When evaluating potential personal injury lawyers, you need to consider a number of factors, including their experience, their specialization, and reviews from previous clients. Keep reading to learn more about what you should be looking for in your search for the best personal injury lawyer to handle your car accident case.
Ask About The Lawyer’s Experience And Specialization
The amount and type of experience possessed by the lawyer you will be working with can impact the outcome of your case. Experience isn’t just about how long the lawyer has been in practice. Working with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases can greatly improve the odds of a successful outcome. Law firms typically list their specialties right on their websites, as Warren Allen in Oregon does, so do your research. You also want to consider how many car accident cases the lawyer has handled. Have they worked on cases like yours before?
Car accident cases involve specific types of evidence. You need a lawyer who understands medical records, police reports, and so on and who has past experience with relevant experts. You also need a lawyer who has experience dealing with insurance companies. A lawyer who primarily works with family law but who occasionally picks up a personal injury case might not be the right fit for your situation.
Another important question to ask potential attorneys is whether they have courtroom experience. While negotiating a fair settlement is a possibility in many personal injury cases, it is not guaranteed. If your case goes to trial, it is important that your lawyer has previously litigated cases like yours.
In your search, look for lawyers who are up front about their experience and transparent about the types of cases they have handled. You want a lawyer whose knowledge and experience will bring you the best possible results.
Read Client Reviews
Reading client reviews and testimonials can give you a sense of what it will be like to work with a particular personal injury lawyer. You can also ask friends and family for referrals if they’ve been represented by a personal injury lawyer in the past. Previous clients can give you a sense of what a working relationship with the lawyer might look like, how they felt their case was handled, and whether they received the hoped-for results.
As you gather information based on reviews and referrals, it may help you narrow your search to make a list of lawyers you would like to reach out to. Many lawyers do free consultations, which is a great opportunity to get to know them and see which lawyer is the best fit for your case.
Find A Lawyer Who Serves The Appropriate Region
When hiring a lawyer, you must consider where they are qualified to practice. The lawyer you choose must be a member of the bar in the state where your case will be handled.
Choosing a lawyer who is from the area where the accident occurred also has benefits. A local personal injury lawyer will generally have in-depth knowledge of local dynamics within the court systems, quicker access to resources to help build your case, and established relationships with regional experts. These kinds of experience and connections can give you an edge in your case.
Ask If Your Case Will Be Handled By A Single Or Multiple Lawyers
You want a lawyer who has the time and energy to devote to your case and do a good job. When looking for potential lawyers, you might be debating between working with a large firm or a small firm. Lawyers at smaller firms may have more time to spend with your case than lawyers at larger firms. On the other hand, oftentimes, at larger firms, multiple lawyers will collaborate on a case to ensure the necessary tasks are completed. A team on your side could bring valuable insight to the case.
Both approaches have their advantages. Ultimately, you will need to decide which you feel most comfortable with and think will best serve your case.
Meet With The Lawyer Before Committing
When picking a personal injury lawyer, meet with the lawyers you are considering before committing to entering a working relationship with them. Meeting with the lawyers will give you a chance to get a sense of their style and experience. It will also be an opportunity to see how they might approach your case.
During the meeting, pay attention to the way that they listen and communicate with you. It is important that you feel heard and understood by the lawyer you will be working with and that they communicate in a way that makes sense to you. You want a lawyer who will listen to your input before making big decisions and who communicates with you about why and when those decisions are being made.
Knowing how to pick a personal injury lawyer after a car accident will be helpful as you navigate during this challenging time. You want to make sure you have the best outcome and receive the settlement you deserve. As you construct your list of potential lawyers, be sure to consider their experience and specialization, what previous clients have to say about working with them, where they are located, and how they operate. Some of this information can be found online, but it is also important to meet with any lawyer you are considering working with before committing.
Choosing the right lawyer will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on recovering from your accident while your case is in good hands.
