While a good personal injury attorney may be hard to come by, during an accident or injury case, it is almost impossible to find one. Here are some tips—ranking up to the top ten—to help in getting the best personal injury lawyer for your claim:
- Get Personal Referrals Ask your friends, relatives, acquaintances—people in your network—to refer you to a good personal injury attorney. Personal referrals can include information about the lawyer’s experience and his competence and professionalism. But bear in mind that every case is different, and a lawyer who did another person justice might not be the right one for you.
2. Researching Lawyers Online Use online resources, like Super Lawyers and Avvo, that include peer and client ratings and reviews to give value to the work experience of lawyers. Look for those whose areas of practice are in personal injury, and who have a good success rate with similar cases handled.
3. Check Credentials Verify if the lawyer has credibility due to education, bar experience, and personal injury board certification. A Board-certified attorney in personal injury attains the most superior experience and expertise on handling such cases.
4. Experience Matters the Most Choose an attorney who has dealt with personal injury cases similar to yours. An experienced attorney can foresee how the opposing party will attack you and can guide you in taking the proper steps to protect your rights.
5. Assess Communication Skills Effective communication is the glue that holds an attorney-client relationship together. From the time you have met with him or her for your consultation, note how the attorney listens and explains legal jargon. A good lawyer must be able to break down complex legal issues into layman’s terms so that you can understand.
6. Observe the Attorney’s Level of Comfort An attorney’s reputation is essential in the success of your case. In law, look for lawyers who have an impeccable past record in the legal community and known to be ethical with their profession. You may deduce an attorney’s reputation from online reviews or by contacting his previous clients.
7. Assess Their Resources Some cases may be won or lost because of the kind of resources at the lawyer’s disposal. Retain a well-equipped attorney who has a competent team of investigators, medical experts, and other professionals to help build a strong case.
8. Discussion of Fees and Costs Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you come out on top. It’s important to understand your fee agreement and other expenses you might be liable for. Bring it up early, put it in writing, and avoid surprises later.
9. Trial Experience While most personal injury cases settle before they ever get to court, some do go to trial. You want to have an attorney with much experience in the courtroom and one who will not fear going to court for you when necessary. Representation by an attorney with good trial skills can be a great advantage to you.
10. Trust Your Instincts Finally, trust your instincts about the lawyer you want to represent you. You should be comfortable with their abilities and have the feeling that they are working in your best interest. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to see someone else.
Conclusion Getting the right personal injury attorney requires critical thinking and investigation. With these tips, you will choose a lawyer who will best represent you in court, hence increasing your win probability in the case.
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