how to know if you have a good personal injury lawyer

7 Common Signs of a Good Personal Injury Lawyer.

• 1. Education. While this might seem obvious, it’s important that you choose an attorney who is legally qualified to handle your case. Your personal ...
• 2. Experience.
• 3. Great References.
• 4. Recognition.
• 5. Passion.

Full Answer

What do you need to know when hiring a personal injury attorney?

You need a lawyer that has established relationships with the auto and health insurance companies that do business in your state. The right personal injury lawyer understands all facets of your case and the compensation you may be entitled to.

Why hire a personal injury lawyer?

Personal injury is a specialized area of law. Even though an attorney may be licensed to practice before the court, she may not have the knowledge of the complexities of personal injury law and how to apply them to your case for the best outcome. The body of law grows and changes daily.

How do I make an appointment with a personal injury attorney?

Make an appointment. A personal injury attorney should offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case, usually 30 to 45 minutes. Take your case journal so you will be prepared to give a broad overview of your situation. Be on time. Give yourself plenty of time to find the office and park. Aim for 10 to 15 minutes early.

How can I find out what kind of case a lawyer handles?

Call the office and ask if your case is the type they handle. If the receptionist doesn't know, ask to speak to a paralegal or an attorney. Run an Internet search of the lawyer's name and see what kind of articles, and even case law, comes up in the results. This can give you a good feel for the type of cases they prefer to litigate.

What percentage do most personal injury lawyers take?

33%As a general rule, the personal injury lawyer will receive 33% of the final settlement amount in the case. However, cases that go to trial often incur different costs. The goal of this fee structure is to minimize the client's financial risk in hiring an attorney to represent them.

How do I know who is a good lawyer?

5 Signs of a Good LawyerCautiously Optimistic. Most cases aren't slam-dunks, and it is important that your lawyer doesn't make promises regarding the outcome of your case and should not be overconfident no matter how seasoned he or she is. ... Great Listener. ... Objective. ... Honest About Fees Upfront. ... Trust Your Gut.

How do you know a bad lawyer?

Signs of a Bad LawyerBad Communicators. Communication is normal to have questions about your case. ... Not Upfront and Honest About Billing. Your attorney needs to make money, and billing for their services is how they earn a living. ... Not Confident. ... Unprofessional. ... Not Empathetic or Compassionate to Your Needs. ... Disrespectful.

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

Perhaps the most common kinds of complaints against lawyers involve delay or neglect. This doesn't mean that occasionally you've had to wait for a phone call to be returned. It means there has been a pattern of the lawyer's failing to respond or to take action over a period of months.

1. Education

While this might seem obvious, it’s important that you choose an attorney who is legally qualified to handle your case.

2. Experience

When you have a personal injury case, you want to hire a personal injury lawyer. While you might have worked with other attorneys in the past and really liked them, if they aren’t personal injury attorneys, you don’t want them to handle your personal injury case.

3. Great References

An easy way to learn more about a personal injury lawyer is to look at their past results.

4. Recognition

The best attorneys in any specialty have the respect of their peers. They are also recognized for their drive, hard work, and success.

5. Passion

When a future attorney is in law school, they will decide which area of law they want to practice. Attorneys who choose personal injury law usually do so because they feel drawn to help victims of negligence.

6. Empathy

Being injured in an accident can be overwhelming. Navigating the legal system is pretty much impossible if you aren’t a lawyer. You might think you’re doing the right thing by cooperating with the insurance companies, but they are probably trying to get you to slip up so they can deny your claim.

7. Good Communication

One of the most important signs of a good lawyer is the ability to communicate well.

1. Specialization in the Right Area of Practice

Just like doctors have various specialties, lawyers have specific areas of expertise, too. By focusing on a particular area of law, they’re able to learn the law in depth.

2. A Fully-Equipped Legal Team That Can Handle a Range of Legal Issues

Each case is unique. Some cases require expert witnesses, and some of those witnesses may be more than reluctant. There may be confusing evidentiary issues or other problems you may not know how to navigate. A good personal injury lawyer surrounds themselves with a team of attorneys and the resources to handle unique issues in each case.

3. Research and Writing Skills

A lot of advocating for a client is done in writing. In fact, to begin your case, the attorney prepares and files written documents. A good personal injury attorney knows how to research legal issues and present them in written arguments to the court. Effective research and writing skills are qualities that make for an excellent attorney.

4. Oral Advocacy Skills

While research and writing are necessary, ultimately, a trial is conducted by speaking. An attorney has to effectively argue to a jury and the judge. They have to be able to tell a story to the people who decide the case. Engaging and convincing public speaking skills are necessary to be an outstanding lawyer.

5. Listening Skills

An attorney won’t represent you well if they don’t know you well. They need to know the facts of the case, from your perspective. They also need to know what’s most important to you as you pursue your claim. An attorney should ask you questions and actively involve you. They should listen to your concerns.

6. Communication

A lot of your attorney’s work, research and strategizing happens behind the scenes. You may only see the surface of what is going on when it comes to your case. However, communication between lawyer and client is key. The lawyer needs to have the ability to keep you up to date.

7. Thorough Pursuit of Your Case

A quality personal injury lawyer pursues the case in detail. They don’t just talk to one witness; they speak to all the witnesses and line up expert witnesses as needed. They prepare for potential evidentiary issues, and they file motions for their clients. What makes for a good personal injury lawyer is dedication to a thorough pursuit of a case.