If someone else’s negligence recently caused you bodily harm, you could file a lawsuit to fight for compensation. Your winnings could cover your medical bills, property damage, pain, and suffering. Before pursuing a lawsuit, it’s important to hire an experienced lawyer.
There are now over 146,150 personal injury lawyers and attorneys across the US, though. Not every attorney has the same level of experience, either. Before choosing a personal injury lawyer, keep these factors in mind.
Knowing what to look for before choosing an attorney can help you make a more informed choice. You can focus on choosing a personal injury lawyer with your legal case in mind.
With their help, you can fight and win the compensation you’re rightfully due.
Set your personal injury case up for success from the start! Discover how to choose a lawyer with these tips today.
1. Reputation
You can start searching for a personal injury lawyer by visiting your local bar association website. Check out the Martindale-Hubbell law firm directory, too. Otherwise, begin searching by gathering personal referrals.
Talk to friends, coworkers, and family members who live in the area. Ask if they’ve hired a lawyer within the past year. If they have, ask about their situation.
For example, if you were recently in a car accident, speak to a friend who hired an auto accident attorney. Try to gather referrals that are relevant to your specific legal needs.
Ask each person you speak with about their experience working alongside the lawyer. For example, what was the outcome of their legal case? Did the case go to court?
Determine if the client was satisfied with the lawyer’s abilities and the outcome of their case, too.
Gathering referrals from people you trust could help you find a lawyer you can trust. It can also help you save valuable time.
If you’re unable to gather local referrals, that’s okay. Start searching online and developing a list. As you create your list of options, look for online client reviews.
Check each law firm’s Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listings for testimonials. You’ll likely find reviews on each lawyer’s website, too.
Before choosing a personal injury lawyer, make sure they have a strong reputation. Their reputation could speak to their abilities.
Look for comments about the lawyer’s tendency to communicate. You’ll want to find a lawyer who will keep you up-to-date throughout every phase of your legal case.
2. Specialized Experience
During your search for a personal injury lawyer, it helps to know more about personal injury law as a whole. A personal injury attorney might handle a mix of different cases. For example, they might cover:
- Auto accidents
- Wrongful deaths
- Product liability
- Premise liability
- Defamation
- Medical malpractice
- Assault and battery
- Animal bites
- Slip and falls
About six million car crashes occur in the US each year. Auto accidents can include trucks, bikes, cars, rideshare drivers, or motorcycles. Medical malpractice can include medication errors, surgical errors, or a misdiagnosis.
Take the time to consider the specific details of your situation. Then, find a lawyer who specializes in your type of personal injury case.
Once you create a list of lawyers that suit your distinct needs, learn about their history in the industry. Consider how long they’ve practiced law. If they only recently started practicing, choose a different lawyer.
Instead, find an attorney with years of hands-on experience. Determine how many cases like yours they’ve handled in that time, too. They’ll use their experience to strengthen your case.
An experienced lawyer will have an easier time considering the laws and procedures relevant to your legal case.
Someone who is new to the industry, on the other hand, might still need to get their footing.
3. Success Rate
Once you find a list of experienced lawyers, learn more about the cases they’ve handled in that time. Make sure the experienced lawyer you choose is also a winner.
Determine how many cases they’ve handled over the years. How many of those cases were similar to yours? Then, consider how many relevant cases they’ve won or lost in that time.
When choosing a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to find someone capable of accomplishing your goals. Reviewing their success rate can help you learn more about their abilities.
4. Trail Experience
Not every personal injury case will go to court. You don’t know how your case will proceed, though. Before hiring an attorney, make sure they have plenty of trial experience.
Ask how many cases they’ve tried in front of a judge and jury. Ask about the outcome of those cases, too.
Some lawyers avoid going to court. Unfortunately, these lawyers might settle your case to avoid a courtroom. These attorneys won’t have your best interests in mind.
5. Board Certifications
Take the time to review the lawyer’s credentials as well. First, make sure they’re licensed to practice in your state. Confirm that their license is up-to-date, too.
Then, ask if they have any credentials that might benefit your case. You might find lawyers who are members of the American Association of Justice. You’ll likely find a few with memberships to the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
These memberships will indicate the lawyer has additional training.
6. Communication and Analytical Skills
Meet at least three lawyers on your list in person. Discuss the specifics of your legal case. Then, ask them what strategy they might recommend.
During the meeting, pay attention to how they speak and hold themselves. Find someone who is both articulate and confident. Make sure they have strong analytical skills, too.
7. Fee Structure
Ask each lawyer about their fee structure. Some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. They’ll only expect payment if they win your case.
Others work based on a fixed, hourly rate.
Make sure you choose a lawyer that suits your budget. Discuss pricing to determine if you need settlement funding before you try your case.
Select the Best: 7 Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Finding a personal injury lawyer shouldn’t feel as stressful as your legal case. Instead, use these tips when choosing an attorney. With these tips, you can find a capable, experienced lawyer you can trust.
They’ll help you fight for the compensation you’re due.
Need settlement funding for your case? We can help.
Apply here today to get instant approval.