A personal injury lawyer can help you negotiate with insurance companies and calculate the value of your economic and non-economic damages. They can also represent you if your lawsuit goes to trial.
When choosing a personal injury attorney, you should read reviews from former clients and other lawyers. You should also talk to family and friends about their experiences with lawyers.
1. Experience
The best personal injury lawyer are those who have the most experience handling cases just like yours. They should also have a track record of success and have successfully won substantial settlements and verdicts.
A good personal injury lawyer will investigate your case, prove liability, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. They should be able to see through the insurance companies’ tricks and tactics to get you the maximum recovery for your injuries.
During your initial consultation, ask about how many years they have been in practice. Find out what percentage of their practice is dedicated to personal injury cases and how often they go to court. Find out if they frequently lecture at legal education seminars or write articles on personal injury law. If they do, they are regarded as experts in the field and likely know some “insider secrets” about winning personal injury cases. It’s also important to find out if they work at large firms or on their own.
2. Reputation
There are over one million attorneys in the USA, so finding a personal injury lawyer that combines expertise and experience with a strong reputation can be challenging. However, a few simple steps can help you find the right attorney to handle your case.
A good way to evaluate a personal injury attorney’s reputation is to read reviews on their website and other sources. These are written by people who have worked with the firm and can give you a good idea of what it’s like to work with them.
It’s also helpful to talk with friends, family, and coworkers who have used a personal injury lawyer. Ask them about their experiences and what to look for in a lawyer. However, remember that everyone’s situation is different, so don’t make your decision based on someone else’s experience. Rather, compare the options available to you and choose the lawyer that best fits your needs. This includes your comfort level and goals for the case.
3. Personality
When you are injured, your life can be turned upside down. You have to focus on your recovery, miss work, and worry about medical bills and household expenses. You also have to deal with insurance companies and opposing attorneys.
A good personal injury attorney understands that a client comes to them during a difficult time in their lives. They should feel genuine empathy for your situation and be able to communicate this to the insurance adjuster, other lawyers, and judges in the courtroom.
The best way to find a personal injury lawyer is to get recommendations from friends, family, and co-workers who have used them. However, be sure to meet and talk with the lawyer before you make a decision. This will help you find out whether they are a good fit for your case and personality. If you are not comfortable with them, then you should choose another person. This is important as you will be working closely with this individual for a very long period of time.
4. Fees
A good attorney will make sure that you understand the percentage share of recovery you pay to the attorney and any case expenses, as well as how those charges are deducted from your award. Some attorneys will even allow you to make payments on your fees over time.
Insurance companies are going to be more likely to give you top dollar in a settlement if they believe that your injury lawyer is prepared and willing to go to trial. That’s because they know that personal injury lawyers who don’t try cases settle for less.
Look for a personal injury attorney who is easy to get in touch with. Their website should present several options for victims to contact them for more information or to schedule an appointment. They should also use irresistible calls to action that make it easy for potential clients to take the next step. The best injury lawyers will do everything in their power to ensure that their clients get what they deserve.