After you’re in an accident, it’s important to find a qualified lawyer to take on your case. There are over 146,100 personal injury lawyers and attorneys in the US, though. Unfortunately, not every personal injury lawyer you call will have the experience you need.
Choosing the wrong attorney could impact your ability to fight for the compensation you deserve.
You might have to pay for your lost wages, medical bills, and property damages on your own as a result.
Don’t risk your case by hiring an inexperienced, unqualified attorney! Instead, prioritize these five qualities when searching for “the best personal injury lawyer near me.” Using these tips, you’ll have an easier time vetting your options.
You can find the best personal injury lawyer in town with your distinct needs and case goals in mind.
Start your search for a qualified, experienced attorney. Read on to discover the five qualities you need to find in a lawyer today.
1. The Right Specialty
Remember, there are over 146,000 personal injury lawyers across the country. Personal injury lawyers handle a mix of cases, though. For example, you might find lawyers who work on:
- Auto accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Slip and falls
- Liable and slander
- Premise liability
- Product liability
- Worker’s compensation cases
- Wrongful death
You can even break some of these cases down into smaller sub-categories. For example, an auto accident lawyer might handle Lyft, Uber, bike, motorcycle, truck, and car accidents. A medical malpractice lawyer might focus on medication errors or misdiagnosis cases.
Perhaps they specialize in surgical errors, failure to treat, or birthing error cases instead.
Before you Google “best personal injury lawyer near me,” it’s important to determine exactly what you need. Consider the specifics of your case. What specialty should your personal injury lawyer fall under?
Choosing a lawyer who specializes in the right branch of personal injury law is essential. These lawyers will have a better understanding of the laws and procedures involved. They might know of recent local cases that might impact your lawsuit, too.
Consider the details of your case. Then, start searching for personal injury lawyers who fall under that specialty.
As you begin searching for the best personal injury lawyer in town, consider gathering personal referrals. Try to talk to someone who was once in your exact shoes. For example, about six million car accidents occur each year.
If you were in a car accident, talk to someone who hired an auto accident personal injury attorney. They can help point you in the right direction.
2. Years of Relevant Experience
If your personal network can’t help you find a personal injury lawyer based on your distinct needs, that’s okay. Use Google to search for “the best personal injury lawyer near me” instead. Otherwise, use your local bar association website and the Martindale-Hubbell law firm directory.
As you begin making a list of lawyers in the area, learn more about each one’s professional history.
First, determine when they graduated from law school. If it was within the past year, try finding a more experienced lawyer. You’ll have peace of mind choosing a lawyer with years of hands-on, relevant experience.
Consider how many cases each lawyer has handled within the scope of their career. Determine how many cases were similar to yours, too.
Remember, the best personal injury lawyer for your case will have experience with similar cases.
You can’t anticipate what will happen as you begin pursuing your case. For example, your case may or may not go to court. To cover your bases, try to find a lawyer with courtroom experience.
Unfortunately, some lawyers feel nervous about trying a case in front of a judge and jury. These lawyers might accept lowball settlement offers to avoid going to court. Avoid a lawyer who seems apprehensive about trying your case.
Instead, choose someone with experience you can count on.
3. A Strong Track Record
Sometimes, it’s not enough to find a lawyer with the experience and expertise you need. You also need to make sure they’ve proven their abilities. Take the time to learn about the cases each lawyer has handled over the years.
How many of those cases did they win versus lose? Consider how many of their wins were for cases like yours.
Choosing a lawyer with a strong track record will help you feel confident in their abilities. They won’t drop the ball with your case.
4. A Telling Reputation
Before choosing a personal injury lawyer, look online again. Visit each lawyer’s website and find their “Testimonials” page. Check the law firm’s Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listings, too.
Read a few reviews on each website you visit. Try to find a lawyer who already has a strong reputation among their colleagues. A lawyer who has a strong professional reputation will strive to maintain it.
These lawyers will work harder to meet your needs and expectations.
As you read online reviews, look for comments about the lawyer’s skill set. Are they strong communicators? Do they have analytical mindsets?
Choose lawyers who have the skills necessary to win your personal injury claim.
5. The Right Fee Structure
Before choosing a lawyer, meet with at least three attorneys on your list. Discuss the specifics of your case. Ask each lawyer what outcome they expect.
They shouldn’t make any guarantees. Instead, they should help you recognize the plausible outcomes.
Ask the lawyer what strategy they would use when pursuing your lawsuit, too. They shouldn’t use a cookie-cutter approach. Instead, they should customize their strategy based on the details of your case.
Determine how they’ll prove negligence, too.
If the lawyer seems capable, ask about their fee structure. Do they work on a contingency fee basis? If so, they’ll only accept payment after winning your lawsuit.
Start Searching: 5 Qualities to Look for in the Best Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
Googling “the best personal injury lawyer near me” without a plan could waste your time. Instead, use these tips to streamline your search. Find a lawyer with these five qualities.
These lawyers will have an easier time pursuing and winning your lawsuit.
Eager to discuss the details of your case? We can help.
Schedule your free consultation appointment today to get started.