Fresh from an accident, you may be feeling emotionally vulnerable at best, and at worst in physical or emotional distress, which can make a rejection from a lawyer difficult to stomach. Car and motorcycle accidents may be frequent, but determining fault can occasionally be tricky and being awarded restitution, not a guarantee. If you think you may have a case, here are some reasons why a lawyer may turn town your suit.
1. Your Case Isn’t in Line with Their Experience
Though they may take on personal injury cases, they may not deal with your particular accident. Personal injury lawyers can cover a myriad of injury suits, and not all of them involve vehicles, motorcycles, or falls. Although you have a great case with your motorcycle or car accident, a lawyer may not take you on as a client if they don’t feel like the best fit for the case.
2. Your Case May Not Be Worth Enough to Litigate
The compensation won’t cover the legal fees and time your attorney will spend on your case. Because personal injury lawyers work on a contingent-fee basis, they’re trying to evaluate which cases feel sure to win. They want an amount large enough to be worth it for your time and energy as well as make the firm money. Which is to say if you’re only seeking a minor award for a small injury, it may not be worth it to the lawyer to represent you when his or her fees aren't in line with possible compensation.
3. Your Case Won’t Win
Which leads us to reason number three: Your case is unwinnable. A lawyer is going to evaluate your case before taking you on. They’re going to look at the injury or harm received, the proof of that harm, and the ramifications of it. They’re going to look at police reports, try to find witnesses, and all the other things that will determine if your case is clear cut. Which, it's sad to say, it isn’t always. Occasionally establishing fault is difficult or problematic. A lawyer may not choose to take on a case they feel is unwinnable. A loss doesn’t look good for them, and it costs their firm money.
4. They May Have a Personal Conflict or Other Reason
Finally, a lawyer may turn you down for personal reasons. Yes, that sounds vague. Personal reasons can cover a lot of ground. For example, a lawyer may have worked with the person your claim is against, or someone in their place of business, or a family member, etc. It can cover how well you work with the lawyer (or don’t, as it may be). But push comes to shove. A lawyer reserves the right to say “no” to your case.
If you’ve been in a car or motorcycle accident and want to hire a lawyer, there are things you can do to improve the chances of a lawyer taking your case. You should seek medical treatment right away. You should also avoid speaking with the insurance companies until you contact a lawyer. Even if the lawyer does not take your case, they can usually provide you with some free legal advice. Call 415-545-8608 to schedule your initial consultation with Gomerman | Bourn & Associates.
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