The weeks following an accident can be overwhelming. You are juggling doctors’ appointments, medical bills, and time off from work. And now you have to find a lawyer to represent you. While you may not want to add another task to your plate, working with a lawyer is an essential step. By doing so, you increase your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries and associated damages.
So, how do you find the right personal injury lawyer for you?
This simple guide will provide some ways to research your options, vet the best candidates, and select the best attorney for your needs.
-
Ask For Recommendations
One of the best ways to start your search process is to ask friends, family members, and coworkers for recommendations. When a recommendation comes from someone you trust, you can ask them personal questions about their experience and receive more details. If you feel comfortable, you might also consider reaching out to your network on social media.
In addition to asking for recommendations from people you know, take the time to read online testimonials. While these reviews should only be part of your decision to hire a lawyer, you might gravitate toward attorneys with more positive testimonials.
-
Look For Experience
Personal injury lawyers can be successful at any point in their career, but it helps to find one with experience. Attorneys with more experience will have more in-depth knowledge of personal injury law. They will also have more experience working with insurance companies, which can be valuable for ensuring your compensation. Your attorney should be able to effectively negotiate with the insurance company.
-
Know Their Specialties
Many lawyers focus on more than one area of law. However, you want to make sure that your attorney has personal injury law as one of their main specialties. Look on the lawyer’s website and determine whether their specialty matches your case. For example, if you are pursuing a car accident case, ensure that the lawyer focuses on car accident injuries.
-
Consider Their Record
Search online law databases and lawyer directories to find the records of the attorneys you are considering. Prioritize lawyers who have won a majority of their personal injury cases. It’s also helpful to search the attorney on your state’s Bar Association website. This can give you information about the lawyer’s standing. As a precautionary step, do a quick web search of the lawyer’s name to check for negative press coverage about them. Doing so will narrow to search to lawyers with a clean record and a history of successful personal injury cases.
-
Schedule A Meeting
Remember that before you hire a personal injury lawyer, it is always important to schedule a consultation in person. Many attorneys will offer these meetings for free, so be sure to schedule one as soon as possible. This consultation is an opportunity for you to explain your case to the attorney and discuss legal fees. You will also be able to ask questions, so come prepared with a list.
During your consultation, pay attention to whether you feel comfortable with the attorney. You want to hire a lawyer with whom you can openly discuss your personal injury case.
By taking the time to research lawyers in your area, look into their records, and schedule in-person meetings, you can find the best attorney for your needs. When you work with an experienced lawyer who focuses on personal injury, you can increase your chances of receiving compensation. And when your damages are finally covered, you can move on from your accident and focus on recovery.
