Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Checking Of Traffic Ticketv

When you are first learning how to drive there are many things that you will be taught and you will be given lots of pieces of advice. You will be trained in safety, defensive driving, courtesy, and composure. No one will teach you what to do if you get into driving trouble though.

If you get a traffic ticket you should know that there are ways to get out if it. This does not include crying. As a girl, I can tell you that the old crying bit is a crap shoot and will never work on a fem cop. If you try it, you had better be believable. Otherwise, you will just look like a jerk.

If you get a traffic ticket, don’t freak out. It is not the end of the world. You can easily get it reduced to a non-moving violation so that it will not affect your insurance rates. I got a traffic ticket a week after getting my license. I had to do something to make sure that my parents did not find out. Otherwise, my driving days would be over.

I talked to a lawyer about the traffic ticket. It was for speeding. No big deal. He would get it amended to a non-moving violation and it would not go on my record. I had to have a lawyer do this

because I was only 16 and not able to speak for myself in court.

Once I had turned 18, I was able to take any traffic ticket to court myself and get it amended. This is definitely the way to go. If you can get your traffic ticket amended in this way, it will not hurt your record or raise your insurance rates. You may also be able to keep it a secret.

I certainly do not recommend going out and getting as many traffic tickets as possible just because you know how to get them

taken care of. The point should be to be a good driver who is knowledgeable and able to take care of yourself. No one is

perfect or a perfect driver and everyone gets a traffic ticket at one point or another. The goal here is not to let that ruin your record or cause your insurance rates to skyrocket. Knowledge is power. Protect yourself, your record, your wallet and your future. Read up on traffic laws and remedies if you find yourself in trouble.


http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Checking-Of-Traffic-Ticket/44640

Aspiring To Become a Lawyer? Read On ...

There are excellent career opportunities for individuals with varied interests in the field of law. Not all lawyers wear starched suits and argue criminal cases! There are lawyers whose specific expertise ranges from business law to medicinal law. You can find a branch of law that will suit you, no matter what your interest is. So, research and find out more about the branch of law that appeals to you and embark on an exciting career.

You will have to attain a law degree from a law school after your bachelor's degree in order to become a lawyer. However, it is not essential that your bachelor's degree be in law, pre-law or any law related field. You can hold a bachelor's degree in just about any subject and still go in for a law degree later.

Before you decide upon which bachelor’s degree to pursue, check into a desired law school. Find out what degrees will best help you with in your post graduate education. Many law schools require all accepted students have a number of required under their belt before beginning courses. Ensure you have accomplished these specific courses before you begin you educational path towards becoming a lawyer so that you are not at a disadvantage from the start.

Start by researching the institutions that best meet your wants and needs. There are many factors to be considered when choosing an educational institution to pursue your law degree. Maybe you will be happier pursuing a law degree from a high powered Ivy leave institution or maybe a small school that specializes in specific areas of the law would suit your needs better.

Earning a law degree is a great undertaking requiring a serious dedication of money, time, and effort. Tuition fees are a major reason why many individuals fail to realize their goal of becoming a lawyer. If you find yourself rethinking your future plans due to money, think again! Instead of bowing to monetary concerns and tossing your dreams aside, look at your options. Many quality public institutions have law schools that cost a fraction of the price of expensive private universities. Furthermore, look in to grants, scholarships, and other tuition assistance programs available for individuals in your situation who wish to attend law school.

Once you have applied and enrolled in a law program, take the time to use the courses, resources, and instructors to the highest benefit. Do not waste your time and money while in law school by not attending classes or failing to make the most of your education. Choose courses that fit your interest and allow you to gain a full knowledge of the law and all necessary processes.

Many law schools offer internship programs, allowing students to work closely with lawyers and law firms in a professional setting. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wishes to become a lawyer, since he or she is able to use the education received for practical use. Furthermore, many students use internships as opportunities to get to know lawyers in their area and begin a network of individuals and build professional relationships.

After you have graduated law school, your next step is to pass your state’s Bar examination. This test is infamous for its in depth nature dealing with all types of subjects covered during schooling. Only after passing this examination can an individual become a practicing lawyer.


http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Aspiring-To-Become-a-Lawyer--Read-On----/48998

How And When To Use Your Lemon Law Rights

The “lemon law” was originally created to protect consumers from big ticket items that had a problem, and these days is almost exclusively limited to vehicles like cars, trucks and SUVs. For example, a car is considered a “lemon” under the California Lemon Law if it has been repaired four times and the defect or problem has not been resolved or fixed within the period of 18 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. Using the word “lemon” this way has most likely become increasingly popular due to the many companies and “slightly south of honest” car sales folks selling faulty products. Buying a car is not like buying a hair dryer, since you cannot return it to the store for a refund if you do not like it, or if it has a manufacturing defect.

Technically, your newly purchased car is only considered a lemon if you have given proper attention to all of its problems, if all efforts to fix these problems have been exhausted, and if the manufacturer has been given the opportunity to try and fix the problem but cannot. If it seems your car is in the repair shop time and time again for the same repair, you may be the owner of a real lemon. If that is the case, you have rights as well as some responsibilities to deploy those rights.

The descriptive term “lemon” applies equally to a defective or malfunctioning car as to a citrus fruit. Basically, the California Lemon Law holds the manufacturer of a car responsible for the proper and satisfactory functioning of the car while it is under its warranty period. This also assumes that the owner of the car exercised good judgment and care of everything that would logically be expected of the car owner.

Does the car warranty matter? Of course. The repair is covered under the vehicle warranty or extended warranty, but it's always in the shop. In many states, arbitration is used to solve problems when a car still under warranty turns out to be a lemon. If the vehicle is new, it should come with a warranty that includes a money-back option. This may be something to note to yourself next time you are shopping for a new car, since shopping for the right warranty is just as important as the car and the price you negotiate.

You must report the defect within a reasonable timeframe, or before the warranty expires. Report it to the dealer and do it in writing, and make sure you save your copy. If it malfunctions while under warranty, the manufacturer is held liable for repairs. Basically, California’s Lemon Law, sometimes also known as Consumer Warranty Law, specifies that the manufacturer carry a high degree of responsibility for sold products.

Almost every state has passed a lemon law, a statute that exists to backup the manufacturer's written warranty that comes with the vehicle. The degree of liability and responsibility varies widely from state to state, so make sure you know what the lemon law is in your state.

The bottom line is that you as the purchaser of the vehicle have responsibilities for proper maintenance of the vehicle, which hopefully you would do anyway. But assuming you have done that and still have what is termed a “chronic” problem with the vehicle, you have rights, and it is to your benefit to know what those rights are.

http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/How-And-When-To-Use-Your-Lemon-Law-Rights/52910

Start Identity Theft Protection, Beginning Today

One of the fastest growing high-tech crimes in the world today is identity theft. I this high-tech world, there are people who will try to hack computer systems and get your information so that for a limited time, they can “become you”. Since they are now “you” if they are successful, they open new credit card accounts in your name, charge them to the hilt, then seemingly disappear from the face of the planet. Meanwhile, the credit card companies come back to the REAL you to find out when you are going to start making payments on that leather furniture, that top-of-the-line computer system, and that 60 inch plasma TV.

It is not a pretty picture. Now keep in mind that the majority of online sites where you can purchase items and merchandise are not scams and they take every possible precaution to ensure that this does not happen to you. While identity theft is something to be very aware of, it should also not throw you into such a state of paranoia that you disallow any members of your family from purchasing anything online! And also worthy of noting are two things:

1. There are relatively simple steps you can take to prevent identity theft from happening to you.

2. Identity theft is NOT limited to just online transactions!

Effective identity theft protection is now a necessary part of doing business online of offline. Whether you’re online, on the phone or taking part in a business deal in a face-to-face arena, there are certain tips that you’ll need to remember in order to participate in a solid identity theft prevention plan. If you’ve ever used a credit card to order take-out food over the phone, you’re potentially leaving yourself wide open to identity theft.

One of the things you can do to help protect you against identity theft is to put passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts. Call your phone company today and put a password on your account. You should also ask your phone company to put what is known as a “PIC Freeze” on your phone account. This means that they will require your express permission before they switch your long distance carrier to anything other than what it is right now. There is usually no charge for this service from your phone company.

Another thing you should do frequently, at least a few times a year is to review your credit report as frequently as possible. Get a copy of your credit report from each of the “Big Three” credit reporting bureaus and go over them with a fine tooth comb.

Whenever possible, use an actual credit card instead of an ATM debit of check card. It is much easier to NOT be assessed for fraudulent charges on a real credit card, whereas many people have reported difficulty in not being required to pay charges, even fraudulent charges, when using a debit card.

Always, always, always take the receipt at a restaurant when you pay for dinner with a credit card. Some people go to the extent of also writing down the server’s name on the credit card receipt, and then compare it against the amount shown on their credit card statement. This is a small step but could save you big time, as well as enabling authorities to catch a thief with the name of the server who last had possession of your credit card and was out of your sight for a period of time.

You know that junk mail you get almost every day? Much of it has your name and address, but sometimes it also contains very private information such as your date of birth and even your social security number. Don’t just throw that in the trash can – invest in an inexpensive shredder at an office supply store like Best Buy or Office Depot, and shred that junk mail. Many occurrences of identity theft have come as a result of thieves going through someone’s trash and discovering such information in the trash, with more than enough data readily visible to create a “temporary new you”.

Do not become too relaxed about identity theft in this electronic age. Take some simple and logical steps to protect your information to avoid becoming the next victim.


http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Start-Identity-Theft-Protection--Beginning-Today/53972

Understanding What a Personal Injury Lawsuit Is

If you have been hurt or injured in some way you may be considering consulting a personal injury lawyer to collect damages. If your injuries are the result of neglect or the deliberate actions of another, you may have a case for a personal injury lawsuit. There are several different types of personal injury cases, however, and knowing if your situation meets the criteria is a good start.

The four most common types of Personal Injury lawsuits are:

Assault & Battery. This is when you are attacked deliberately by another individual and injured. In civil cases, assault is merely the threat of harm (waving a gun for instance), while battery is when the person actually makes physical contact with you. The contact doesn't have to be made by body to body. Throwing a rock at you can be battery. A personal injury attorney can determine the difference between the two for you and how much you can collect in damages. Generally, how much you will be able to collect hinges on the severity of the injuries although you can collect some damages even if you aren't hurt. Simply spitting on someone can be considered personal injury.

Car Accidents. There are so many different reasons for auto accidents that you really need a personal injury attorney to review your case as soon as possible. It may seem very clear that the other person was at fault, but there are many factors to consider, including:

* Driver distraction or intoxication
* Poorly designed or maintained roads (which may indicate government liability or local maintenance liability)
* Road debris left by other motorists who did not properly maintain their vehicles
* Vehicle defects, including faulty brakes, tires or other mechanical failure

A personal injury lawyer will carefully study the accident report, your account of the accident scene and eyewitness testimony to determine who is at fault and to what degree to make sure you are pursuing your case against the proper individuals or entities.

Defective Products. Personal injury attorneys refer to lawsuits involving defective products as product liability suits. These cover any kind of injury caused while properly using a manufactured product. Product liability laws serve two purposes – protecting consumers from dangerous products and making sure manufacturers and distributors are held responsible for making quality, safe products. There are various types of claims a personal injury lawyer may consider in your case, including:

* Design defect – The product was poorly designed so that when used properly for the purpose intended it is dangerous.
* Manufacturing defect – The manufacturer is at fault for some flaw in how the product was made so that it does not hold up properly under normal wear or usage.
* Marketing defect – If the instructions cause confusion or there are not proper warning labels on the product that could reasonably contribute to injuries.

Negligence. This covers so much territory that it can be difficult to determine what does or does not meet the requirements unless you are a personal injury lawyer specializing in this type of litigation. Negligence can be anything from a slip and fall accident on a merchant's cracked and uneven sidewalk to severe injuries from a dog attack by a neighbor's unleashed pet.

With so many factors involved in determining what is and isn't a personal injury case and how to determine who is at fault, you should never waste time before contacting a good personal injury attorney. It can mean the difference between suffering without compensation and having someone on your side to fight for your rights under the law.


http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Understanding--What-a-Personal-Injury-Lawsuit-Is/64177

Tips On Selecting A Lawyer

New research points to an increasingly more formidable burden for lawyers and communications professionals embroiled in high-profile litigation.

It’s called the “CSI Effect,” named after crime sscene investigation TV shows. In the world of mass media jurisprudence, DNA tests are virtually always conclusive, fuzzy photos are made crystal clear, audio tapes are enhanced to reveal nuanced dialects, and witnesses always have the sharpest memories as they recall verdict-deciding details.

It’s riveting television, perhaps, but fundamentally disconnected from standard trial practice and forensic reality. The public, including jurors and prospective jurors, now expects an unreasonably heightened level of ironclad evidence from both defendants and plaintiffs or prosecutors. In the Court of Public Opinion, the CSI Effect is creating a real crisis by increasing the burden on both sides to make their cases credible.

In both courts, you either have to somehow play around these elevated expectations – or else run to the crisis by openly acknowledging the problem and speaking directly to it. In trial, that means defining the CSI Effect during openings or closings, and explicitly reminding juries of the synapse between their expectations and what should be regarded as reasonable supportive evidence or testimony. It doesn’t have to be just the judge’s job.

Outside court, both the defense and plaintiffs bar have a mutual interest in educating the public. Both sides can collaborate in getting the message out as broadly as possible, reaching prospective jurors via the tabloids as well as the New York Times. The fact that the “CSI Effect” is already a media-friendly, catchy terminology should make mass print and broadcast media outlets receptive to op-eds and commentary in their news stories on high-profile cases.
Meeting the CSI Effect head-on is one strategic response. Another is by enhancing courtroom and public communications in ways that counter the CSI Effect – and the way to do that is by communicating more persuasively on all fronts before, during, and after trial.

Additional recent research supports what communications professionals have long advised are key persuasion techniques. A study by Animators at Law (http://www.animators.com/), a visual communications consulting firm, found that, while more than 60 percent of the general public learns best through visual information, most lawyers do not. They learn by hearing and tend to present courtroom evidence by speaking.

As such, communicators, particularly lawyers, must generate ever more powerful visual elements to offset the CSI Effect. Perhaps there is an actual picture that can dazzle the audience – something akin, perhaps, to the hanging chads that changed history when people actually formulated conclusions based on what they were seeing. Alternatively, infuse your verbal communications with visual elements. Use language that allows your listeners to see what you are talking about.

The Animators at Law report, “Attorney Unlike a few aeons ago these days one lawyer does not handle all legal aspects. It’s the era of specialists and lawyers too have diversified to exclusively deal with some specific aspects of law.

So, what you must do when the need for legal counsel arises is to hire a lawyer who is an expert on what you need. Lawyers must be hired based on their experience and qualifications and not on their age, good looks, charm, nice office, or polite receptionist.

To select the ideal lawyer you must:

1. Make a thorough survey. Surf the net, look at yellow pages, ask the Bar Association for suggestions. Then make a short list of lawyers who may fit the bill.

2. Check each lawyer completely. Get references and check them out. Find out how long the lawyer has been in practice, the number of cases handled in the field you require, and the success rate.

3. Determine what each lawyer charges and his way of functioning. You do not want a lawyer who will take the file and hand it over to a junior. You need a lawyer who will handle the case himself.

4. Meet with the lawyer and go prepared with a file on your case and a list of relevant questions which will help you decide on whether the lawyer is perfect

5. Check with all local bar associations to check whether the lawyer you are considering has a good reputation and whether there are any complaints against him.

6. Find out whether the lawyer is a member of local, state, or national associations. The World Wide Web is a good source of information.

7. Check the lawyer’s bio-data carefully and read through any brochures the firm may have.

8. Weigh the pros and cons of hiring a large firm versus small firm or lawyer practicing alone.

9. Determine how much experience the lawyer has in cases like yours and his extent of knowledge and expertise. He must be able to take the required action without having to “think about it.”

Take a moment to mull on what kind of legal service you require and whether it will be one-time or repetitive. And, whether or not you will get along with the lawyer you choose. For effective handling of legal files the lawyer-client synchrony is crucial and there must be a bond and understanding between the two for the relationship to work.

An ideal lawyer cannot be located overnight. It may take several days of your time and effort. But it will be well worth it if you manage to find the perfect one to handle your case.Style Study,” advises that, in a typical trial, there are seven “visual” jurors, three “feeling” jurors, and two “hearing” jurors. For the feeling audience, think in terms of evoking “gut reactions.” Meanwhile, predominantly aural litigators “under-communicat[e] with 83% of the jury,” according to the study.

There’s a famous dictum on public speaking: “Engage the senses.”


http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Tips-On-Selecting-A-Lawyer/82516

The CSI Effect: The Litigation PR Burden Gets Heavier

New research points to an increasingly more formidable burden for lawyers and communications professionals embroiled in high-profile litigation.

It’s called the “CSI Effect,” named after crime sscene investigation TV shows. In the world of mass media jurisprudence, DNA tests are virtually always conclusive, fuzzy photos are made crystal clear, audio tapes are enhanced to reveal nuanced dialects, and witnesses always have the sharpest memories as they recall verdict-deciding details.

It’s riveting television, perhaps, but fundamentally disconnected from standard trial practice and forensic reality. The public, including jurors and prospective jurors, now expects an unreasonably heightened level of ironclad evidence from both defendants and plaintiffs or prosecutors. In the Court of Public Opinion, the CSI Effect is creating a real crisis by increasing the burden on both sides to make their cases credible.

In both courts, you either have to somehow play around these elevated expectations – or else run to the crisis by openly acknowledging the problem and speaking directly to it. In trial, that means defining the CSI Effect during openings or closings, and explicitly reminding juries of the synapse between their expectations and what should be regarded as reasonable supportive evidence or testimony. It doesn’t have to be just the judge’s job.

Outside court, both the defense and plaintiffs bar have a mutual interest in educating the public. Both sides can collaborate in getting the message out as broadly as possible, reaching prospective jurors via the tabloids as well as the New York Times. The fact that the “CSI Effect” is already a media-friendly, catchy terminology should make mass print and broadcast media outlets receptive to op-eds and commentary in their news stories on high-profile cases.
Meeting the CSI Effect head-on is one strategic response. Another is by enhancing courtroom and public communications in ways that counter the CSI Effect – and the way to do that is by communicating more persuasively on all fronts before, during, and after trial.

Additional recent research supports what communications professionals have long advised are key persuasion techniques. A study by Animators at Law (http://www.animators.com/), a visual communications consulting firm, found that, while more than 60 percent of the general public learns best through visual information, most lawyers do not. They learn by hearing and tend to present courtroom evidence by speaking.

As such, communicators, particularly lawyers, must generate ever more powerful visual elements to offset the CSI Effect. Perhaps there is an actual picture that can dazzle the audience – something akin, perhaps, to the hanging chads that changed history when people actually formulated conclusions based on what they were seeing. Alternatively, infuse your verbal communications with visual elements. Use language that allows your listeners to see what you are talking about.

The Animators at Law report, “Attorney Communication Style Study,” advises that, in a typical trial, there are seven “visual” jurors, three “feeling” jurors, and two “hearing” jurors. For the feeling audience, think in terms of evoking “gut reactions.” Meanwhile, predominantly aural litigators “under-communicat[e] with 83% of the jury,” according to the study.

There’s a famous dictum on public speaking: “Engage the senses.”


http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/The-CSI-Effect--The-Litigation-PR-Burden-Gets-Heavier/82547

Advertising Gas Milage

Gas prices are up again. Not only are they up, but the average in Califonia is over five dollars a gallon. What?! Did you say five dollars a gallon? Looks like the summer vacation for my family just became a hike that starts at my house and goes to the nearest water tower for that “mountain peak” view.
The
fact is that most of us think it would be great to go as far as we could as long as the price for doing so isn’t so steep that we have to sell our shoes in order to make the last fifteen miles.

It is really not so different when it comes to website advertising. Attorneys want to go as far as possible–i.e., reach as many people as possible with their ads–provided they don’t lose their shirt in the process.

There is an amount of tweaking that is possible to make the “gas” last. If a lawyer is determined that all he will spend on internet advertising is $300 a month, then the best way to get the best mileage is to be specific about where you want to go. Get very serious about the practice areas that are most important to you and target keywords that include “lawyer” and “attorney” so that you know you are getting people who are looking for a lawyer with your particular niche.

Lawyer Marketing companies has the kind of expertise to help you discover the best keywords and the right places to channel funds to produce the most desirable results. Ask what they know about getting targeted clicks and they will help you stretch the gas further than you think.

Author Bio:

Demica Rodriguez is a search engine marketing expert of Attorneys Online™, Inc. a lawyers marketing company provides professional, innovative legal marketing and advertising solutions to lawyers and members of the legal trade providing law firm marketing strategies include graphic design, BLOGs, law firm brochures, lawyer website and networking.


http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Advertising-Gas-Milage/90277

Important Things to Look for When Shopping for a Personal Injury Lawyer

You've all seen the commercials on TV and you only partially paid attention to them because you never imagined you'd find yourself needing such a service. Well here you are, injured or recovering, and in need of some quality representation when you go to court and sue the pants off your former employer. You need someone great, and someone sympathetic; a law office that seems passionate enough to care and smart enough to win. Looks like you're shopping for a well-rounded personal injury law firm.

Just like any other important purchase, you're going to consider this decision from all possible angels. You wouldn't invest in designer jeans without trying them on first - maybe standing in a 3-way mirror, understanding why you're about to spend hundreds of dollars for them. Similarly, you're not going to place your entire lawsuit in the hands of an attorney or law office that you have not done background research on, spoken to, and connected with.

For many, the outcome of a personal injury case can have a significant impact on their future and their family. Most of the time, the financial burden a family suffers from losing the income of the breadwinner who has suffered an injury at the workplace is difficult to deal with before a proper legal settlement has been reached. Other situations may not affect a family or income as much, however that does not lower the importance of the case itself; every personal injury case deserves a fair trial with the best representation the injured party can find.

Once you have located a law firm or a specific attorney who you are considering meeting with to discuss your case, be sure to think of the following questions when reviewing any public information you can find about the firm. Before meeting with them, consider...

* Their case history – How often do they win? What amount?
* How do their winnings/losses compare to similar law firms in the area?
* Do they specialize in cases within my state?
* Are they experienced enough to handle the circumstances involved in my case?
* Can they offer me any referrals or testimonials of past clients to ease my nerves?

After doing your research, you come to the conclusion that you might've found yourself one fantastic law firm and you hope that they have the time to meet with you to discuss what your options are and what they think they can do for you. You schedule an appointment, and you come to your first meeting very prepared with as much information as you can bring about the case at hand.

You finally get to meet one of the attorneys, and you divulge all the information you can spit out in one session. You leave the office with a great feeling, despite the cost of hiring a quality attorney nowadays. You feel confident that this firm has the knowledge and capability to represent your case with ease, but you want to spend some time thinking everything over before jumping in. After you've met with them, consider...

* What type of resources does the law office have?
* Did I feel like I was a priority to them rather than just another customer?
* Did I feel comfortable talking to the person I met with and opening up to them about my expectations and concerns?
* Are the goals of the law firm in sync with your personal goals regarding your case?
* Did they try to answer all my questions and/or invite more questions from me in the future?

Once you have found a lawyer or law firm that you feel meets all your criteria and will effectively represent your case, then go for it. There is no better feeling than knowing that a concerned, keen, and experienced attorney is arguing your case.


http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Important-Things-to-Look-for-When-Shopping-for-a-Personal-Injury-Lawyer/93959

What to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been involved in an accident and were hurt, you can possibly recoup your expenses. The expenses you can get back include lost work, pain and suffering and of course medical bills. This sounds great, until you realize that in order to get try and secure this money, you will need to find a personal injury lawyer.

Lawyers and the legal profession as a whole have become quite villainized in recent years because of some very unscrupulous attorneys. These few ruin it for everyone. The good news is that not every personal injury attorney is an ambulance chaser or dishonest. Like any profession, you should look out for a few things before hiring a personal injury lawyer.

The first thing to do is find someone who will work on a contingency basis. This means that they only get paid if they win by taking a percentage of the award they win for you. The reason you want this type of coverage is because then you are assured that the lawyer will work their hardest on your behalf. If they don't work hard and lose the case, they don't see a penny! It is important to note though that court filing fees and any compensation to expert witnesses and other miscellaneous expenses may be asked for up front. You should discuss this during your consultation, which is the next item to discuss.

You should always have an initial consultation with a lawyer before signing any fees contract. This initial meeting with the personal injury lawyer should be free of charge. During this meeting, you will discuss the merits of your potential claim, and the lawyer will then decide if there is enough to file a lawsuit. If they agree to take the case and you want them to represent you, then you sign a contract. The contract should state that the lawyer will not get paid unless they win the case (excluding any aforementioned court and special fees). The percentage they will take varies from state to state but is generally anywhere from 1/4 to 1/3 of your total judgment.

If the personal injury lawyer you have a consultation with is new or part of a firm or law office that you have not heard of, you may want to check them out. If you think they are ambulance chasers or will be dishonest in any way, you can look up their case history with the state bar. Have they ever been in trouble or reprimanded by a judge? Have they passed their state certification exam? All of these are questions you should ask of less-established personal injury lawyers.

Choosing a personal injury lawyer for your claim does not have to be a hard task. With a little research and an initial consultation where both parties feel comfortable with each other, the process can actually be quite pleasant. Do your homework, don't sign anything until you understand all the terms and make sure you are both on the same page. The result in court could possibly be much better as a result.


http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/What-to-Look-for-in-a-Personal-Injury-Lawyer/103667