It can be hard to know where to begin with how to pick a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer provides legal representation and support for individuals who have sustained physical, psychological, or emotional injuries, such as in auto accidents. Hiring a personal injury lawyer has many benefits, but only if you pick the right one. Here’s a guide on what to look for when selecting a personal injury lawyer for your case.
Recommendations and Reviews
You want to check a lawyer’s reputation matches their service. When choosing a personal injury lawyer, a good place to start is to ask for referrals from loved ones or colleagues. Hopefully, loved ones have not had to experience an accident, but asking for recommendations can be a good place to find a lawyer you can trust. Also, it can be valuable to ask for referrals to learn about what law firms to avoid.
Another option is to check personal injury lawyer reviews online. It is helpful to start by searching “personal injury lawyer near me” and reading reviews. Other sites like Avvo and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are another good resource for reliable reviews.
Look out for reviews from people who had similar cases to your own. This can give you peace of mind that you are using the right lawyer. Once you have found a personal injury lawyer, you can ask for client testimonials.
Certifications and Accreditations
When picking a personal injury lawyer, be sure to check that they are permitted to practice in your state and that they have a law license. You can check sites such as the American Bar Association to check if they graduated from a law school accredited.
Requirements for practicing lawyers often depend on your state; however, requirements can include taking the bar exam in their state and board certification in personal injury litigation. You can also ask the personal injury law firm directly. A reputable firm will be transparent about accreditations and educational backgrounds.
Experience and Track Record
A personal injury lawyer can have a license to practice law and accreditations, but do they have the experience to take on your case? An experienced personal injury lawyer will have the knowledge to navigate your case, such as:
- Negotiating with auto insurance companies
- Gathering witness and accident evidence
- Going to trial
- Having a network of law experts and contacts
- Building and presenting robust personal injury cases
One of the main reasons to pick a personal injury lawyer is so that you can focus on your recovery from an auto accident while they navigate the claims process with ease. You want a personal injury lawyer who has successfully dealt with personal injury cases, even if they go to trial.
The majority of personal injury cases are settled before trial. However, if your case does have to go to trial, you want a lawyer with the experience to manage your personal injury lawsuit in court. An attorney with a track record of presenting solid cases that get victims the compensation they deserve will be reassuring.
Fees and Services
Once you have found a personal injury lawyer you are interested in working with, it is essential to consider fees. Not all personal injury lawyers charge for services, in the same way, so you need to know what is included and if it fits your budget.
Some lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they only charge fees if they win your case. This can be a good option for most injured victims, because they will not have to pay legal fees if their cases are not won. Some factors that can impact costs include:
- The complexity of your case
- Whether you reach a pre-trial settlement or go to court
- Time spent on the case
- Severity of injuries
You should also check what is included in fees and if there are any extra costs, such as for gathering witness testimonials or if you do not win your case. You want a personal injury lawyer that can handle all aspects of your case without you needing to find other services to help.
Schedule a Consultation
A crucial part of picking a personal injury lawyer is scheduling a consultation to review your case. Often, these are offered for free but are invaluable to establishing a working relationship. You will be able to discuss:
- Their availability
- The best ways to communicate
- Their working approach
- Who will be working directly on your case
- Whether they can take on your case
You will also get a feel for whether you get on with the personal injury lawyer. It is crucial that you feel able to communicate openly and work together for the best chance of success. A consultation can help determine this.
Learn How to Pick a Personal Injury Lawyer
Spending time choosing a personal injury lawyer can be the last thing you want to do after an auto accident. But investing the time to learn how to pick a personal injury lawyer will help you find the best one for your case. Follow these tips to help you get started.
Have you experienced an auto accident in Long Beach? We are here to help. Belmont Accident Lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of victims injured in auto accidents. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
