Experience
The most important credential to look for in a potential personal injury attorney is experience. Do not rely on your cousin’s son-in law who just passed the state’s bar examination last year to manage your claim. There is a big difference between a junior associate just starting out at a law firm and a seasoned accident attorney with years of hands-on trial and litigation experience.
Practice Area
Personal injury law is made up of numerous practice areas, such as workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, premise liability, and more. Some personal injury lawyers may only concentrate on car accident claims, while others might provide estate planning legal services. Choose a personal injury lawyer who specializes in the type of accident claim you are pursuing. Keep in mind that it is common for lawyers to specialize in more than one practice area.
Lawyer Fees
Another influential factor in choosing a personal injury attorney is how much they charge. Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they recover a settlement for their client. Most contingency fees are between 33% and 40%, but this can vary among professionals. Lawyer fees do not include other legal fees, such as court costs, filing fees, and other related legal expenses. These same law firms usually offer free initial consultations as well, so there is no out-of-pocket obligation when first meeting with a lawyer.
Partners
When you are choosing a personal injury lawyer to represent your claim, it is wise to select one that works with other partners. Although you do not need a huge law firm, it helps for your lawyer to have others around to assist them with investigations or case precedents if need be. Having various resources available is beneficial for the client and the lawyer.
Personality
The trickier part of choosing a personal injury lawyer is finding one with a personality that makes you feel comfortable. In order to have trust, you must feel like your personal injury lawyer is a good fit for your personal comfort level. Get to know them at your initial consultation to learn more about their practice style and overall disposition, and rely on your instincts when making a final decision.