July
26
Times Where You Need To Lawyer Up (And What To Do)
Many of us do not expect to wake up one morning and find ourselves wrapped up in an insane lawsuit or legal battle. However, sometimes such situations are unavoidable – meaning it’s necessary to have some knowledge on what to do ahead of time. This will help you to protect your best interests, both legally and financially.
There are various occasions where hiring a lawyer may be obvious, such as if you are getting divorced, whereas for others, the lines are a little blurred. For example, you should also hire a lawyer when:
- You are involved in a car accident.
- You are involved in a motorcycle accident.
- You are injured at work.
- You have been unjustly terminated (fired) at work.
In these instances, many people believe a lawyer is not necessary if the events that transpired were not their fault – but this is where the lawyer steps in to advocate on your behalf. As they’ll have a more thorough understanding of the legal landscape than the average person, they’ll be able to help you navigate the world of court cases and legal documents, ensuring the best outcome for you.
What do you do when you need a lawyer?
Find a lawyer with relevant experience. There are hundreds of different specialities within the legal field, and whether you are trying to clear your name or seek compensation, you have the best chances of success if you hire a lawyer with relevant experience. For example, if you were involved in a car accident and the other party is (falsely) claiming to have been injured, you need to find a lawyer who has completed similar cases. Alternatively, you can reach out to a PI who has carried out insurance fraud investigations in the past.
Read reviews. Like any website trying to convince you to make a purchase, most legal websites will feature reviews or client feedback. Be sure to read these reviews carefully, as this will once again help you figure out whether or not a certain lawyer is right for you. It’s also beneficial to read third-party reviews or ask for referrals from friends/family members.
Set a budget. Budgeting (and money management) is an essential life tool, and while you may need to dip into your savings a little when hiring a lawyer, you must have an idea of how much you are willing to spend in mind ahead of time. Of course, there are some ways in which you may be able to reduce the costs of hiring a lawyer, too. For example, you may be eligible for free legal aid. Alternatively, plenty of legal companies offer free initial consultations, which could help you gain a better understanding of what you need and how the process will work moving forward. During this time, they may also be able to provide you with advice on pricing or direct you towards affordable services. For example, ‘newer’ lawyers or recent graduates may have lower fares and fees than those with more experience, even if they are just as capable.