According to the American Bar Association, there are a total of 1.3 million attorneys scattered across the United States. With so many options for lawyers, you can be forgiven for not knowing how to choose an attorney for your case!
Selecting personal injury lawyers can be a headache-inducing task, especially when a simple search may pull up dozens or even hundreds of practicing attorneys in the area where you live. How do you sort through them all to find the professional with the best chances of leading you to success?
If you’re not sure who to turn to, a few simple tips can help. As you search, be sure to consider the key factors below to partner with the lawyer best suited to your needs.
1. Location
It might seem like any lawyer will do, but location matters in a personal injury case. Different areas have different legal frameworks, meaning that hiring a local lawyer who knows the nuances of the area’s justice system is always the safer bet. Clients in California, for example, would do well to visit the website of an experienced local firm, like the Sweetlaw.com site.
2. Practice Area and Experience
Not all personal injury cases are created equal. In fact, personal injury areas of practice range from slip-and-fall incidents to car accidents to dog bites. If you want to be sure you’re hiring the best lawyer for the job, you’ll need to find an attorney with a great deal of experience in a practice area related to your case.
3. Client Testimonials
While it’s always a good idea to check a lawyer’s website for professionalism and authority, you should also find out what others have to say about your potential legal partner. Look on their website for any testimonials they host, but don’t forget to also check third-party websites for objective references and reviews as well.
4. Case Consultation
It’s critical to talk to your lawyer face to face before you decide to hire them. Most reputable attorneys will offer a free consultation so that both of you can discuss whether you’d be a good match.
Take the opportunity to ask relevant questions about their experience, their thoughts on your case, and their past successes. Don’t forget to also get a feel for their personality: you’ll be spending a great deal of time with them as they work on your case, so you’ll want to pair with someone you get along with.
5. Fee Structure
For many, this is a critical factor in the decision—so you’ll want to find out about their fees up front.
Do they work off of contingency fees? Do they tack on any additional fees for specific services? Make sure you know what you’ll be paying before you sign an agreement.
Do Your Due Diligence When Selecting Personal Injury Lawyers
At the end of the day, your goal is to find an attorney who is motivated enough to fight hard for the compensation you deserve—as well as someone you trust to truly be on your side. For that reason, selecting personal injury lawyers should be a task that demands your time and attention, as finding the right legal partner is crucial. With a great lawyer in your corner, you’ll have a better chance of winning your case.
Looking for more helpful guides like this one? Check out our other posts for additional insights.
For information on personal injury involving nursing home abuse, click here.
