All posts by Jerry Moreno

Accidents can happen at any time and in any place, and they can leave you with devastating injuries that can impact your life for years to come. In New Jersey, personal injury law provides a way for accident victims to seek compensation for their losses. If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another party, it’s essential to understand your rights and the legal options available to you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the basics of personal injury law in NJ, the types of damages you may be entitled to, and how to navigate the legal process with the help of a trusted personal injury lawyer.

Types Of Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury cases can arise from various accidents and incidents, such as:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Dog bites
• Medical malpractice
• Product liability
• Premises Liability
• Workplace accidents
• Nursing home abuse
• Catastrophic Injury
• Wrongful Death
• Scaffolding and ladder accidents
• Forklift accidents

The list goes on, but these are some examples of personal injury cases.

Understanding Personal Injury Law In NJ

Personal injury law in New Jersey is designed to provide compensation to individuals who have been injured due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions of another party. In order to bring a personal injury claim, you must be able to establish the following:

• The other party had a duty of care to you.
• The other party breached that duty of care.
• The breach of duty caused your injuries.
• You suffered damages as a result of your injuries.

Types Of Damages You May Be Entitled To

If you can prove negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Damages can include:

• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
• Pain and suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and a decrease in your overall quality of life.
• Property damage: If your property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement.
• Punitive damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the other party for particularly egregious behavior.

The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.

Proving Negligence

In order to have a successful personal injury claim, you must prove that the other party was negligent. Negligence means that the other party had a duty to act reasonably but failed to do so, resulting in your injuries. For example, if a driver runs a red light and hits your car, they were negligent because they had a duty to obey traffic laws.

Statute Of Limitations

In New Jersey, there is a statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means that you must file your claim within a certain amount of time after the accident occurred. The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of case, so it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss the deadline.

Navigating The Legal Process With A Personal Injury Lawyer

Navigating the legal process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of an accident. When choosing a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to find someone who has experience handling cases similar to yours. Look for a lawyer who offers a free consultation so you can discuss your case and determine if they are a good fit for you. You should also consider their track record and reputation in the legal community.

A personal injury lawyer can help guide you through the process, handle communication with insurance companies and the other party’s legal team, and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. Your lawyer will work to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf or, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

A personal injury lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in cases involving injuries sustained by individuals due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another person, entity, or organization. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is crucial if you have been injured in an accident and are looking to receive compensation for your losses. Here are some reasons why you should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer:

• Knowledge and experience: Personal injury lawyers have years of experience and knowledge about the legal system, and a deep understanding of personal injury law. They are equipped to handle all aspects of your case, from conducting investigations and gathering evidence, to negotiating insurance company requests and requirements, to settlements and representing you in court.

• Strong advocacy: Personal injury lawyers act as strong advocates for their clients and work tirelessly to protect their rights. They are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients and will use their expertise to negotiate a fair settlement or take the case to trial if necessary.

• Access to resources: Personal injury lawyers have access to a wide range of resources, including medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, medical specialists, rehab experts, and other professionals who can help build you a strong case. They also have a network of contacts within the legal system, which can be beneficial when navigating the complexities of the insurance and court processes.

• Better settlements: Personal injury lawyers are often able to negotiate larger settlements than injured individuals could on their own. This is because they have a deep understanding of the legal system and the total value of personal injury claims, as well as the experience necessary to negotiate effectively on behalf of their clients.

• No upfront costs: We don’t get paid unless you do. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they do not charge any fees upfront and only receive payment if they successfully settle your case or win in court. This eliminates the financial risk of hiring a lawyer and allows you to focus on your recovery instead of worrying about paying legal fees.

• Help with insurance claims: Personal injury lawyers can assist with the process of filing insurance claims, which can be very complicated and time-consuming. They can help you understand your rights and obligations, meet the deadlines for filings, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

• Legal representation: If your case goes to trial, a personal injury lawyer will provide you with the legal representation you need to protect your rights and interests. They will present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make arguments on your behalf to help you obtain a favorable outcome.

• Reduced stress: Dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury can be overwhelming, especially when trying to navigate the legal system on your own. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can take some of the stress off of you and allow you to focus on your recovery. They will handle the legal process for you, so you can concentrate on your health and well-being.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer can greatly increase your chances of obtaining a fair settlement or winning in court. They provide knowledge, experience, and advocacy, as well as access to resources and legal representation. They can also help reduce stress and make the process of obtaining compensation much smoother and less complicated. If you have been injured in an accident, consider hiring a personal injury lawyer to help you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a vehicle accident, or because of the negligence of someone else in a slip and fall or workplace injury, a motorcycle accident, or any other mishap please contact one of our highly experienced personal injury lawyers today for your free initial consultation.

A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who represents those charged with a possible crime and those who are concerned about potentially being charged. A person charged with a crime is known as a defendant. A prosecutor is an attorney employed by the government to prosecute individuals and organizations who are believed to have committed a crime.

Representation during criminal proceedings is critical to those charged with committing a crime. In fact, the U.S. Constitution promises that all citizens charged with a crime will be provided representation by the government free of charge if the defendant can’t afford it.

Why Are Criminal Defense Attorneys Important?

The job of a criminal defense attorney is to protect the rights of the accused. Criminal law is a complex field that covers both state and federal legislation. In addition, every state sets its own definitions and punishments for each crime.

All these variations can make understanding criminal law difficult for the average person. Complex judicial processes and intricate criminal legislation make it hard to defend oneself in court, and a judge will not go easy on you just because you fail to understand the law.

While you are always allowed to defend yourself in court, by doing so you are often risking your freedom. In addition, those who choose an attorney inexperienced in criminal defense might as well be defending themselves, due to the complexity of criminal law. Only an attorney skilled and knowledgeable in criminal law will be able to properly represent you in court.

Criminal Defense Services

A criminal trial is a complex judicial process. During your trial, your defense attorney will be at your side to you assist through every step. A skilled attorney will be able to identify your case’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to build a comprehensive defense.

Even after the trial, a defense attorney will work with you. If the case does not end in your favor, that does not mean the end of your legal fight. Your attorney will help you through the appeal process, and continue to fight for your rights.

With the rise of personal injury cases over the past few decades, the need for dedicated personal injury lawyers was realized some time ago. In essence, a personal injury lawyer is a specialized litigator who seeks justice for clients who have suffered as a result of the negligence or recklessness of another person or entity.

Put simply, the role of a personal injury lawyer is to act on behalf of their client to negotiate fair compensation for damages sustained during an incident. When personal injury lawyers negotiate settlement amounts, it is their responsibility to get you the financial settlement you deserve. Taking every aspect of your case into consideration, personal injury lawyers are experts in assessing how damages sustained will affect their client in the short and long term. This includes everything from medical bills, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and more.

WHAT KIND OF CASES DO PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS HELP WITH?

Personal injury is a broad term which covers a multitude of different situations where physical or psychological damage has been inflicted on a victim. This is perhaps the reason that, although some lawyers position themselves as ‘personal injury lawyers’ many further specialize in one or a few of these areas.

Among the most common reasons for personal injury are auto accidents and workplace accidents, of which slip and fall accidents are the most prolific.

WHAT DO PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS DO FOR CLIENTS?

After an incident which has resulted in personal injury, many people are left feeling vulnerable. Adjusting to life after a life-altering injury can be a trying time indeed, so navigating the unfamiliar world of personal injury law is something that most people don’t have the confidence or energy to do. In fact, without assistance, many people who deserve compensation would never pursue a claim, for fear that the unknown territory would take them out of their depths.

This is where personal injury lawyers can be a lifeline; their experience in dealing with these types of cases and seeking justice for their clients makes filing a personal injury claim much less stressful. What’s more, personal injury lawyers can also help you achieve a just outcome that you may not have been able to achieve alone.

So, if you’ve been injured in an accident that was not your fault, you may be wondering what a personal injury lawyer can do for you. Here are five key things that you need to know.

1. THEY EXPLAIN THE PROCESS

The process of claiming for personal injury compensation is often unique to the specific type of injury you have sustained and how you sustained it. Moreover, personal injury law differs from state to state. Different statutes of limitations, rules surrounding comparative negligence and the unique intricacies of individual cases can make for a legal minefield, difficult for non-lawyers to wrap their minds around.

In Florida, for example, auto-accident personal injury claims are at the mercy of no-fault state laws, meaning there are certain conditions you must meet before you can file a personal injury claim. Additionally, legislature surrounding time frames for claims has so many exceptions that understanding into which category your claim falls can be puzzling, to say the least.

Your personal injury lawyer will fully explain the process of filing your claim and will go into detail about what to expect in the coming weeks and months. They will help you understand your rights and the entitlements you may be eligible to receive.

2. THEY PROVIDE YOU WITH PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

In addition to explaining the process and your rights, personal injury lawyers will provide you with professional advice about what you should and shouldn’t do following your injury and during your case.

Your lawyer, for example, may advise you to seek the appropriate medical treatment for your injury to ensure the damages you’re attempting to claim for can be backed up by your medical records. You may also be advised not to provide any kind of written statement to any at-fault party or their insurer as repercussions pertaining to this could make obtaining compensation more difficult.

3. THEY DEEPER INVESTIGATE ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR CASE

Personal injury lawyers ensure that they fully investigate every aspect of your case to determine the level of compensation that they think you deserve. By understanding the full extent of your injuries from a medical perspective and assessing the circumstances around your accident, they can make more accurate judgments, and put forward stronger arguments when it comes to negotiating your settlement amount.

Furthermore, this helps personal injury lawyers ascertain whether the at-fault party is attempting to put forward a settlement offer which doesn’t fully compensate you to the degree it should. While many personal injury cases achieve a positive outcome quickly, sometimes the at-fault party can present an unfair offer, usually because they have either not done their own thorough investigation or because they have not considered certain aspects of it with the gravity it is owed.

In such cases, your personal injury lawyer’s investigation of your case will provide a basis for dispute.

4. NEGOTIATES A FAIR SETTLEMENT

One of the most reassuring aspects of hiring a personal injury lawyer is the knowledge that they will negotiate with the at-fault party so you don’t have to. With expert knowledge of how to deal with insurance companies and other attorneys, personal injury lawyers have a deep understanding of how to best ensure you get what you deserve.

Personal injury lawyers look at more than just the immediate after-effects of an accident. Most victims only consider how their injuries will affect them in the short term and hence will end up overlooking certain aspects of their case and negotiating a lower settlement if they do it themselves. Personal injury lawyers, on the other hand, look at how an accident has changed your life on a larger scale and expertly estimate its long-term effects.

For example, if you’ve had an auto accident and you haven’t been able to work for some time, calls from debt collectors may be causing a level of anxiety which is compensable. If you have been in a workplace accident, for which a major back or spinal cord injury has been sustained, you may have to buy specialized equipment in the future and/or visit a physiotherapist for much longer than just the weeks or months which follow.

In many cases, once a personal injury case is settled, it cannot be reopened, and your lawyer wants to make sure they take everything into consideration before advising you to accept an offer.

5. REPRESENT YOU IN COURT

Most personal injury cases will be settled outside of court, but on occasion where a fair settlement cannot be reached without third-party intervention, it may be necessary to take a case to trial. In these situations, it is your lawyer’s responsibility to represent you and continue to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Although taking a personal injury case to court is rare, you must ensure that you pick a personal injury lawyer who is happy to take this path should it be necessary. Some personal injury lawyers opt for a quick settlement, rather than a fair one and hence can advise their client to settle out of court in spite of it not being the best option. Before you engage the services of a personal injury lawyer, ask them what their position on taking cases to court is, as well as their experience.

All in all, the number one duty of a personal injury lawyer is to ensure that you are adequately compensated for your injury. They should get to know your case intimately so they can properly estimate an appropriate settlement figure and negotiate with the at-fault party to get it.

1.  Allows the injured person to focus on what is most important, their health.  Being involved in an automobile accident can be a life-altering event.  One day you are healthy and happy and the next day you are in constant pain and now have a to-do list that is a mile long.  No attorney can take over everything for you, but a good personal injury lawyer will help you handle the different steps that you must walk through in order to get your life back together.  Helping with making sure that your vehicle is fixed or that appropriate compensation is received for a totaled automobile, helping with the paperwork required by insurance companies so you can obtain medical care, helping with knowing how the legal system works so that you don’t make a mistake that affects your ability to receive full and fair compensation.  By dealing with the insurance companies or helping you to do so, one major stressor and time commitment has been taken care of so that you can focus on yourself and your health.

1. Your attorney will maximize your settlement.  Insurance laws are difficult to navigate and require the application of the unique facts of your case to different State and Federal laws governing how insurance companies work.  In order to make certain not only that you are receiving fair and full compensation from the insurance company of the other driver, but also that your own insurance companies are handled properly when they ask for the money that they have paid out for our medical care to be paid back to them from your settlement, an experienced personal injury attorney can make sure that everything is handled properly and with your best interests in mind.  In fact, the repayment process when handled by an attorney can result in your insurance company paying a portion of the attorney’s fee for you under the right circumstances.  Studies show that attorneys enhance their client’s personal injury awards by at least the amount that they end up getting paid out of the settlement.

1. Negotiations.  While it is nice to think that a reasonable person making a reasonable request to an insurance company would be sufficient to be treated fairly, that simply isn’t the norm.  Insurance companies train their adjusters and their attorneys on how to negotiate.  They do not do so based upon the idea of treating the injured person fairly.  Their analysis is always an evaluation that determines what they are willing to part with agreeably in order to eliminate the possibility of getting hit for more in a trial.  Your claim is merely a file among many others and the only person who is interested in making sure that you get everything you are entitled to is your attorney.  Insurance companies spend enormous amounts of money to protect their interests through adjusters and attorneys and expert reviewers.  Having a good attorney on your side is only a start to try and level the playing field.

If you have been charged with a crime, you might wonder if you need a criminal law attorney. A criminal defense attorney handles misdemeanor and felony offenses. If you have been charged with a crime, it is likely that a criminal lawyer can aid you in your case. Learn some of the most common offenses these attorneys defend.

Common cases handled by a criminal law attorney

Criminal defense attorneys represent clients charged with an assortment of crimes. Most often, the charges are related to drugs, sex offenses, violence, or property crimes. Some of the crimes are misdemeanors, while others are serious felonies. Both misdemeanors and felonies can come with serious consequences in Missouri.

Drug crimes

Drug crimes are among the most common cases handled by a Missouri criminal law attorney. Depending on the evidence, defendants can be charged with misdemeanors or felonies. Drug crime convictions can lead to jail sentences and fines, along with a criminal record. People accused of possession, distribution, or trafficking should contact a criminal defense attorney.

Sex crimes

Criminal lawyers also represent clients charged with sex crimes. Missouri classifies a variety of crimes as sexual offenses, ranging from harassment and stalking to incest and rape. While the punishment for some misdemeanors and infractions is a fine, other convictions include fines and imprisonment.

Also, offenders can be placed on the Missouri Sex Offender Registry. That includes those convicted of rape, sexual exploitation of a minor, and child molestation. Once on the registry, offenders must follow rules to stay in compliance. For example, registered sex offenders must stay a minimum of 500 feet from schools. An attorney might be able to help the accused avoid getting on the registry and other penalties associated with sex crimes.

Violent crimes

A criminal law attorney also takes on clients who are accused of committing violent crimes. Violent crimes include aggravated assault and robbery, non-negligent manslaughter, and homicide. Violent crimes carry stiff penalties if convicted. An attorney might be able to reduce the charges before trial. However, if the case must go to trial, the attorney will build a case to counter the prosecutor’s evidence.

Property crimes

Property crimes can be serious in Missouri. These crimes include burglary, arson, and theft. Most property crimes fall under the category of “theft.” Missouri classifies different types of theft, with Class A theft being the least serious and Class D theft being the most serious. Anything over Class A is charged as a felony and can include fines and jail time. While property crimes may be serious, a strong criminal defense can often create reasonable doubt.

Protect your rights with a criminal law attorney

Being charged with a crime is terrifying. You might feel helpless, but a criminal law attorney can help you navigate this difficult time. These attorneys represent defendants charged with drug, sex, property, and violent crimes, as well as other offenses. Speak with an attorney to go over the evidence and create your defense.

When you’re injured in an accident, figuring out what to do next can be overwhelming. A personal injury attorney is a licensed professional who provides legal representation to people who have been physically, emotionally, or financially harmed due to someone else’s negligence. Seeking the advice of a personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights, but it’s critical to understand their roles and responsibilities.

Responsibilities of a Personal Injury Lawyer

The best personal injury lawyers wear many hats and take on various responsibilities to help clients recover fair compensation for their injuries. The major responsibilities of a personal injury attorney include:

Client advocacy and legal representation – The main role of a personal injury attorney is to serve as an advocate for their clients. They represent an injured party’s interests during settlement negotiations with insurance companies and in court if a case goes to trial. From the initial consultation to the resolution of the case, they offer guidance, support, and legal advice throughout the entire process.

Case evaluations – Assessing the viability of a personal injury case is one of the first things an attorney must do. Personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on contingency, so even if you don’t proceed with your case, you really have nothing to lose by having an attorney assess your situation.

Investigations – A personal injury attorney and their legal team thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and injury. This involves gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and obtaining medical records and other documentation. An investigation may also include hiring accident reconstructionists and other experts to determine how an injury occurred, the impact it’s had on a victim’s life, and the potential value of the claim.

Legal research – Personal injury attorneys keep up with the most current, relevant civil laws and regulations. They often do research to find statutes and precedents that can support and strengthen their client’s case.

Negotiations – One of the most important jobs that personal injury lawyers do is handle negotiations with insurance companies and other parties involved in the case. This includes calculating the value of the claim, presenting evidence, and advocating for their clients’ interests to reach a fair settlement agreement. The best personal injury lawyers are well-versed in the tactics insurers use to deny or minimize payouts, and fight for your rights and interests.

Litigation – If a reasonable settlement isn’t a possibility, a personal injury attorney should be prepared to take your case to court. They handle all court filings, prepare for trial, represent their clients in the courtroom, present evidence, and offer compelling arguments to achieve favorable outcomes.

Types of Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury lawyers handle a wide range of cases that involve negligence or wrongdoing. Some common types of personal injury claims include:

• Motor vehicle accidents, including crashes involving tractor trailers, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, and drunk or distracted drivers
• Dram shop liability
• Premises liability, including slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and other
• Construction site injuries
• Cases involving catastrophic injuries
• Wrongful death claims
• Intentional liability, which usually involves assault or other types of physical and emotional harm

Some common types of damages an injured party may be entitled to receive include the cost of medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other damages.

Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’re wondering when to hire a personal injury lawyer, the short answer is to find an experienced attorney right away. Personal injury lawsuits and claims are complex. Personal injury lawyers use their experience and knowledge to build solid cases and help clients recover maximum compensation. They also have access to resources that you might not find on your own, including medical experts, investigators, and other qualified professionals.

Personal injury lawyers are skilled negotiators who fight for your rights and work tirelessly to obtain the full and fair amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive. Because they work on contingency, you won’t pay any up-front costs or owe attorneys’ fees unless they recover compensation for you.

Personal injury lawyers are equipped to handle all aspects of the legal process efficiently, which can lead to a faster resolution and a better chance of making a fair recovery. With an attorney by your side, you can focus on healing while they handle your personal injury claim, which reduces stress and gives you peace of mind.

If you have been charged with a crime, a good criminal defense attorney is the only person involved in the case who is advocating for your interests. Police and prosecutors want to see you convicted, while judges and jury members are expected to be impartial fact-finders. Only the attorney you hire has your best interests at heart.

The New Jersey criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices apply these rules and ethics to every aspect of our professional lives. As former prosecutors and public defenders from cities and counties across the state, our attorneys know that most clients come into contact with the NJ criminal justice system at the most difficult points in their lives. We take seriously our obligations and role in guiding them through the justice system and protecting them along the way.

Start your fight for justice with a free consultation from the Law Offices. We’ll listen to your story, assess your case, and explain how we can defend you.

When engaged as your attorneys, our team will seize every opportunity to fight the charges against you. We may seek to have charges dismissed, get you into a diversionary program, secure a favorable plea, or, if necessary, present your case to a jury at trial. We have one of the most experienced criminal defense teams in New Jersey. We will be by your side every step of the way.

Do You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney? Here’s What They Can Do for You.

New Jersey has a complex criminal justice system. A defendant does not go directly from being charged to being tried. Depending on the charges, there may be multiple hearings regarding pretrial detention or release, pre-arraignment conferences, a first appearance in which the defendant is formally advised of the charges, hearings about eligibility for diversionary programs, and more.

As your attorneys, we will ensure you understand what happens at each step in the criminal justice process, including what is expected of you. In most cases, we will speak for you, ensuring your intentions are properly stated and your rights are protected.

We will investigate the prosecution’s case against you and develop our own evidence in your favor based on consultations with you and interviews with others involved in your case. As we move forward in the criminal process, we will develop a strategy for defending you and resolving your case with the best possible outcome for you.

The Risks of Going to Court Without a Defense Lawyer

You have the right to represent yourself in criminal court, but it’s not a good idea. No matter how innocent you are or how strong your case is, an untrained person can’t expect to understand the complex laws and rules of evidence. Meanwhile, you’ll be up against a prosecutor who’s trained and experienced in winning cases. If you lose, you could go straight to jail and stay there until you finish your sentence or get it overturned on appeal.

An experienced defense lawyer knows exactly what the prosecutor needs to prove to convict you. They can evaluate the case against you and spot weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case from a mile away. We also know about programs in New Jersey that can help you avoid trial altogether.

Let an Attorney Keep You from Standing Trial

A prosecutor with a weak case may offer to let you plead guilty to a lesser charge, a plea bargain. They may even offer to suspend your sentence, meaning it isn’t applied as long as you are not arrested again. Sometimes, a plea bargain is the best outcome available, but it still puts a conviction on your record.

If you are a first-time offender not charged with a violent offense, you may qualify for one of several diversionary programs offered by New Jersey Courts. Your attorney can advocate for you to be directed to one of these diversionary programs. If you qualify for and complete such a program, your record is wiped clean:

• Pre-Trial Intervention: Probation, typically lasting six months to 3 years, is available for those charged with indictable offenses.
• Conditional Dismissal: A 12-month municipal court diversionary program for those charged with certain petty disorderly persons or disorderly persons offenses.
• Deferred Disposition: Probation or up to 12 months for juvenile offenders (under age 18) charged with minor offenses.
• Conditional Discharge: Probation, typically lasting six months to 3 years, is available for those charged with disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons drug charges or drug-related charges.
• Drug Court: A rigorous five-year program of treatment, drug testing, and recovery work meant for defendants ready to overcome alcohol and/or drug dependencies.
• Veterans Diversion Program: Mental health and addiction services available to active duty and retired service members who have been diagnosed with mental illness or who law enforcement, family members, or friends say have exhibited symptoms of mental illness.

Take a Long-term View of Criminal Charges

Most of our clients come to us after making an uncharacteristic mistake. It’s something that is unlikely to happen again. But if they are convicted for this one mistake, it will stay on their record.

A conviction can come back to harm you years later when found in a criminal background check conducted by a prospective employer, loan officer, college admissions official, public housing official, or others.

The best way to keep that from happening is to engage a knowledgeable New Jersey criminal defense attorney. Having a seasoned defense attorney represent you is your best opportunity to avoid a conviction.

Many people browse the internet looking for information on ‘what does a personal injury lawyer do’ to ensure they hire the right person for their case. With so many different lawyers available, it’s not always easy to understand whether you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer or one that specialises in something else.

The primary role of personal injury lawyers is to help people who have experienced physical or mental injuries. They assist with intentional tort and negligence cases and fight for your right to receive compensation.

Personal injury lawyers will also assist with a broad range of incidents, such as:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorbike accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Legal malpractice
• Wrongful deaths
• Workplace injury

Essentially, when someone fails to use reasonable care that results in injuries or loss of life, this can be classed as a form of negligence that may require the assistance of a personal injury lawyer to help you through the legal process.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost? What Fees Can I Expect?

After being involved in an incident requiring legal help, one of your first thoughts might be how much personal injury lawyers cost. You likely want to ensure you can afford to pay for the legal fees before using their services, so having an idea of personal injury lawyer fees can be crucial.

Some of the best personal injury lawyers in Australia operate on contingency. This means that if you don’t win your case, you don’t pay your lawyer for their time – no win, no fee. This can be a weight off anyone’s mind who’s unsure about proceeding with legal action when they don’t think they can afford a lawyer’s hourly rate.

Some additional fees may apply, depending on your unique case, such as:

• Filing fees
• Police reports
• Medical records
• Expert witness fees
• Trial exhibits
• Postage and copying expenses
• Trial exhibits

How Does the Personal Injury Claim Process Work?

If you have never made a personal injury claim before, you may not know how the process works or what you can expect. Fortunately, by contacting a personal injury lawyer for legal advice, you can find out all this information and ask any questions you have to receive much-needed clarity.

Typically, the personal injury claim legal process follows this timeline:

1. Receive Medical Treatment

Immediately after your accident or incident, such as a motor vehicle accident, seek medical treatment at your nearest hospital or medical centre. Doing so can mean you get the help you need while also beginning your paper trail for the personal injury claim process.

2. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’ve suffered serious injuries or your situation is more complex than you can handle, contact a personal injury lawyer for help. You can explain the facts of your case, which gives your lawyer a foundation to work from while investigating your compensation claim.

3. Claim Entitlements and Begin Negotiations

After reviewing the facts of your case and waiting until you’re on the road to recovery, your chosen lawyer can claim your entitlements to cover your accident-related costs, such as medical care and vehicle damage. Some examples of claims are:

• Workers compensation claim
• Public liability claim
• Motor vehicle accident claim
• Medical negligence claim
• Personal injury compensation claim

If both parties cannot agree on a settlement figure, the litigation process begins, with a personal injury lawsuit filed.

4. File a Lawsuit

When negotiations break down, a lawsuit can be filed in court within the statute of limitations, in other words, the time limit allowed to initiate legal proceedings. From this point, mediation and negotiations begin. If a successful conclusion can’t be reached, your lawyer can prepare you for trial.

How Do I Choose the Best Personal Injury Lawyer?

Choosing the best personal injury lawyer is not always easy when you’ve never required their legal services before. However, there are ways to narrow down your options while speeding up the process.

Ask for Referrals

Ask your friends and family for referrals if they have had experience in the legal system before. If they trusted their lawyer, they would be more than happy to recommend them for your case.

Look at Online Reviews

Online reviews can sometimes be as effective as referrals from friends and family. Look at different lawyers online and review other clients’ experiences. Some lawyer websites also have testimonials so you can gain insight into the level of service you can expect.

Review Track Records and Lawyer Credentials

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, review your preferred lawyers’ credentials, track record and experience in personal injury law. By doing so, you can gain insight into how successful they are at fighting for their clients’ rights.

Speak to Several Lawyers

Many personal injury lawyers in Australia offer a free consultation or case review. Don’t be afraid to speak with several lawyers before making your decision on who you’d like to represent you.

You usually go through a scary and stressful experience when you face criminal charges. You’ll likely find the process stressful whether you are innocent or guilty. Unfortunately, the legal system design makes it hard to represent yourself in court. So, if you face criminal charges, a qualified criminal defense lawyer is often your best option.

But, what should you expect from an excellent criminal lawyer? Read on to find out.

1. Investigation

Agree with your attorney on the scope of the investigation. That’s because your case requires strategy and careful thoughts. Your attorney addresses any analyses or expert testimony to present a strong defense. So, you can expect investigative skills from your attorney to dig deep into your case.

Your attorney performs intense research because each case is unique and has distinct challenges. Valuable sources of information include consulting other experts and research on similar cases. Also, an investigative approach can find any hidden clues to prove your innocence.

2. Excellent and Confidential Communication

You likely don’t want to stay in the dark about any matter related to your case. So a criminal lawyer who maintains consistent, private communication is paramount. Your attorney should update you on any changes or new developments to your case that arise with time. Updates and valuable information inform you on how to prepare for trial.

Privacy is paramount for any information between you and your attorney. Otherwise, the other parties might get the information and use it against you in court. Even if the other party doesn’t get the information, you likely don’t want your details to leak to other parties.

3. Practice Area Expertise

Different criminal lawyers have different specialties and levels of expertise. You likely expect your lawyer to have experience in the practice area where you need defense based on your case. For example, if you face drug charges, you should expect your selected attorney to have drug cases experience. The more your attorney’s experience, the more skills available to defend your case.

Your criminal lawyer garners experience through continual practice. So, you can expect your attorney to have handled various similar cases before. Also, your attorney usually knows excellent defense strategies. With a good plan, you can prepare well for different stages of the justice process.

4. Negotiation

You may believe that the primary role of your criminal lawyer is only to prove your innocence, but that’s not the case. Instead, your lawyer acts as your negotiator, protects your rights, and battles for a favorable outcome. So, you should expect thorough knowledge of the legal system and expert negotiation skills.

Your lawyer should prepare to act when discussions arise between the prosecution and the defense. Whether your aim is to get cleared of the charges or get the best deal, you’ll find negotiation paramount.

5. Empathy

An absolute necessity for professionalism, empathy means your attorney lacks judgment. Also, your criminal defense lawyer advocates from your perspective, position, and experience. So, you can feel more confident to open up about all relevant information without fear of judgmental sentiments.

Empathy boosts the relationship between you and your criminal defense attorney. With an empathetic lawyer, you get legal and emotional support. What’s more, you can trust, confide in, and work better with your attorney if they relate to your situation.

6. Confidence

Your attorney’s confidence is often put under consistent trial at different levels of the legal process. Nevertheless, you should trust your attorney to represent you well, so you wouldn’t want their confidence to get crushed.

So, expect your criminal defense lawyer to exude confidence during the trial. Also, high confidence levels at trial convince the jury of your side of the story.