When you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence, the lawyer you choose can greatly impact the outcome of your case. With so many attorneys advertising their services, how do you determine which one is right for you?
You want to find someone with the right experience, resources, and dedication to your claim.
So, how to choose a personal injury lawyer? Let’s look at some factors in the selection process that can help you make the right choice.
Experience Matters in Personal Injury Law
There are a lot of law firms that can handle personal injury cases, but not everyone specializes in them.
You might notice that some attorneys practice multiple areas of law, such as criminal defense, family law, and business litigation. Personal injury law can be complicated. You want a lawyer with experience in this field.
When your lawyer practices primarily in personal injury law, they are more familiar with liability, medical documentation, and insurance tactics. In turn, that can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
Track Record of Success
Success in personal injury law is more than winning cases. You want someone who can secure maximum compensation. There are some lawyers who focus on high case volume and quick settlements.
That means they may not fight for the best outcome for you. Make sure to watch out for firms that seem more like settlement mills. Many of them prioritize speed over quality representation.
Instead, you want to look for a law firm that has secured substantial settlements in cases similar to yours. Plus, they should have a reputation for standing up to insurance companies rather than accepting lowball offers.
An attorney with a strong track record will have a history of both successful settlements and courtroom victories. With that, you know they’re prepared to fight for you if necessary.
Taking Your Case to Trial
Most personal injury cases settle before going to trial. However, you need to be prepared.
Your lawyer should be willing to litigate if necessary. Insurance companies keep records of attorneys and their willingness to go to court. If your lawyer is known for avoiding trials, insurers may lowball your settlement offer.
Why? Because they know they will not face a courtroom battle.
When your lawyer has a reputation for trying cases, they have more leverage during settlement negotiations. Insurance companies cannot pull their usual tactics because they are dealing with a serious litigator.
Lawyer Accessibility
One of the biggest complaints about personal injury lawyers is a lack of communication. Some firms take on too many cases. As a result, that can leave clients struggling to get updates. If you notice any of these issues, it could be a red flag for your case.
For example, if you are dealing with a paralegal instead of an attorney, or the lawyer takes weeks to get back to you, that’s not good. You want to choose a law firm that will provide you with regular updates and clear communication on the next steps.
You should have a direct line with your attorney or a designated case manager. Along with that, you should feel comfortable and confident that your lawyer is actively managing your case.
As a client, you should never feel like just another file is on their desk.
Resources and Legal Team Support
Some cases have very complex matters. In turn, you might need more resources for your claim.
Your personal injury attorney should be able to reach out to medical experts and accident reconstructionists to provide a deeper analysis of your case. Along with this, they should use their own investigators to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review police reports.
Choosing a firm with a strong support system ensures that your case won’t be compromised due to a lack of resources.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing a personal injury lawyer is more than hiring the most popular attorney in your area. You want to find someone with the right experience, skills, and resources to handle your case.
The right attorney will fight for maximum compensation and make the legal process smoother and less stressful for you. Find out how our team at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan can help with your personal injury case.