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FIND A MICHIGAN INJURY LAW ATTORNEY

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HOW DO I CHOOSE AN INJURY LAWYER ?    

• (1.) Look for a lawyer who is very experienced specifically in injury law.  And, if possible, select a lawyer who has handled cases involving injuries similar to your own. They will be more likely to know the current laws about your injury, and how those laws can be applied to get you the best results. A lawyer who regularly handles injury cases will also be more familiar with issues such as insurance laws, medical terminology, "expert witnesses", settlement "caps" (maximums), etc.
  Lawyers in this data base are screened for extensive experience in Injury Law. 

• (2.) Find someone who practices law in the District Court or the County Court where your case is going to be tried.  They are more likely to  have a better knowledge of that court's procedures, and a better relationship with the judges & court personnel.  All lawyers on this site have experience in area District and County Courts.      
  

• (3.) Make sure the lawyer is in good standing with the Bar Association, with no history of successful malpractice actions, complaints and/or disciplinary actions.         Lawyers on this site are screened for being in Good Standing with the State Bar.        

• (4.) Interview lawyers who give a Free Consutation to find someone whose  "style" and personality suits you. It is important to be able to communicate with your lawyer.  All LAWYERS on this site give Free Telephone Consultations.  

• (5.) Most reputable injury lawyers will take your case on a percentage basis (called a "contingency").   This means that they do not collect a fee unless and until they win money for you.  In Michigan, the most common "percentage" for legal fees in ijury cases is "one third" (i.e. 33.3%).  If a lawyer will not take your case on a percentage basis, it often means that he or she is not confident that you have a case they can win.  You should always get a second or third opinion if you have an injury case and the lawyer will not take it on a percentage (contingency) basis for you.
  Lawyers in this data base take injury cases on a percentage (contingency) basis

• (6.) Convenient location should be less important than finding the "right"  lawyer.  Just like finding a good Doctor, you may have to travel a few extra miles to find someone who is more "specialized." The closest lawyer may not be the best one for you.         Always choose a lawyer by his or her experience, NOT by convenient location.

• (7.) Don't be "mislead" by what you may see on T.V. commercials or in the Yellow Pages!   Remember, all television (and radio) commercials, as well as the Yellow Pages, are simply advertising PAID FOR BY THE LAWYER.  The claims they make MAY or MAY NOT be true. Of course their ads are going to say that they are "the best" since they are paying for the ads. But there is no substitute for investigating whatever lawyer you select thoroughly.  Make sure that your lawyer has several years  experienced in your area of law, and is in good standing with the Bar Association.
  Choose a lawyer by his or her experience, NOT by flashy commercials or ads. 

• (8.) Finally, a "faster" settlement is not always the best settlement.  Be cautious of lawyers who promise results in "record time."  It takes a good lawyer time to collect all of the evidence and conduct all of the legal steps and negotiations that will get you the largest amount of compensation. Accepting the insurance company's "first offer" usually does not result in the maximum amount of compensation. Find a lawyer who is willing to devote the time necessary to give your case the attention it deserves.
  Choose a lawyer who is willing to give your case the amount of time it deserves.

WHEN CAN I CONTACT A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY ?
Most Law Offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some firms offer Saturday & evening hours. If you call in advance, many lawyers will schedule appointments after regular hours. And, some even provide house-calls for disabled and senior plaintiffs. You can also reach the lawyers on this site by e-mail at any time. 

IF YOU ARE BEING CONTACTED BY AN INSURANCE COMPANY,  YOU SHOULD TALK TO AN EXPERIENCED INJURY LAWYER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.   It is important that you understand your "rights" before discussing your case further with ANYONE who is from an insurance company (such as an "adjuster"), anyone offering a "settlement" or check, or anyone who wants you to sign papers relating to the accident. Legal forms and "releases" can be very difficult to understand, and can (in some cases) prevent you from getting the compensation you may deserve, now or in the future.  You should always consult with an experienced lawyer before signing any documents or releases.

CAN I USE A FREE, "PRO BONO,"  "COURT APPOINTED, " or "LEGAL AID" LAWYER ?  NO. Most people do not realize that the Court ONLY "appoints" free counsel to defendants
IN CRIMINAL CASES. You must hire your own attorney in all injury cases. Legal Aid offices
DO NOT handle injury or accident cases where you (the "plaintiff") will be receiving a money judgment or settlement. While some lawyers occasionally do volunteer their time to take hardship cases on a "pro bono" (work for free) basis, they DO NOT handle injury cases for free.

However, most reputable injury lawyers will take your case on a "percentage" (called a "contingency") basis.   This means that they do not collect a few unless and until they win money for you.  In Michigan, the most common "percentage" for legal fees is "one third" (i.e. 33.3%).  If a lawyer will not take your case on a percentage basis, it often means that he or she is not confident that you have a case they can win.  You should always get a second or third opinion if you have an injury case and the lawyer will not take it on a percentage (contingency) basis for you.

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Information contained on this web site is GENERAL INFORMATION only, and as such IS NOT INTENDED AS SPECIFIC LEGAL ADVICE FOR YOUR SITUATION.   Obtaining a consultation from a qualified attorney is the only way to insure a proper understanding and evaluation of the law as it applies to your specific legal matter. Additionally, laws can and do frequently change and are subject to interpretation, therefore the information on this site may occasionally be superceded by new laws or interpretations.