How to Find the Best Personal Injury Lawyer: A Complete Guide
An American is injured in an accident every second.
Many of these accidents were preventable and some were caused by the negligence of another party. If you were injured and it was someone else’s fault, you might be wondering what you can do to recover your damages.
The first thing you should do if you are involved in an accident where the fault is questionable is contact a personal injury attorney.
Choosing the best personal injury attorney can be overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with an injury. It’s important to stay calm.
Keep reading to learn more about finding the best injury attorney for your case.
Finding the Best Personal Injury Lawyer
The key to finding the best personal injury lawyer is finding the best personal injury lawyer for your case.
Not all lawyers will want to take your case. Each claim or suit is unique and finding the right attorney can mean the difference between winning or losing.
In order to find the best personal injury lawyer for your individual case, there are certain factors to keep in mind. The following qualities should be evaluated when deciding whether a lawyer is right for you.
Location
First and foremost, is location. You need to find an attorney who is licensed to practice in the state where your injury occurred.
There are some exceptions to this, especially if your hometown attorney is working with another attorney who is local to the relevant area. But generally, you need an attorney with knowledge and experience in the area where your accident occurred.
Not only will they have a deep understanding and knowledge of the laws and the venue, but they will have knowledge of past cases and judgments in cases similar to yours.
For example, if you were injured in Greenville, SC, you should be searching for “personal injury attorneys greenville.”
Specialization
It’s important to choose a personal injury attorney who specializes in the area of law related to your accident.
If you were injured in a car accident, you need an attorney who specializes in car accidents. If you were injured by the negligence of a pharmacist, you should find an attorney who specializes in pharmaceutical malpractice.
It’s common sense that an attorney with experience handling cases like yours will give you the best chance of winning. Some areas of specialty are harder to find, but it’s worth the effort.
Years in Practice
When considering a personal injury attorney, research how long they have been in practice.
An attorney with years of experience will be a better bet than one fresh out of law school, especially if your case is complicated.
Of course, everyone has to start somewhere. If you do choose to go with an attorney without significant experience, at least make sure they are being supervised by a partner at the practice who has more experience.
Accessibility
The best personal injury attorney is one who is accessible to his clients.
Your attorney is someone you trust to speak on your behalf. You should feel able to come to them with your concerns and should be able to discuss your case with them personally.
Great personal injury attorneys will visit you at your home or in the hospital.
Support
When looking for a personal injury attorney, look at the team and staff who supports them.
Your attorney is taking on a major task in handling your case for you. You want to make sure they have the resources to do a good job.
Your attorney’s paralegals and legal assistants will be working on your behalf to make your case. Make sure these individuals are able and willing to help.
Stake
The biggest difference between the best and just an average personal injury attorney is the stake they have in your case.
The best personal injury attorney isn’t in the field for the money or the fame. He or she has a passion for helping individuals who have been wronged by others.
He hates to see insurance companies take advantage of people who are already in their worst state. When you meet with a prospective attorney, you should be able to tell what kind of vibes they give off.
Do they seem to have a genuine interest in you and your case? If not, move on. This is not the best attorney for you.
Record
When it comes to attorneys, their records speak louder than their promises.
A good personal injury attorney will have a winning record he is proud of. Don’t be afraid to ask your attorney about his wins and losses.
Attorneys who regularly lose cases usually do so for a reason. Check your attorney’s website for a page about his successful cases.
You can also look online to see if an attorney has a disciplinary record. If an attorney has had a complaint made against them or if they have been suspended or disbarred, you can find this information on your state’s website.
Trial Experience
Make sure to choose an attorney who is not scared of a trial.
It’s common knowledge that most cases settle outside of court, but a trial is a real possibility. An attorney with trial experience is taken much more seriously by insurance companies than one with no courtroom experience.
Reputation
In the legal world, reputation is everything. Personal injury cases are more common than you might think.
Ask your friends, family, and coworkers if they have any experience with personal injury attorneys in your area.
Use the internet to read reviews and experiences from real clients. The best personal injury attorneys will have positive reputations in their communities.
For More Advice
When it comes to choosing the best personal injury lawyer, it’s important to trust your instincts. Look for an attorney with the qualities discussed above and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
For more lifestyle advice, check out the rest of our blog.