How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer

Retaining legal representation when filing an accident claim is crucial to protect your legal rights and improve your chances of receiving financial compensation for your injuries. According to a Martindale-Nolo personal injury study, plaintiffs who retained an attorney received an average of $77,600 in compensation, compared to an average of $17,600 for those who didn't. While hiring legal representation is crucial, it is also imperative that you hire the right personal injury attorney for your case. 

The Law Firm of Walter Gabriel, LLC is dedicated to offering comprehensive legal counsel and skilled representation to clients in their accident cases. Attorney Walter Gabriel will fight compassionately for your legal rights, hold the responsible party liable for your injuries, and help you seek the financial justice you deserve. The firm proudly serves clients across Atlanta, Georgia, and throughout the surrounding areas, including Alexandria and Dunwoody. 

Brief Overview of Personal Injury in Georgia   

Georgia is an "at-fault" auto insurance state. This means that the party who caused the auto accident (the at-fault party) will be held financially and civilly liable for medical expenses, vehicle damages, and other accident-related losses sustained by the victims. To recover damages, the injured party can proceed by: 

• Filing a first-party claim with their own insurance provider 

• Filing a third-party claim against the at-fault driver's insurer 

• Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver 

An experienced Georgia personal injury attorney can help file your accident claims, prove negligence, and pursue your rightful financial compensation. 

Essential Qualities to Look for in a Personal Injury Attorney

The following discusses some important qualities you should seek in an attorney: 

Handles Cases Personally

When hiring a personal injury lawyer, choose an attorney that will handle your case personally. The attorney should dedicate extensive resources and time to investigating and resolving your case. After such a devastating experience, the last thing you want is a lazy or uncommitted lawyer who would pass your case around. Moreover, knowing that your lawyer will handle your case personally will help you build trust and faith in them. 

Reliable Expertise

Additionally, hire a personal injury attorney who has extensive knowledge, skill, and expertise in handling accident cases that are similar to yours. An attorney with reliable expertise from managing multiple cases will better understand your unique situation and know the best way to proceed with your case. This way, you can have the needed assurance and peace of mind that your accident case is in reliable and competent hands. 

Sensible Strategist

Hire an attorney who is a thorough investigator and sensible strategist. Your attorney should be able to carry out a thorough investigation of every aspect of your case and outline an effective strategy to protect your rights. Essentially, a comprehensive investigation will help your attorney assess the magnitude of your injuries and damages and gather the required evidence. Also, they can craft a solid strategy to proceed with your claims or lawsuit. 

Specialized Knowledge  

Hire an attorney who has specialized knowledge in the field of personal injury law. Generally, family law cases, criminal defense cases, and bankruptcy cases are very different from personal injury cases. A lawyer that specializes in personal injury law will have a better understanding of the nuances and details of Georgia personal injury laws and would improve your prospects of a successful outcome in your accident case. 

Strong Communication Skills

In addition, retain a lawyer with strong communication and people skills. Your personal injury attorney should be able to keep you informed about new developments in your accident case. Also, having strong communication skills can be a great advantage when the lawyer is discussing and negotiating with the insurance provider. Even if your case proceeds to trial, an attorney with strong communication skills will be able to demonstrate the magnitude of your injuries and connect better with the jury. 

Others

Some other important qualities to look for in your attorney include: 

• Proven track record of success 

• Extensive mediation and litigation experience 

• Strong negotiation skills 

• Sincere care and compassion 

• Empathy and a clear understanding of your unique situation 

• Attention to detail 

• Creative thinking 

Looking out for the aforementioned qualities can help you hire the best legal counsel to handle your accident case and recover your deserved compensation. 

Local Representation

When involved in an accident, it is imperative that a knowledgeable personal injury attorney with local representation is advocating for your rights. An attorney who has connections with the local legal community will be able to easily obtain information, report, and records on your behalf to help manage your case. In addition, the attorney will have a comprehensive knowledge of the specific laws, rules, and processes in your local area, county, or state. 

Turn to Knowledgeable Legal Help  

Getting hurt in a negligent auto accident can be overwhelming and can affect you physically, emotionally, and financially. Regardless, when pursuing compensation for your injuries, choosing a seasoned personal injury attorney with the essential qualities is crucial to protect your rights and ensure a successful outcome in your case. 

Attorney Walter Gabriel has devoted his career to handling personal injury cases and advocating for the best interests of car accident victims. Using his extensive knowledge, he can guide you through the often-complex claim process. Also, Attorney Walter Gabriel will fight zealously for your legal rights and help you seek fair financial compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other potential damages. 

Contact The Law Firm of Walter Gabriel, LLC today to schedule an initial consultation with a practiced personal injury lawyer. Attorney Walter Gabriel can offer you the highly-personalized legal guidance and trusted advocacy you need in your case. The firm proudly serves clients across Atlanta, Georgia, and throughout the surrounding areas, including Alexandria and Dunwoody.