There are many types of attorneys that practice a wide range of law. A simple Google search will reveal more than 4,000 lawyers/law firms in Rhode Island alone. If you were injured in an accident and are feeling stressed and confused, finding the “best” or "right" lawyer to represent you can be an overwhelming process. Below, we offer valuable advice to help you make the best possible decision for your accident case.
What Type of Attorney Handles Accident Injury Cases?
When researching lawyers that handle accident injury claims, the first step in narrowing down your options is to look for attorneys licensed in Rhode Island that are experienced in personal injury law. Personal injury lawyers provide legal representation to individuals who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Generally speaking, negligence means careless behavior and actions that cause another person harm. In an accident scenario, a person can be found negligent if they ran a red light or stop sign, were speeding, failed to use a turn signal, not yielding to pedestrians in a cross walk, forgetting to turn on headlights while driving at night, and engaging in distracted driving behaviors, such as texting and driving.
In order to obtain maximum compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages as well as loss of future income, your attorney will need to prove the other party was negligent. Only a skilled Rhode Island personal injury attorney, such as Ann Sheeley, knows how to navigate the complexities of the court system and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance companies who will make every attempt to persuade you to settle with a low-ball offer.
What to look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer
1) Legal Experience
Many personal injury lawyers handle a wide range of cases, as well as injuries. The first thing that comes to most people’s minds are car accidents. Although car accidents account for many cases, they are certainly not the only type of “accident” handled by personal injury lawyers. Sheeley Law, for example, also handles motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents; slips and falls; animal attacks; medical malpractice and wrongful death lawsuits. If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer to help you with your case, it is important to find a Rhode Island licensed attorney who has specific experience in your type of accident.
In addition to experience, your lawyer needs to have strong negotiating skills, as that’s critical in dealing with insurance companies, along with a winning track record of getting appropriate settlements and judgments from insurance companies. If you can’t come to a fair settlement agreement, you’ll want to make sure your lawyer has experience taking cases all the way to trial. Some personal injury attorneys are very quick to settle outside the courtroom, particularly if they perceive the case to be too complicated or time consuming. At Sheeley Law, we have significant trial experience and believe it is your attorney’s duty to stand up for you and fight for maximum compensation. Attorney Sheeley is designated as one of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers, a member-driven organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from across the country who meet stringent qualifications as civil plaintiff and/or criminal defense trial lawyers.
2) Personal Attention
Law firms can range from single-attorney practices to large, multi-state legal organizations. When it comes to choosing a law firm, bigger DOES NOT mean better. Large firms handle hundreds of clients at once. To them, you are just another case. Typically, they’ll schedule your consultation with a senior attorney but then pass your case on to junior attorney with much less experience. Many accident victims are unaware that larger firms charge high fees for inexperienced lawyers who have no track record of success in the courtroom. When considering an attorney, you should always ask who is going to handle your case?
Among what sets Sheeley Law apart is the personal attention you and your case will receive. Attorney Sheeley oversees each case personally and will be by your side, guiding you every step of the way with care and compassion, until you get the settlement you deserve. From consultation to discharge, we will make your case our priority and be available to answer any questions you may have along the way.
3) Results-Oriented Legal Representation
There is a lot of due diligence that goes into filing an accident claim, including gathering the police report and medical records, evaluating evidence, investigating, negotiating with insurance companies, sending Demand Letters, preparing pleadings and representing clients in court. The attorney you choose must check all these boxes if they want to get results.
For example, at Sheeley Law, our due diligence not only includes the steps above but always involves investigating the accident, calculating the full value of your losses and suffering, and fighting for maximum compensation in settlement negotiations or at trial. In addition to seeking compensation for medical costs, lost income or loss of earning capacity and pain and suffering, Attorney Ann Sheeley seeks 100 percent of an accident victim's property losses, which is not something all law firms do.
In Summary
An accident can be a very traumatizing experience. When you need a Rhode Island personal injury lawyer, who you choose can make a significant difference in the final outcome of the case. You only have one opportunity to prove your injuries. Before you finalize your decision on which attorney to hire and represent you, always request a free, no-obligation consultation. By asking the right questions and researching an attorney’s credentials, you’ll be able to narrow down the field and choose an experienced personal injury lawyer that is right for you.
Attorney Ann Sheeley has more than 25 years of experience and a proven track record of delivering results because when it comes to you and your family, “Results Matter.” We don’t need to rely on gimmicky advertising. Our track record speaks for itself. In fact, a lot of our business comes from former clients referring us to their family and friends. Click here to read testimonials written by our valued clients.
As always, Sheeley Law is here for you 24/7 and would happily provide you a free consultation to answer your specific questions. Contact us at 401-619-5555 or email asheeley@sheeleylaw.com.