How to Hire the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

 
Read on to learn what you should look for in a personal injury lawyer before hiring one.

Verify Personal Injury Law Expertise

Not all lawyers have the same area of focus, so be sure to choose a lawyer focused on personal injury cases. Even within that niche, personal injury law can encompass anything from workplace injuries to car accidents and medical malpractice. It’s imperative to find a personal injury lawyer who understands the specific type of injury you’ve faced.

 
If you were in a motorcycle accident, a lawyer with experience in that particular area will know what evidence is most compelling for insurance companies reviewing your claim. Visual evidence and details of the damage to your motorcycle, for example, can help show the need for greater compensation.

 
A lawyer who deals with workplace injuries will be well-versed in workers' compensation laws. As a result, they will be better equipped to advocate for your rights. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, you can trust that you’ll have access to a team with the range of expertise to manage your case effectively.

Prioritize Experience

You don’t want a freshly-minted lawyer handling your case. They won’t have the experience to ensure a smooth, efficient, and successful process with your personal injury case. Instead, look for a lawyer with years or even decades of experience to their name.

 
A seasoned lawyer will know how to negotiate with insurance companies and be aware of what reasonable compensation should look like given your circumstances.

 
They’ll also know the local court system well, meaning they can know how judges are likely to rule based on past situations, and what compensation could look like. Additionally, a lawyer with local experience will have access to local accident statistics that can boost your case.

It’s always fair to ask a prospective lawyer how many personal injury cases they’ve handled and what the outcomes have been. They should be able to cite specific experiences that are similar to your own.

Know the Costs

Lawyers have different fee structures, so it’s important to be clear on what the expectations are with the lawyer you hire. Some lawyers work on a contingency basis where they only get paid if you win your case. But don’t assume that’s how it works for the lawyer you choose.

Further, if you win a settlement, be clear on how much of it will go to the lawyer. It could be 20%, but it also could be 40%. A heftier percentage cuts into your compensation and could really hurt your budget. Ask for everything in writing, including an itemized list of all fees to anticipate. You don’t want to be surprised by administrative expenses or eyewitness costs that you weren’t expecting to pay.

Read Reviews

Firsthand accounts of experiences with a potential lawyer are an excellent way to assess their professionalism, communication skills, and effectiveness. You can look at reviews through search engines for the most honest assessments.

 
You want to see evidence of positive financial outcomes, of course. But you also want to see evidence that the lawyer was a regular communicator who provided updates and clear guidance. Check for indications that a given lawyer has handled cases similar to yours and achieved satisfactory results.

 
You can ask potential lawyers for references, too. Sometimes talking with former clients is the best way to gauge a lawyer’s favorability. Ask what the lawyer did best, as well as what they could have done better.

Start with a Meeting

Take advantage of the opportunity to have a free initial consultation with a potential lawyer. You’ll be able to ask questions and see if their communication style aligns with your needs. Ultimately, think of this as a chance to evaluate whether a potential lawyer is a good fit.

 
You can ask how many cases they’ve handled, and what compensation amounts have looked like for previous clients.

 
Ask what their strategy would be, too. They should be able to articulate a clear blueprint for your case that will give you the best chance for success. And they should be able to estimate how long the entire process will take. Stay away from lawyers who give vague answers or who seem evasive.

 
A good lawyer should take ownership of your case, too. It’s wise to confirm that they won’t hand your case over to an assistant. Select a lawyer who makes you feel supported and energized during this consultation.

Hire the Right Lawyer

When you’re hoping for financial assistance that can get you back on track after a personal injury accident, you need the right lawyer for the job. Choose a lawyer with ample experience and expertise specific to your injury.

Check reviews and ask about fee structures so you know what to anticipate. A comprehensive approach to evaluating a prospective lawyer can set the tone for a smooth journey and fair compensation