When someone files a personal injury claim, they seek compensation for the damages they have suffered, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other intangible losses. However, many people don’t think ahead to the what-ifs — namely, “What if my case does end up going to court?”
The answer to these questions is why accident victims seeking a personal injury attorney should only hire an experienced trial attorney. Virginia residents should look no further than Richmond-based law firm Burnett & Williams. This firm’s legal team has decades of experience standing up for accident victims’ rights in court, and a history of successful jury awards to back it up.
The goal of a personal injury attorney is to get a fair settlement before your personal injury case ever becomes a legal matter in the courtroom. But unfortunately, things don’t always work out that way. Sometimes, both sides cannot agree on a settlement amount they think is fair; other times, there may be a dispute over liability based on the available evidence. But just because your case ends up in litigation doesn’t mean you won’t get the money you deserve.
Why hiring an experienced trial attorney is important for Virginia personal injury cases
It is important to remember that the insurance companies are multi-billion-dollar corporations with virtually limitless resources. And perhaps the most important resource that the insurance companies have on their side is not a tangible one: time. The insurance companies know that medical bills quickly add up for accident victims, so they try to pressure them into accepting less than they deserve or threaten to prolong the process for much longer than it should rightfully need to be.
Sometimes, the simple act of hiring a lawyer can be enough to put pressure on insurance companies and make them more willing to come to the negotiation table. If a lawyer has a strong reputation and a track record of success, the insurance companies might be afraid that they will lose more if they actually go to trial. The right lawyer can add a layer of seriousness and credibility to your claim that you could never achieve by dealing with the insurance companies on your own.
When your case goes to court, it is important to have an experienced trial attorney on your side. That is why, when initially deciding which personal injury attorney is right for you, you want to hire someone with an extensive trial background.
“It’s better to be prepared and not need it than to need it and not have it,” says C. James Williams III, principal at Burnett & Williams. “Most contingency fees work by giving an attorney a greater percentage if your case goes to litigation. That means that, if your attorney is able to settle before litigation and out of court, you pay the lower percentage. But it’s still best to hire someone who can step up to protect your rights in court if necessary.”
First of all, a personal injury lawyer conducts an extensive investigation that goes far beyond the initial police reports and medical records, if needed. Your attorney will probably return to the scene of the accident to take additional photos and note the condition, such as any unsafe conditions that persist or repairs that have been made. They will also typically follow up with eyewitnesses to get a clearer picture of what happened.
An experienced trial attorney will also typically consult expert witnesses to provide testimony for your case. These experts, such as medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists, can add context and weight to your case. They can testify to aspects of your case that records alone do not accurately convey, including the severity and causality of the accident. Attorneys often have existing relationships with people who can serve as expert witnesses, which makes it much easier to build a serious personal injury case.
And, of course, accident victims want someone with trial experience on their side as legal representation in the courtroom when their case has to be argued before a judge or jury. Although it is theoretically possible for a victim to represent themselves in court, it is rarely advisable. Personal injury law is highly complex and nuanced, and even a minor mistake or misunderstanding of the law could have major consequences on the victim’s ability to obtain the compensation they deserve through the legal process.
Contact experienced Virginia lawyers Burnett & Williams for a free case review and consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is in need of a lawyer, contact a skilled trial attorney to represent you in your personal injury case today.
“Contact us today to schedule a consultation and free case review,” Williams concludes. “We will review your case to determine if our team of experienced lawyers can help you achieve the best outcome possible for your serious injury case.”
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