Did someone else’s negligence cause you to get involved in an accident? You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket to cover your medical expenses. Instead, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer.
They can help you file a lawsuit to ensure you receive the compensation you’re due. With their help, you won’t have to cover your losses alone.
When an accident occurs, there may be insurance companies that will try to minimize your settlement amount. They may even convince you not to contact a lawyer, offering you a settlement that will not meet all your needs. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can get more as they will put every possible effort to achieve a fair settlement for you. They have experience working with insurance companies and know what kind of information and evidence to collect to deliver the best results possible.
There are over 146,000 personal injury lawyers and attorneys in the US, though. Before you Google “best personal injury lawyer near me,” it helps to have a plan. Otherwise, you might struggle to choose between 100 different lawyers.
Here are 10 tips that can help you vet each personal injury attorney in your area. With these tips, you can narrow down your options. Meanwhile, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the lawyer you choose is experienced and qualified.
Their experience, professional network, and qualifications will help you fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Start your search for the best personal injury attorney in the area with these 10 simple tips today!
Table of Contents
1. Recognize You Need Help
Before you start Googling “best personal injury lawyer near me,” it helps to know when you need help.
First, consider the scope of your injuries. If your injuries are severe, it’s likely you’re missing work. Maybe you’re taking on a different role while you heal from your injuries.
While you’re out of work, your medical bills could start to stack up. You might struggle to pay for treatments, physical therapy, and medications.
If you were severely injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, a lawyer can help. They’ll prove the other party caused the accident.
In some cases, however, liability isn’t clear. Some accidents involve more than one party, too.
If you’re not sure who caused the accident, consult a personal injury attorney. They can investigate what happened. The evidence they gather could determine who was at fault.
You might struggle to receive the compensation you deserve from the insurance company, too. In fact, the insurance company will want to pay you as little as possible. They might even stall.
Some insurance companies will even take advantage if you’re in a fragile state or taking pain medications.
Don’t try to handle the insurance company alone. Instead, hire a personal injury attorney.
You should also hire a lawyer if you were at fault or if you want to sue.
If any of these situations sound familiar, know it’s time to call for help right away.
2. Consider Your Case
Once you determine it’s time to call a personal injury lawyer, consider the details of your case.
Personal injury attorneys handle different situations, including:
- Elder abuse and neglect
- Wrongful death
- Workplace accidents
- Premise liability
- Auto accidents (car, motorcycle, bike, pedestrian, etc.)
- Medical malpractice (birth injury, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, etc.)
- Defamation
- Assault and battery
- Product liability
- Slip and fall accidents
- Animal bites
You can even break down these categories into subcategories. For example, medical malpractice can include birth injuries. You might need to call a birth injury attorney to handle your case.
Before choosing a personal injury lawyer, know what kind of lawyer you need. Hire someone who specializes in your specific type of case. Their experience and expertise with similar lawsuits could strengthen your claim.
3. Gather Referrals
Do you know someone who was once in your shoes? Talk to friends, family members, and co-workers. Ask if they hired a personal injury lawyer recently.
Learn from their first-hand experience. You can ask questions about the lawyer they hired, including:
- Were they knowledgeable and experienced
- Were they a strong communicator
- Did they accomplish your case goals
- Were you satisfied with the services you received
- How much did their services cost
- Would you hire them again
Speaking with your inner circle can help you find the best personal injury lawyer in the area. You can gather information that’s likely not available online.
4. Head Online
If your inner circle can’t direct you to a lawyer, that’s okay. Start your search online instead.
Visit your local bar association website. Make sure to find lawyers who specialize in your specific type of case. Check the Martindale-Hubbel law firm directory, too.
Otherwise, type “best personal injury lawyer near me” in your favorite search engine.
Don’t hire the first lawyer you call. Instead, start building a list of options to research further.
5. Look for Experience
As you research each personal injury attorney on your list, take the time to learn about their history. First, determine how long they’ve worked as a lawyer. Make sure their license is up-to-date, too.
Then, determine how long they’ve specialized. How many cases like yours have they handled over the years?
A lawyer with specialized experience will understand the procedures, cases, and laws specific to your situation. They can leverage their previous experience when building your lawsuit.
About 5.8 million people die each year as a result of severe injuries. That accounts for 10% of deaths around the world. If you survived a serious accident, it’s important to fight for the compensation you’re due.
You’ll need an experienced personal injury lawyer at your side to maximize your claim.
Courtroom Experience
Make sure the lawyer you choose has extensive courtroom experience, too.
Some lawyers are nervous about standing before a judge and jury. They might accept a lowball offer instead of fighting on your behalf. These lawyers won’t have your best interests in mind.
You can’t anticipate whether or not your case will go to court. Finding someone with years of trial experience will give you peace of mind in their abilities.
6. Consider Their Network
Remember, your personal injury attorney will need to gather evidence to prove the other party was at fault. They might rely on a professional network to build your case.
Ask each lawyer on your list how they’ll build your case.
For example, they might contact a medical expert to prove the severity of your injuries. They might work with a crime scene investigator, too.
Choose someone with a strong professional network. They’ll have an easier time building your case.
Who Will Work Your Case
After you search “personal injury lawyer near me,” know the first lawyer you speak with might not take your case. Ask the lawyer you talk to about their availability. If they’re busy working on other cases, they might pass you off to someone else at their law firm.
Make sure you know exactly who will work on your case. Determine if they have the experience and specific expertise you need.
7. Check Their Track Record
If you want to maximize your claim, it helps to have a winner at your side.
Ask each lawyer you speak with how many cases they’ve handled over the years. Then, ask how many cases they won versus lost. Consider their track record over the past year, too.
It’s likely they’ve improved over time. If so, great.
If they haven’t handled many cases in the past year, there’s a chance they’re a little rusty. Instead, choose an experienced personal injury attorney who can win your case.
8. Request References
Before choosing a personal injury lawyer, ask each lawyer on your list for references.
Over 90% of people read reviews about local businesses to determine their quality. Speaking with each lawyer’s recent clients will help you learn more about them. You can gather insight from someone who was once in your shoes.
Try to speak with a client who experienced a personal injury situation similar to yours. Were you in a motorcycle accident? In that case, speak with someone who filed a motorcycle accident claim.
Learn about their experience with the lawyer you’re interested in hiring.
Otherwise, check online. Visit the lawyer’s Google My Business and Better Business Bureau listings to find reviews. Choose someone with a strong reputation they’ll work hard to maintain.
9. Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation with two or three lawyers on your list. Meeting them in person will help you determine if they’re the right fit.
Make a list of questions to ask beforehand. For example, you can learn more about their case experience. Ask if they have any additional certifications or training relevant to your case, too.
During your appointment, pay attention to how the lawyer speaks. Are they confident, clear, and concise?
They’ll end up arguing on your behalf. Make sure you choose a lawyer with strong communication skills.
10. Consider Their Fee Structure
Ask each lawyer you interview about their fee structure.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You’ll only pay them a percentage of what they win from your lawsuit. If they don’t win, you won’t have to pay them.
Other lawyers work based on a flat fee or hourly rate.
Review the details of their contract before you sign on the dotted line.
Start Searching: 10 Tips for Finding the Best Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me
Don’t hire the first personal injury attorney you call. Instead, use these tips when searching for “the best personal injury lawyer near me.” These tips will help you streamline your search.
Then, you can build your lawsuit and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Looking for more helpful tips and guides? You’re in the right place.
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