Choosing the best personal injury lawyer for your case can be challenging. The attorney you choose will handle all communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Finding an attorney, you feel comfortable with and can openly communicate with throughout your case is important. Below are some questions to ask when selecting your attorney.
Fees
Typically, personal injury attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis. The attorney will only charge a fee if they successfully recover your financial compensation. However, you must pay for case expenses, medical reports, and other costs. Some personal injury lawyers require clients to pay these expenses upfront, while others will reimburse them from your settlement or verdict proceeds.
If you are working on a tight budget, find out whether a personal injury lawyer offers an hourly rate or if they are willing to work for a flat fee. A flat fee arrangement is common in criminal cases but unusual for personal injury cases.
A law firm will know how to leverage the local courts and insurance companies best, which could help you recover a larger settlement.
Experience
When you choose a personal injury lawyer, consider how long they have been practicing. They must also devote most of their practice to personal injury law. Attorneys with a general practice that includes divorces, estate planning, or bankruptcies may be jacks of all trades but masters of none. They may need to be more familiar with the rules and practices unique to personal injury cases.
Do they have a track record of successfully recovering high-value settlements and verdicts? You want an experienced lawyer who knows how to negotiate with insurance companies. They will also be familiar with proving the extent of your injuries and handling complex claims.
Ask the attorney about articles they have written on the subject, presentations given to other attorneys, or television appearances. These are all great ways to determine how much knowledge the attorney has of their field. Having them handle your case will give you confidence in their abilities.
Reputation
Regarding a personal injury case, you want a lawyer with experience in your type of claim. Generalists handle many cases, but lawyers specializing in personal injury law may have more experience and be better equipped to negotiate with insurance companies and win your case.
Moreover, you want to choose a lawyer who has written articles about personal injury or given presentations to other lawyers. This can help you determine their knowledge level and the level of commitment they have to the field of personal injury.
Some attorneys make money by processing a high volume of cases and “slaughtering” them at the end for less than the case’s true value. Insurance companies keep track of these firms and know they will pressure you to take a low offer. To avoid this, you should only work with reputable personal injury lawyers.
Communication
When choosing a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to find one who is easily accessible and responsive throughout the case. This is essential in building a strong case and establishing trust between you and your attorney.
An initial consultation is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and understand an attorney’s experience and approach. Many lawyers offer free consultations and will evaluate your case for no charge.
It’s also important to know whether an attorney will work on a contingency fee basis. They will only be paid if they win your case or secure a settlement.
You should also know about any upfront fees, such as filing or expert costs. Ultimately, you want an attorney committed to representing your interests and will be there for you every step of the way. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your attorney is on your side and will fight to secure maximum compensation.
