Personal injury attorneys are there for you every step of the way after you have experienced an injury or accident. They will represent you and your needs when determining a settlement with your insurance agency. You will work with a personal injury lawyer throughout the entire settlement process on a very close basis, so it’s crucial to find a lawyer that is right for you and is able to represent your best interests. This will ensure that you get the settlement and compensation that you deserve if you have been injured. You will also be able to have your voice heard by hiring the right lawyer.
So, how do you find a good personal injury lawyer for you case? If you’re looking for the best personal injury attorney to represent you, asking the right questions during a consultation is key. Below you will find the most important questions you should ask when determining which lawyer is best for you:
1. What Are Their Peer Reviews?
You should ask the potential lawyer, first off, about their peer reviews. Other lawyers utilize online rating systems to rate their competitors in the field. Be sure to ask where you can find these ratings, as well as the lawyer’s personal opinion on these ratings. If there is an overall negative rating, you may want to move on.
2. What Percentage of Their Cases Are Referrals From Other Lawyers?
Asking a lawyer about how many individuals are referred to them is an ample way to gain an understanding of how good of a lawyer they are. Other professionals will only refer clients to other lawyers who are talented. This should help you to feel more secure in your selection.
3. Do They Send “Solicitation” Letters to Potential Clients’ Homes After an Accident?
Asking about “solicitation” letters is a very blunt question, but an important one is understanding the types of cases the lawyer gets. If a lawyer is prone to sending out these letters, he or she probably does not receive very many clients or referrals. They are desperate for clients, so they send out these letters, which should give off a bad warning signal.
4. Do They Only Charge a Fee if There Is a Recovery?
You should ask if the potential lawyer only charges after recovery. You should not have to pay anything if your settlement is not won and you do not collect compensation. Also, almost every lawyer in this field promotes this offering. For this reason, if the lawyer tries to make it seem like this offer is an exclusive thing that only they do, just know that it is not. Make sure that you do not simply fall for this promotional scheme.
5. What Kinds of Cases Do They Handle on a Daily Basis?
Ask the potential lawyer what their most common types of day-in and day-out cases are. Some lawyers that cover various types of cases will not be specialized in the field of personal injury. If you have a large or complicated claim, you may want a lawyer who specializes in this type of case. Make sure your lawyer has experience with your personal injury claim.
6. How Long Have They Been Handling Personal Injury Cases?
Asking how long a lawyer has been handling personal injury cases will give you an idea as to how experienced they are in the field. How experienced they are shows professionalism, expertise, and longevity in the personal injury field. A more experienced lawyer can bring about a more positive outcome and use the best arguments to get you the compensation you deserve.
7. Do They Actually Try Lawsuits in Court?
This is a question that is often disregarded when interviewing personal injury lawyers, though it is very important. If a lawyer has a history of trying and winning in court, it shows the likelihood that you will receive the full amount of your claim. If the case does not go to court, a settlement will occur in which the insurance gives you much less than you deserve. You need a personal injury attorney who will fight for you and is not timid about taking your claim to court if needed.
8. Do They Teach or Lecture at Legal Education Seminars?
A lawyer who teaches other lawyers or law students is highly respected in the field. He or she is probably highly regarded because of the experience and the expertise that he or she provides. If the lawyer you are interviewing teaches regularly, it probably means he or she is a very talented lawyer.
9. Are They a Member of Legal Organizations That Specialize in Representing the Injured?
A lawyer who belongs to professional organizations is able to learn from and grow experience with other lawyers in this exclusive group. For this reason, asking a lawyer about their affiliations and organizations that they are a part of offers you information about how respected, experienced, and dedicated they are. This is a great lawyer to consider.
10. Are They Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy?
A lawyer who is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy is one who is extremely skillful and has courtroom experience. This is a lawyer who is knowledgeable with trial situations and is able to provide exceptional legal services to you. This is a lawyer that you would want to hire.
Final Thoughts
If you are the victim of car accident injuries or any other type of personal injury, you will need an experienced personal injury lawyer. A good lawyer will be able to represent you in court to get you the money you deserve. Make sure to ask the questions above to find the right lawyer for your needs.
