Many cases fall under the umbrella of personal injury law. Incidents ranging from car accidents to slip and falls and everything in between can lead to a personal injury claim. However, determining whether your situation requires legal action may be challenging. If you feel that an incident may require the services of a personal injury lawyer, you want to find the right one for your case. Here are three things you need to know during your search.

Your Time Is Limited

When looking for a personal injury lawyer, the first thing to keep in mind is the statutes of limitations. A statute of limitations is set by state law and sets the amount of time you have to take legal action. This period varies depending on the state when it comes to personal injury cases. In some states, the statute of limitations starts when you discover that you were harmed during an accident or incident. In other states, the statute of limitations begins right after the incident. Either way, it's a good idea to seek out a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. 

What Cases A Lawyer Handles

Many different cases fall under personal injury law, and you want to make sure the lawyer you hire has the experience necessary for dealing with your case. When looking at personal injury attorneys, don't be afraid to ask about their experience and what kind of cases they typically handle. Personal injury is a broad area when it comes to legal matters, and many lawyers specialize in one or two types of cases. You need to choose a lawyer who has the skills and expertise you are looking for in your case.

What The Fee Structure Looks Like

Cost is another factor you will want to keep in mind when hiring a personal injury attorney. Fee structures can look very different from one lawyer to the next. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay a fee of up to 40 percent of the settlement or award if they win your case. However, other legal fees apply, and you need to discuss them before hiring a personal injury lawyer. 

If you are looking at personal injury lawyers, there are a few things to know before selecting one for your case. First, your time to file a lawsuit is limited, so start looking for a lawyer sooner rather than later. Second, you should also look for a personal injury lawyer who often handles cases similar to yours. Finally, make sure you have a good idea of what a lawyer's fee structure entails before hiring them. 

If you have further questions, reach out to a lawyer in your area, such as Todd East Attorney at Law.