How to Find the Right Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Case

Finding the right personal injury lawyer takes a little bit of effort. You can’t just do a quick search, scan the names, and choose one that looks good. The attorney you select can shape the entire outcome of your case, both emotionally and financially. Choosing wisely requires looking past appearances and asking the right questions. You need to know about an attorney’s experience and reputation, and you need to feel comfortable with them. 

Why the right lawyer makes all the difference

Your lawyer will be your voice and advocate in the courtroom and in out-of-court negotiations. If you want to maximize your compensation, you need legal counsel. Studies show that people who hire personal injury attorneys recover up to 3.5 times more settlement money than those who represent themselves. But even hiring the wrong lawyer can reduce your compensation. 

Insurance companies fight hard in court to diminish claims, and having an inexperienced lawyer is similar to having no lawyer at all. 

Although a good lawyer will help you with your paperwork to fill out and submit forms on time, they’ll also build a persuasive case that highlights the true impact of your injuries. The insurance company will downplay your claim and you need someone who knows how to push back.

A skilled attorney has powerful negotiation skills and won’t be intimidated by corporate legal teams. They will put the pressure on and get insurers to settle for a higher amount than they would otherwise. 

And although not every case goes to trial, you’ll want a lawyer who has experience in trial court if needed. Just the willingness to go to trial can push settlement offers higher.

At the end of the day, choosing the right lawyer can mean the difference between money that covers your medical bills and money that compensates you for lost income, pain and suffering, and future needs.

Check experience with similar cases

Personal injury law is broad and covers a wide range of accidents, from slip-and-fall injuries to car accidents and even workplace claims. You need a lawyer who has experienced success handling cases just like yours. With more than one million practicing lawyers in the United States, only a fraction specialize in personal injury, and a smaller number have experience in niche practice areas like truck accidents and medical malpractice.

Don’t just choose any personal injury attorney. Find someone with experience in your specific type of accident. When you talk to them, ask about past settlements or jury awards and verdicts. A good attorney will be transparent about their wins and limitations. 

Verify their reputation

Check out your lawyer’s reputation among their clients, peers, and even judges when possible. This information can reveal some red flags that you may want to heed. Word of mouth matters. Look for client testimonials and look for patterns where clients praise communication and good results. Although attorneys can’t guarantee results, it is a good sign when they are successful. But be cautious of repeated complaints that a lawyer is hard to reach. 

If a lawyer has received any awards or professional ratings, that’s a good sign. You want a lawyer who has been recognized from within the profession. 

Most importantly, lawyers who are professional and respectful often find judges and opposing counsel more cooperative, which can benefit your case. 

Understand their fee structure

Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, which is great news because that means you don’t pay anything unless and until you win. However, the details of their fee structure still matter. Most contingency fees range from 33-40% of the settlement, but never assume it will be on the low end. 

Make sure you know if the fee is calculated before or after expenses like filing fees and expert witnesses. And avoid lawyers who want a large retainer up front. Your lawyer should carry most of the financial risk. 

Red flags to watch out for

Although most lawyers are well-meaning, some aren’t. Shop around before making your final decision. No ethical lawyer can promise a win or any specific outcome. If they do, it’s a red flag. Another red flag is if a lawyer can’t give you a clear answer about their fees or past results. If you feel pressured into signing a contract, take a step back. A good lawyer will give you the space to make your decision.

Choose your legal counsel wisely

Finding the right personal injury lawyer requires careful consideration of experience, reputation, and trustworthiness. The lawyer you choose will be your advocate for one of the most challenging times in your life. So take your time to ask questions and listen to your instincts. You can’t afford to make the wrong choice.