There are currently over 146,000 personal injury lawyers across the US. Comparing attorneys can take time if you don’t have a plan. If you were injured in an accident, you need to find an experienced attorney wrongful death attorney in West Covina.
With their help, you can fight for the compensation you’re rightfully due.
Here are seven tips that can help you select personal injury attorneys you can count on. With these tips, you can feel confident in your final choice. The right attorney will fight with your best interests in mind.
Start searching for a lawyer with these tips today!
1. Gather Referrals
First, turn to friends, family members, and coworkers to begin gathering referrals. Talk to anyone you know who was recently in an accident first. They could help point you to personal injury lawyers in the area.
Otherwise, talk to friends who have hired a lawyer for other purposes. For example, maybe someone needed to draft a will. Determine if the law firm they hired takes on personal injury cases.
Learn as much as you can from your inner circle. Ask about their experiences with each lawyer.
For example, you can ask why they needed an attorney. Then, ask if the lawyer was both knowledgeable and experienced. Determine if they were able to accomplish the client’s goals, too.
Talking to your inner circle can help you gather unique insights that aren’t available online.
If you’re unable to gather referrals, start using a directory instead. For example, you can check the Martindale-Hubbel law firm directory. Check your local bar association website as well.
Confirm that each lawyer on your list has an up-to-date license. Otherwise, don’t hire them.
Start creating a list of options for attorneys to vet further using the remaining tips.
2. Look for Experience
Before you select personal injury attorneys, it’s important to make sure their experience is relevant to your needs. Otherwise, they might drop the ball while handling your case.
You can feel more confident in a lawyer who has years of personal injury case experience. For example, Law S&B have many years of experience and they are one of the best law firms when it comes to personal injuries and accidents.
Determine how long each lawyer on your list has practiced law. Make sure they have local experience as well. Many laws and procedures can vary based on where your case is handled.
A more experienced lawyer has likely handled cases like yours in the past. They use tools like medical animation to represent your case strongly in the courtroom.
3. Consider Their Specialty
It’s no longer enough to find an attorney with personal injury case experience, though. Remember, you need to make sure their experience is relevant. Think about the details of your case.
Personal injury lawyers handle different types of personal injuries. Some take on different types of cases, while others specialize. For example, a personal injury lawyer might handle:
- Assault and battery
- Automobile accidents
- Product liability
- Premise liability
- Slip and fall
- Animal bites
- Wrongful death
- Medical malpractice
- Defamation
You can even break these cases down into subcategories.
For example, automobile accidents can include car, truck, bike, motorcycle, and Uber accidents. Medical malpractice can include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or medication mistakes.
Unintentional injuries account for 24.8 million physician office visits and 97.9 million ER visits each year. Chances are, the lawyer has handled cases like yours in the past.
Consider your case. Then, find a lawyer who specializes in cases like yours.
Determine how many cases like yours they’ve handled over the years. Make sure their experience was recent, too.
Making sure they have personal injury experience relevant to your needs can help you feel confident in their abilities.
4. Read Reviews
You can also start comparing attorneys based on their professional reputations. Before choosing a lawyer, take the time to gather references and reviews.
Check each law firm’s website for a dedicated testimonials page. You can also check the law firm’s Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listings.
You might find one or two unhappy clients. That’s normal. If a lawyer has an abundance of negative reviews, however, remove them from your list.
Look for any patterns in the complaints you see, too. For example, some clients may have struggled to reach their attorney.
You’ll want to find lawyers who are accountable. Otherwise, you might struggle to get updates about your case.
Review your options for attorneys and focus on lawyers who have a strong, positive reputation.
5. Look for a Winner
Try to learn as much as you can about each lawyer’s case history, too.
How many cases have they handled over the span of their career? How many cases like yours have they handled? Determine their wins versus losses for both.
Make sure the lawyer has won numerous cases like yours in the past. Ask about the payout for those cases, too.
Find a winner if you’ve been injured in an accident. They’ll fight for the compensation you need to cover your losses.
6. Schedule a Consultation
Before you select personal injury attorneys for your case, schedule consultation appointments with two or three options.
Discuss the details of your case. Then, ask the lawyer what legal strategy they would recommend.
Look for a lawyer who knows how to think on their feet. Their analytical mindset can strengthen your lawsuit.
Pay attention to how they speak, too. When comparing attorneys, try to find a strong communicator. After all, they’ll need to speak on your behalf, especially if the case goes to court.
Ask each lawyer if they have any special certifications. For example, perhaps they’re a member of the American Association of Justice. Maybe they have a membership with the National Board of Trial Advocacy instead.
These lawyers have additional trial experience and training that might benefit your case.
7. Discuss Fees
At the end of each consultation appointment, ask each lawyer about their fee structure.
Some will work on a contingency fee basis. They’ll only require payment for their legal services if they win your case. These lawyers might feel more motivated to fight harder.
Others work at an hourly rate.
Find the Best: Select Personal Injury Attorneys for Your Case Today
Finding an experienced attorney can ensure you win the compensation you need to cover your losses. Use these tips and select personal injury attorneys you can trust. Their experience and expertise will improve the outcome of your case.
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