What Is the Process for Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney?

Have you been injured, and are you seeking compensation for your injury?

Or maybe you want to settle a personal injury lawsuit?

In either of these cases, you’ll most likely need the help of a personal injury attorney.

And if you’re wondering how to separate the grain from the chaff in a sea of personal injury lawyers, we’ve done the homework for you.

Read on and get to know the pointers to look out for to get the best personal injury lawyer.

However, if you want to maximize your chances of getting the highest compensation or winning your lawsuit, you’ll need an excellent personal injury attorney like those who work at Jae Lee Law.

1. Understand Your Case

To decide if an attorney is the best for your case, you’ll need to understand the basics of your claim. For instance, is your injury catastrophic or a simple slip and fall injury. Also, are you filing a lawsuit against a small company or a corporate giant?

Some lawyers might not be willing to take on your case even if there is a chance of getting high compensation, especially if you were at fault. Lawyers from big firms might also decline to represent you if the claim is too small.

On the other hand, if you’re seeking compensation from a renowned company, you’re better off hiring a lawyer with previous experience handling such cases.

2. Search for the Right Lawyer

After knowing the basics of your claim, you need to know where to search for good lawyers.

Referrals from friends, families, and people you can trust can help you get a suitable personal injury attorney. Ensure you ask detailed questions about the person’s experience with the attorney.

Online search is also a good way of finding the right personal injury lawyer. Check the online reviews and ratings of the lawyers you choose to determine if the attorney is experienced and skilled enough to handle your case.

Local bar associations also have a network of reputable attorneys who you can consider in your selection.

3. Interview Potential Attorneys

After you’ve compiled a list of potential personal injury attorneys from your search, it’s time to narrow down your choices through interviews.

Take advantage of the free consultations that most lawyers offer to their first-time clients to determine if the lawyer is fit to represent you. If you can’t meet face-to-face with any of the potential attorneys, have a phone conversation with them.

The selection process can be long and time-consuming, so it’s best to have a list of factors you’ll use in your selection process.

Some of the factors you can consider during the interviews include:

·  The Attorney’s Experience

Today’s lawyers specialize in different fields. If you hire a lawyer who knows nothing about personal injury, you may end up losing your claim.

Determine the attorney’s experience in handling personal injury cases. A well-experienced attorney who is well-versed with personal injury law will know how to navigate common obstacles in such cases.

To review the attorney’s experience, ask for proof of personal injury cases that the law firm has dealt with in the past. You can also inquire about any recognitions, memberships, or awards the attorney might have in the personal injury field.

Further, determine if the attorney holds the required licensure and certifications and how long the attorney has been handling personal injury cases. Lastly, ask whether the lawyer’s clients are defendants like the insurance companies or plaintiffs like you.

·  Track Record

You want to work with an attorney who has a track record of success with personal injury cases. While some lawyers may have a ton of experience in personal injury law, they are known to go for low insurance settlements.

Ask the attorney if they have handled and won cases like yours in the past. Let them show you the results of recovery of settlements or any awards they might have for any multi-million dollar verdicts.

Don’t forget to do your homework by checking reviews of past clients regarding the results of the lawyer’s cases. Reviews may not be the best proof of a lawyer’s competency, but they can give you direction on the results to expect from the attorney.

·  Communication

Consider how the attorney handles you during the consultation. Are they polite, professional, and do they dedicate time to listen and understand your case? Communication is crucial if you’re to have a good relationship with your attorney.

A good attorney should be polite, prompt in their responses, and transparent with you about the case.  The right lawyer should also listen to you and involve you before making important decisions concerning your case.

A good lawyer who is friendly and genuinely concerned about your claim will make the entire process less stressful as you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’ve got your back.

Further, pay attention to the attorney’s staff and how they communicate with you. The employees will be a reflection of the lawyers’ values. Are they friendly, do they seem overworked, or are they knowledgeable on personal injury matters? Happy employees are always a pleasure to work with, and they will always be willing to assist you where they can.

·  Payment Terms

Before you hire an attorney, understand their payment model. Ask questions regarding their payment terms, such as whether they work on contingency fees or hourly basis.

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis where they only receive payment when they win the case. In such a scenario, ask what percentage of your settlement the attorney will take and if they’re any additional legal charges.

In other instances, a lawyer may decline to handle your case on a contingency fee basis, preferring to charge an hourly rate. This often occurs when the claim is too small or if you were primarily responsible for the injury. In such instances, you can always hire an attorney on an hourly basis where they give you advice on crucial matters relating to your claim.

4. Choose the Best Lawyer

After consulting with several selected attorneys, you may now be ready to choose the lawyer who you feel is the best for your case.

Review the provided paperwork before you put your signature, so you don’t miss any important details. Also, ensure you ask as many questions as possible so that you settle on a lawyer you’re comfortable with.

Once you’ve signed the contract documents, know that you’ve entered into a legal contract with the attorney. Although you can always revoke the contract in case of a misunderstanding, it’s not prudent to hire a new attorney in the middle of the case.

So, make a wise choice right from the start.