There are anywhere between 93,000 and 135,000 practicing personal injury lawyers in the United States at a given time. That’s a lot of lawyers, and if you’re looking for the best personal injury lawyer around, that means you have a lot to sift through.
Finding the best personal injury lawyers for your case isn’t going to be easy. They’re all competing for your business, so how do you choose?
We’re here with a few tips that can help. Read on to learn all about how you can find your ideal personal injury attorney and start pursuing the justice you deserve.
1. Look for Specialization in Personal Injury
If you’ve never had to hire an attorney before, you may not realize that they’re not all alike. Lawyers all have their own specialties. The best personal injury lawyers are going to be very different than the best divorce lawyers, for example.
Look for a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases. Personal injury law is a complex and specialized field, and an attorney with expertise in this area will have a better understanding of the laws and strategies that can be beneficial for your case.
Consider the lawyer’s experience in terms of years in practice and their track record of handling cases similar to yours. A lawyer with a successful history of resolving personal injury cases is more likely to secure a good outcome for your case.
You can (and should) even get specific. If you’re in a truck accident, for example, you’ll want to look for personal injury attorneys who have experience with truck accident cases.
2. Evaluate Reputation and Reviews
Research the lawyer’s reputation by reading online reviews and even seeking advice from friends and family members who have dealt with similar situations.
Positive reviews and recommendations from trusted sources can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and skills. Remember that while online reviews are helpful, you should take them with a grain of salt. Personal reviews and recommendations, if they’re available, tend to be more reliable.
Make sure that the lawyer is in good standing with the local bar association and has a strong ethical reputation. An attorney who adheres to high ethical standards is more likely to act in your best interests.
There are many personal injury lawyers out there, but not all of them hold themselves to a high standard. You deserve one who does.
3. Make Sure They’re Accessible
A good lawyer has to be accessible and they must communicate effectively. All lawyers have different preferences when it comes to how they communicate and how often they choose to keep their clients “in the loop,” so you need to find an attorney that matches your needs.
You want an attorney who will promptly respond to your questions, keep you informed about the progress of your case, and maintain open and transparent communication throughout the legal process. They may or may not want you to be more involved, but this is something you can discuss during your consultation.
4. Discuss Legal Fees and Fee Structure
It’s no secret that hiring a lawyer can be expensive. Make sure that you and your attorney are on the same page when it comes to legal fees and the fee structure. You want to be able to afford their services.
Discuss the lawyer’s fees and fee structure upfront. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. It’s crucial for you to understand the percentage of the settlement or award that the lawyer will take as their fee and any additional costs associated with your case.
If something is unclear, never be afraid to ask questions. A good and ethical attorney wants to make sure that they only take on clients who can afford their work.
5. Discuss Trial Experience
Believe it or not, not all lawyers have a lot of experience with going to trial. As a matter of fact, only about 3% to 4% of cases go to trial!
While many personal injury cases are settled out of court, it’s essential to choose a lawyer with trial experience. This demonstrates that they are prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation.
Your lawyer is there to advocate for you. They can do this outside of the courtroom, but what happens if the settlement that the other party offers isn’t good enough (as is often the case)?
Your lawyer will have to fight for your rights, and they’ll be doing that in court.
6. Schedule a Consultation
Remember that consultations are not commitments. If you find a lawyer that appeals to you, you can schedule a consultation without agreeing to hire them right away.
Schedule a consultation with the lawyer to discuss your case in detail. Use this opportunity to ask questions, determine their knowledge and skills, and evaluate their approach to your case. Pay attention to how well they listen and whether they offer clear and practical advice.
A consultation is like an interview for both you and the personal injury attorney. You’re evaluating each other to see if you’ll be a good fit.
Note that it’s possible for an attorney to reject a client after a consultation. An ethical attorney may do so if they feel the case isn’t viable or if they know they’re not the right personal injury lawyer for the job. Don’t let this stop you from pursuing justice.
Hire the Best Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Case
Finding the best personal injury lawyer for your specific situation isn’t going to be easy, but it is going to be worthwhile. You need to find a lawyer who’s communicative, accessible, ethical, and experienced. Choose one that’s gotten rave reviews and schedule a consultation to see if you’ll be a good match.
At Heard Merman Accident & Injury Trial Lawyers, our lawyers share decades of trial experience. We’re ready to take on your case and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Reach out to schedule a consultation today.
