Personal Injury
Getting injured in an accident or as a consequence of another person’s negligence can be highly stressful and life-altering. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is essential to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Here are five valuable tips to help when searching for the best personal injury attorney.
Consider your needs
Personal injury attorneys handle various cases and have different extents of experience. Before starting your lawyer search, establish the type of personal injury lawyer you need for your case. Consider your budget and your personal preferences.
For instance, do you want a seasoned attorney or someone with limited trial experience to handle your case? Are you more focused on a lawyer’s success record or credentials? Compile a list of your non-negotiables so you can efficiently filter your potential candidates once you begin your lawyer hunt.
Research extensively
While working with a personal injury near your location is ideal, widening your search and considering all possibilities can help you secure the best legal representation. Aside from checking the law firms in your neighborhood, you should also ask for referrals from trusted loved ones and scour the internet. Check online rating platforms and take note of the lawyers with the highest reviews. Join social media groups for third-party recommendations and valuable previous client insights.
Create a candidate list
The next step is to create a list of possible lawyer candidates based on your criteria. Narrow it down to five to six personal injury attorneys or law practices. Check their social media accounts and see if they have a solid online presence. Explore their websites and read client testimonials to help you better understand how they handle their clients.
Review their credentials and make sure they have all essential licenses and certifications. Visit your state bar association’s website to check if they have formal complaints against them or disciplinary records.
Schedule free consultations
Most law firms offer free initial consultations. Set an appointment with all possible candidates and be prepared with your case details to make your meeting more efficient. During your initial consultation, your discussions will revolve around anything related to your case, so remember to bring any relevant documentation for them to evaluate. These consultations not only help you learn more about your case but also allow you to assess if the law firm is a good fit for you.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions
During these free trial consultations, ask all questions you have about your claim and legal options. Ask how they plan to approach your case, the possible case timeline, and their honest take regarding the potential outcome. Since you’ll be spending considerable time with your personal injury lawyer, make sure you’re comfortable with them, and they’re easily accessible.
If they seem uninterested, unable to communicate properly, or tend to invalidate your opinions, take it as a red flag and move on to your next lawyer option. Remember that your personal injury attorney will act as your primary line of legal defense, so you must choose someone with your best legal interests at heart.