A simple web search or opening the directory will make you realize that there are hundreds and sometimes even thousands of lawyers to choose from. So how do you know which lawyer is most suitable for you?
1. Ask people you trust
Since accidents are quite common, it is very likely that someone in your network has already dealt with a personal injury lawyer. Asking around will help you get recommendations from people you not only trust but also have dealt with the lawyer first hand and can guarantee their outcome. According to their testimonials, you’ll be able to get an idea of their character, how serious they take their cases, how involved they are as well as where they’re located. All these factors will help you make a calculated decision on whether or not this lawyer is a great fit for you. In all cases, it’s better to exhaust your resources of people who have dealt with lawyers firsthand to be able to make use of their experience and know exactly what to expect before you start venturing elsewhere.
2. Identify what you’re looking for
As there are many lawyers available, it is important to have a list of criteria that you’re looking for to help you narrow down the lawyers at hand. Are you looking for a lawyer who is close by? If you’re living in Las Vegas and need a lawyer in that specific area, then it is best to narrow your search to car accident attorney Las Vegas to make things easier. That way, you won’t have to pressure yourself with distances and the struggle of actually meeting your lawyer. When thinking of the criteria of a lawyer, you need to figure out whether to go for an established firm with a big name or whether you want to go with a smaller firm with a lawyer who will give you their full attention. While it is common for most personal injury lawyers to be working on hundreds of cases in parallel, smaller sized firms will have lawyers who do not have the same caseload and are willing to focus on your case. It all depends on what you’re looking for, but sometimes it might be more convenient to go with a lawyer who chooses quality over quantity.
Another important aspect to consider is communication. When it comes to a personal injury lawyer, communication is key. So, before you make a decision, you need to know whether you’ll be able to communicate directly with your lawyer or if you’ll be dealing with his assistants or paralegals only. It is also a lot easier to be able to reach a lawyer on their personal phone instead of having to go to their office. That way, you can not only directly send them photographs of accidents but also medical reports or bills that you’ve received, keeping them up to date regularly. This will definitely save you a lot of time and effort. Whatever you decide to go for, just make sure that the lawyer fits all the criteria you’ve listed before signing an agreement.
3. Focus
With many personal injury lawyers around, it can be of great help to find an attorney who has expertise in the specific conditions of your case. You might find that there are some lawyers who have more expertise when it comes to motorcycle accidents, whereas others are known for handling numerous cases of rear-end collisions. Going to a lawyer who has handled cases just like yours will not only ensure that they know what they’re doing but also help guarantee that a settlement agreement is in place without having to go to trial. When a lawyer has knowledge and information by experience, they know exactly what to expect, how to overcome certain obstacles as well as the expected settlement that is appropriate for the conditions of your specific case. So, forget about going with a friend who is a criminal defense lawyer or has any other focus. In this case, specifically, you need all the expertise you can get.
4. Reputation
A lawyer’s reputation isn’t just important because of the expertise and knowledge they have in cases like yours, but also because it will help resolve your case. Knowing that your lawyer is a winner will scare the other side and make them want to reach a settlement agreement without having to go to court. That is because they know that in a battle with a lawyer who has a hell of a reputation, they are more than likely to lose. So, to save face, especially if you’re suing a company, you’ll find that if the lawyer's reputation precedes them, the entire process will be a lot smoother.
5. Interview different lawyers
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to just a few lawyers, pick up the phone or request a meeting to help you decide. You might find that there are lawyers you are not comfortable with or that you don’t like their personality. You also have enough on your plate to have to run around the lawyer in order to get them to pay a little attention to you. Prepare a detailed list of all the questions that are important to you and according to their answers or how they make you feel. You’ll be able to make the decision that you feel most comfortable with. It is also worth asking how long the case will take to be resolved and the fees that they will take to help you reach a decision, too.
Dealing with the right lawyer in a personal injury case is not only necessary but can help you get the compensation you deserve. That’s why it is important to pick the attorney with not only a great reputation, but one who will give your case the focus and attention it deserves in order to guarantee that you reach the best possible result.
