After suffering an accident-related injury, you may consider filing a personal injury claim. While you can file the claim independently, letting a personal injury lawyer handle your case may be a better idea.
A personal injury lawyer will not only guide you through the claims process, but can also help you recover the rightful compensation.
However, with so many personal injury attorneys out there, it can be challenging to choose one to represent you. But worry less, as this guide will help you make the right choice.
Choose a Lawyer with Experience
The more experience your lawyer has in handling personal injury cases, the better your chances are of winning a fair settlement. “An experienced attorney has been through training and attained hands-on experience to know the dos and don’ts of obtaining a favorable outcome,” says personal injury lawyer Jimin Oh of the Solution Now law firm.
Ideally, it will help if you choose an attorney who has successfully handled cases similar to yours for several years. You may have higher chances of getting these types of attorneys from firms specializing in personal injury law than a general-practice law firm.
Also, find out if the personal injury lawyer you want to hire is a registered member of the local personal injury law community. The recognition can be proof of their experience and might be in the form of professional awards or certifications from relevant organizations.
Choose a Local Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury laws may vary from state to state. So, when looking for a personal injury lawyer, you should consider hiring a local lawyer. A local lawyer is familiar with the local rules, judicial staff, and other practices in your state or county, which can benefit your case.
Working with a local lawyer is also cost-effective as they will not have to charge you extra money for their traveling, accommodation, and other expenses. Most importantly, you can meet your attorney in person and communicate with them whenever you want if they come from your area.
Ask for Recommendations from Friends and Family
You probably have loved ones who have previously handled personal injury claims. If you do, ask them about their experiences with their lawyers, and whether they would recommend their services to you.
Be sure to ask about your friend’s or family member’s experience with the specific lawyer. This should include things like if the lawyer was easily accessible during the case, how much they charged for their legal services, and their relationship with the lawyer during the claim process.
Search Online
Search engines like Google and Bing contain numerous online directories where you can search for qualified personal injury lawyers in your area. All you need to do is enter the keywords “personal injury attorneys” followed by your city or state into the search box and hit enter.
The online directory will then display a list of law firms in your area, their contact information, and other details. Be sure to read each law firm’s profile carefully to learn more about them, and their services before making a choice.
You can also go through ratings and reviews posted by previous clients on each law firm’s site to learn about the quality of their services.
