How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Lawyer For Your Case
As a person injured by negligence, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the many personal injury lawyers available.
Thousands of personal injury law firms are all over the internet and TV claiming to be the best. But truth be told…
Choosing a bad lawyer can cost you thousands in lost compensation. And in worst case scenario, it can make you lose a case you should have won.
The good news?
Armed with the right information, any person can find the perfect personal injury law firm for their specific situation. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know to make the best decision.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer is Important
- Qualities to Look For in a Personal Injury Lawyer
- Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer in a Consultation
- Fee Structure and Costs
- Avoidable Red Flags
Why Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer is Important
Personal injury cases are complex.
Insurance companies have large teams of lawyers working against claimants on a daily basis.
Going against them by yourself? It’s practically a lost cause.
Here’s something to consider…
Research from Nolo found that about 91% of injured people that had legal representation end up with a payout. However, only about 51% of those who represent themselves were able to get a payout on their personal injury claims.
That’s a big difference.
A competent personal injury law firm like Collins Law Firm Naperville, IL knows what tactics insurance adjusters play and how to build strong cases and negotiate for maximum compensation.
Without representation, most people simply can’t win against billion-dollar insurance companies.
Qualities to Look For in a Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury law is a vast area. Some lawyers may be great at car accident cases while others might be better at medical malpractice or workplace injuries.
Here are some key characteristics that make the great ones stand out from the rest:
- Experience with Cases Like Yours
- Track Record of Success
- Available Resources
- Communication Style
Experience with Cases Like Yours
Personal injury law covers a wide variety of circumstances. Car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, product defects, and more.
The ideal attorney for any given case will have specific experience handling similar situations. When meeting with a prospective lawyer, ask how many cases they’ve worked on just like yours, and what the outcomes were.
Track Record of Success
What has the lawyer done in the past? Success in the past is one of the biggest indicators of future performance.
Look for attorneys that can show consistent positive outcomes through settlements and trial verdicts. While no two cases are identical, an attorney’s history of success in cases like yours is a good indication they know how to win.
Available Resources
Personal injury cases often require expert witnesses, medical professionals, and in-depth investigation. Smaller personal injury law firms may lack the resources necessary to properly handle more complex cases.
Make sure any attorney you consider has access to all the necessary experts and tools to build the strongest case.
Communication Style
This aspect of personal injury law is consistently overlooked.
Someone could be the most qualified and talented litigator in the state…but if they never return calls or inform you what is going on, your experience will be miserable.
Choose an attorney with excellent communication who will keep you informed throughout the process.
Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer in a Consultation
Most personal injury law firms offer free initial consultations. During these meetings, be sure to ask the right questions.
Begin with these:
- How many cases similar to mine have you taken on?
- What is your success rate in these types of cases?
- Who will actually be handling my case day-to-day?
- How do you charge for your services?
- What is your honest assessment of my case?
Notice the last question is very important. A good personal injury lawyer will give an honest evaluation of your case without making unrealistic promises in order to secure you as a new client.
Pay attention to the answers and how they react to questions.
Are they actively listening to the details? Do they seem like they genuinely care and want to help? Or do they seem like they are just rushing you through the consultation in order to get to the next person?
These subtle tells will tell you a lot about how they will conduct themselves during your case.
Understanding Fee Structures
Something that most people don’t realize is that most personal injury law firms work on contingency fees.
This means that they only get paid if they win your case. The standard for personal injury lawyers is 33% to 40% of the final settlement.
This is a good thing!
It ensures that the personal injury law firm has a vested interest in you and wants to maximize the settlement amount. It’s in their best interest to get you as much as possible because their payment is directly tied to that.
However, it is important that you understand what the fee covers. Some personal injury law firms charge extra for court costs, filing fees, and expert witnesses. Be sure to get this in writing before signing anything.
Red Flags to Avoid
Just as important as knowing what to look for is knowing what to avoid.
Avoid these personal injury law firms:
Lawyers that guarantee specific outcomes. It is impossible for any attorney to promise results in any personal injury case. Per Clio, about 95% of personal injury cases are settled before they ever go to trial.
It is true that most cases settle. But no attorney can make guarantees. Only a disreputable or inexperienced lawyer would make such promises.
Sales tactics that pressure you into making a decision on the spot. Quality personal injury law firms have no need to resort to these high-pressure sales tactics. They let their track record speak for itself. If a lawyer tries to pressure you into signing with them, it is a big red flag.
Lawyers who are distracted or not engaged during your consultation. If they can’t take the time to pay attention and actively listen during the consultation, how will they handle your case several months down the road?
Personal injury law is very complex and requires specialized knowledge. Lawyers that represent a vast array of unrelated practice areas may not have the depth of knowledge you require for your specific case.
Wrapping Things Up
Finding the right personal injury lawyer for your specific situation is one of the most important decisions you can make after an accident or injury.
The right personal injury attorney is the difference between getting fair compensation and leaving with nothing.
A quick summary:
- Experience handling similar cases
- A track record of success
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your consultation
- Know the fee structure before signing any agreements
- Be aware of the red flags
It’s very important that you do your research. Don’t just stop after meeting with one lawyer. Meet with several different personal injury law firms. Compare their style, communication, and impressions you get. The perfect personal injury law firm for you is out there, it just takes a little effort and knowledge of exactly what to look for.
