability. These include the presence of negligence, liability for injuries and damages, and your injuries that resulted from that negligence.
Trial experience enhances an attorney’s effectiveness in presenting a strong case that compels juries to decide in your favor.
Trial Experience Gives You Stronger Legal Representation
Georgia personal injury attorneys who have trial experience have a better understanding of the litigation process. This can give you peace of mind in knowing that your attorney can handle anything the other party might present as a defense.
Defendants can use a wide range of strategies to counter your claim. In most personal injury cases, the defendant’s insurers are responsible for providing compensation for your injuries and other damages.
But insurance companies usually have legal teams who specialize in making sure that insurers have to pay out as little as possible. They also have extensive experience in dealing with personal injury cases just like yours.
That’s why you need a skilled attorney who can navigate the negotiation process and is prepared to take your case against a defendant and other parties to trial.
Attorneys who have trial experience may be more likely to secure a larger settlement. More importantly, defendants and insurance companies will know that you have an experienced legal professional on your side.
The circumstances of your case will determine whether or not you will need to go to trial. But whether you do have to take your case to court or not, having an attorney with trial experience is the best way to maximize the compensation you receive.
Experienced personal injury attorneys can go the distance to provide you with the resources and legal representation you need.
