There are now over 135,000 personal injury lawyers and attorneys across the US. It’s not enough to hire the first one you come across, though. If you’re looking for a personal injury law firm, it helps to have a plan.
Here are nine tips that can help you vet and narrow down your options. With these tips, you can save valuable time during your search.
You can find a personal injury attorney qualified to handle your claim. Their experience and expertise can maximize your payout. They’ll ensure you win for the compensation you deserve.
Make the most of your lawsuit and get justice with these nine tips for finding a law firm today.
1. Know What You Need
Before you rush to start searching for a “personal injury lawyer near me,” take a moment to consider your case. What are the circumstances of your lawsuit? Considering your case can help you find the right personal injury lawyer.
Otherwise, you could hire an attorney who lacks the know-how necessary to handle your claim.
You can separate personal injury claims into different categories, including:
- Workplace accidents
- Elder abuse and neglect
- Auto accidents
- Medical malpractice claims
- Assault and battery
- Product liability
- Slip and fall accidents
- Animal bites
- Premise liability
- Defamation
- Wrongful deaths
You can even break these categories down further. For example, maybe you were in a car crash. About 6 million car accidents occur in the US each year.
Consider if the crash involved cars, trucks, motorcycles, Uber, or Lyft. Look for a personal injury attorney with the expertise you need.
2. Gather Options
Once you have a better understanding of what you’re looking for, consult your inner circle. Ask friends, family, and coworkers if they’ve hired a lawyer recently. Have any of them been in your shoes before?
Ask them about the lawyer they hired. Learn more about their firsthand experience.
Ask if they had any issues with their lawyer. For example, maybe they struggled to get updates about their case. Was the lawyer a strong communicator?
How much was the lawyer able to win for their lawsuit?
Speaking with your inner circle can help you narrow down your options. You can determine who to research further or who to avoid.
If your inner circle can’t point you in the right direction, head online. Google “personal injury lawyer near me.” Consider the specific area of expertise you need, too.
Then, make a list of options. You can also check your local bar association website or the Martindale-Hubbel directory. Once you have a list of lawyers, you can use these tips to narrow it down to one.
3. Look for Years of Experience
Remember, you’ll want to find someone with the know-how necessary to handle your case. Most people learn from time and experience. Look for someone who has practiced law over the years.
It’s likely they’ve handled a number of cases within that time.
Look for someone with years of experience handling cases like yours, too. How long have they specialized in personal injury claims? How long have they specialized with your type of case?
Look for someone with the specific expertise you need. Then, make sure they’ve handled multiple cases similar to yours.
If they only recently passed the bar exam or started specializing, scratch them off your list.
4. Check Their Credentials
Head over to your local bar association website and learn more about each attorney on your list. First, make sure they’re licensed to practice in your state.
Laws and procedures can vary based on your location. Make sure to find someone licensed to practice in the area. Make sure they’ve spent time practicing locally, too.
Ask each lawyer if they’re a member of any local associations, too. For example, you might find a member of the American Association of Justice. Maybe they’re board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Their board certification could indicate they have additional experience and expertise.
5. Choose a Winner
Ask each lawyer how many cases they’ve handled that were similar to yours. Learning more about their case experience will indicate their abilities. How many cases have they won versus lost?
Ask how many cases they’ve won in the past year, too.
Make sure you have a capable winner arguing at your side.
6. Ask for References and Reviews
Ask each lawyer on your list for references and reviews. Speak with one or two of their previous clients.
You can also find reviews online. Research the personal injury law firm by checking their Google My Business and BBB listing. Make sure the law firm doesn’t have a complaint filed against them.
Make sure the positive comments for each lawyer outweigh the bad reviews.
7. Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation appointment with at least three personal injury attorneys on your list. Then, discuss the specifics of your case. How would they handle your lawsuit?
They should ask questions about your situation. Otherwise, they won’t develop a customized approach to your case.
Pay attention to how the lawyer communicates. Make sure they’re confident and eloquent. Otherwise, they might struggle to argue your case.
8. Consider Their Connections
Ask each lawyer if they have any professional connections they’ll call on. For example, they might call a medical expert to discuss your injuries. Maybe they have an investigator or scene reconstruction expert on the team.
These personal connections could strengthen your lawsuit.
9. Read the Contract
Ask at least three lawyers for a quote. Do they work hourly or on a contingency fee basis? A lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis might fight harder.
If they don’t win your claim, they won’t receive payment for their services.
Review their contract and make sure you understand their terms before signing on the dotted line.
Make Your Claim: 9 Tips for Finding the Best Personal Injury Lawyer
You don’t have to hire the first personal injury lawyer you find online. Instead, take the time to vet your options. With these nine tips, you can have confidence in your choice.
They’ll fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Looking for a car accident lawyer who will fight at your side? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation appointment.