You may need a personal injury lawyer if you’ve been injured in an accident. Personal injury lawyers are specialists in accident law and can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Here are ten tips on how to hire a personal injury lawyer:
1. Do your research.
There are many personal injury lawyers out there, but not all of them are created equal. Make sure you do your research to find a lawyer with a good track record and a proven success rate.
As you Google your potential attorney, keep an eye out for stories, news articles, items they’ve published, or organizational affiliations that pop up. If you see anything that sends up a red flag, it’s a good idea to stay away from that lawyer. On the other hand, if you see results that sing their praises, it should make you feel more comfortable about making the choice.
2. Get referrals.
Ask friends, family, and acquaintances if they know any good personal injury lawyers. They may be able to give you some great leads.
You can also get some great leads by checking out places like Yelp or other third-party rating groups. Remember to filter through the reviews to assess what seems legitimate along with why people may be dissatisfied with the lawyer in question.
3. Check out the lawyer’s website.
A good personal injury lawyer will have a professional website that you can check out. This will give you an idea of the lawyer’s experience and success rate.
A successful lawyer is always happy to share testimonials and publications on their website. It lends to their credibility as a good lawyer, so seeing these on their site is a good sign.
4. Make sure the lawyer is licensed.
Only hire a personal injury lawyer who is licensed to practice law in your state. That means checking the state bar profile. It’s required that every lawyer in every state must be licensed to practice and must also be listed in the state bar’s association directory.
It’s important to remember lawyers can only practice in their designated state. Your lawyer friend who lives in California can’t go represent you if you live in Nevada unless they’re also licensed in that state. Not following the rules and regulations can cause your entire case to get tossed out on a technicality.
5. Ask for a free consultation.
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so you can get to know the lawyer and see if they’re a good fit for you. Another reason they offer free consultations is because it also allows the lawyer to determine whether you actually have a case.
Personal injury lawyers may also be selective about taking on your case based on what they hear from you. Obviously, they want a serious client, but they also may not be willing to take on your case if it seems difficult. This is where you find out if you mesh well with the lawyer you’re interested in hiring.
6. Ask about fees.
Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. Other lawyers charge fees for everything, including the consultation or retainer, so you want to make sure you get all of that information upfront to make sure you know what you’re getting into.
7. Get a written retainer agreement.
This is a contract between you and the lawyer that outlines the lawyer’s fees, services, and how the case will be handled. If you have questions about what’s inside the agreement, ask them. Your lawyer’s job is to protect your interests, so they should have no problem explaining the agreement. After all, it’s also in their best interest to make sure you understand everything in the agreement before signing it.
8. Be prepared to share your story.
When you meet with a personal injury lawyer, be prepared to share your story. The more information the lawyer has, the better they can help you.
Even the smallest details can make a difference, so don’t leave anything out. What seems unimportant to you might be what your lawyer needs to win your case for you. Tell them everything, and rest assured that even sensitive information is protected by the attorney-client privilege.
9. Be honest.
When you’re talking to a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to be honest about what happened and how your injuries have impacted your life. Lying to a lawyer can jeopardize your case.
For example, if it comes out that you lied about something regarding your case and the opposing party finds out, your case may be as good as lost. Not only do you lose credibility, but your lawyer also loses any ground they had going into your case.
10. Follow the lawyer’s advice.
Once you’ve hired a personal injury lawyer, make sure you follow their advice. They know the law, and they know what’s best for your case. If you don’t follow their advice, you could jeopardize your chances of winning.
Getting and following your lawyer’s advice is critical. Even if you want them to go faster or do something specific, if they say it’s not a good idea, take them at their word. They know what they’re doing, and you need to let them handle your case for your best chance of success.
A Few Last Words
Choosing a personal injury lawyer can be tough. With these tips, you can be well on your way to not only getting a great lawyer but also winning your case.