The justice system can be a frightening and confusing place to navigate alone. Personal injury lawyers are invaluable advocates for accident victims in every state. The ability of a good attorney to help you recover damages can be life-changing. But how do you find the right lawyer? With so many personal injury lawyers, it’s hard to know who to trust. Here are 4 tips when selecting personal injury lawyers:
1. Research
Research the credentials, experience, and background of a potential attorney. Ask people you know to recommend a good lawyer. Your insurance company should be able to refer you to attorneys in your area who specialize in cases involving auto accidents and medical malpractice. Personal injury lawyers usually advertise on television and are easy to find online. If you decide to go with an attorney based on an advertisement, be sure to contact the firm for more information about the attorney’s background, experience, and success rate.
2. Ask for Referrals
Before choosing a personal injury lawyer, ask your insurance company if they have any lawyers they recommend. And if you can’t find a good attorney on your own, ask the lawyer serving as your advocate to make a few introductory calls on your behalf, and then encourage them to tell you the good, bad, and ugly details of the attorney’s prior cases. For instance, if a lawyer is not known for settling cases, ask if they have ever lost a case.
3. Look at the Track Record
When looking at an attorney’s track record, you should be looking for several things. First, how many cases have they lost? Second, do those losses compare to awards given by other attorneys in that same community? Third, does the attorney have any pending or outstanding judgments against them? Fourth and perhaps most important are what kind of verdicts have been given.
4. Know Your Needs
Finally, when choosing a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to know your needs as an accident victim. If you need someone who is tough and aggressive, then that attorney isn’t for you. However, if you’re a cash-strapped college student who needs to stay in school while you pursue all legal avenues available to you, then an aggressive attorney might be the best way to go. For instance, if you’re limited financially, a personal injury lawyer should be able to offer affordable payment plans in exchange for a percentage of your verdict.
In the end, numerous personal injury lawyers can help you find the justice and compensation you deserve. The key is to choose an attorney who meets your needs, is experienced, successful, and, compassionate enough to do everything in their power to help you recover damages in exchange for a fair share of your award.
Author Info: Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake. You can find her on Twitter.
