Hiring a lawyer for your legal case can be difficult. Whether you have been hurt in a car accident or are having trouble after hip surgery, it’s important to choose the right person to handle your situation and make sure they’re qualified enough.
It’s easy to create a website that looks professional, so how can you really tell which lawyer is the best candidate for you? Where should you look first?
Here are 6 tips on how you can find the best personal injury lawyer for your case:
1. Check with friends and family if they have someone they can refer
If you know someone involved in a similar case, you can ask for a referral to an attorney they think would be able to help. Word of mouth is one of the most reliable sources when it comes to looking for the best choice.
2. Always talk about the fees before signing
It’s very important to know and understand these fees before proceeding to sign the documents. Many people are afraid to ask about fees, but finding out what you will pay right away can save both of you time and prevent confusion later on when the bill comes due.
Attorneys understand why most people do not know how many legal services cost up-front; no one wants to be surprised with an exorbitant fee after working hours have already been spent working on the case.
Normally, personal injury lawyers work on contingency and receive about a third of the settlement, plus additional expenses. Always make sure you understand the fees from the very beginning.
3. Check for lawyers online
It’s a good thing to check on different lawyers online before committing to one. Always make sure they’re licensed and have a good reputation in the state where they’re based or where the case is. All lawyers in each state are registered in the database of their local bar association. That is a good place to check if the lawyer has been sanctioned or received disciplinary action before.
4. Trust your instincts
There are lawyers who care more about the case’s value instead of their client’s recovery. An attorney must be able to let the client know about the weak links in the case, too. Always listen to your gut when it comes to choosing the lawyer to represent you. If you’re not comfortable with them, feel free to move on to your next candidate.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask about their training
There’s nothing wrong with asking your lawyer about the extent of their training. This will give you an insight into how they will be able to help you. A couple of good questions would be, “How long have you been practicing?” and “How often do you handle cases like mine?”
Asking these kinds of questions will also give you an idea of how much this personal injury lawyer will be able to help you out.
6. Make sure to meet with the lawyer who will handle your case
When you’re looking for a lawyer, make sure to talk with one of their attorneys directly. If they don’t have the time to speak with you personally rather than going through someone else in their office, then what type of attention will your case receive?
Where should you NOT to look for personal Injury lawyers?
Do not look for the personal injury lawyers in TVs, bus signages, or even radio. Most reputable lawyers would make sure they are making the effort to give you the best support they can. Instead of looking at those sources, you can take the time to read through an attorney’s website to get an idea of who they are and then personally reach out.
Avoid lawyers who lack a reputation for harder cases. Look for client’s reviews and read through those because they can give you an insight about the lawyer. Avoid a lawyer who promises you success even if they haven’t known all the details of your case yet. And do not go for a lawyer who doesn’t have the fee agreements in writing.
So, how can you find the best personal injury lawyer?
Even if you’re not able to have a face-to-face meeting with your lawyer all the time, make sure that you are comfortable with your choice. Always make sure that you have a good connection with them and that they’re open to communicating with you. Remember that your case is personal and you will be sharing intimate details of your life with them. Ensure that you won’t have to be more uncomfortable than necessary.
Always go for a lawyer with a compassionate approach and someone who is willing to work hard and make sure you get the best compensation you deserve. A good lawyer should be able to work with your best interests in mind.