One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is choosing the right personal injury lawyer to help you with a personal injury case. The decisions you make now will affect not only the outcome of your case but also how quickly you’re able to recover from your injury.
The wrong lawyer could leave you with a low settlement, dragging out the process, or even mishandling your case altogether. While on the other hand, a good personal injury attorney does the opposite of all those things.
The most logical choice would be to do all it takes to ensure that the PI lawyer you eventually hire is one that can give you the best results.
Here are the top three factors you should consider when hiring a PI lawyer.
Evidence of Results
Many lawyers will tell you they’re good at what they do, but the best ones will have clear, verifiable results to back up their claims. When evaluating a lawyer, ask them about specific cases they’ve worked on that are similar to yours.
The fact remains that insurance companies tend to approach experienced lawyers differently. If your lawyer is known for taking cases to court and winning, insurers are more likely to offer a fair settlement upfront to avoid a lengthy trial.
On the other hand, if the lawyer has a reputation for accepting lowball offers, you may find yourself with less compensation than you deserve.
Also, consider how transparent they are about past outcomes. A good lawyer will provide examples of their work without exaggeration. They do this to give you confidence in their ability to handle your case effectively.
Communication
One of the most important things you need from a personal injury lawyer is someone who communicates clearly and regularly. It might sound basic, but it’s a common issue many people face during the course of their legal journey. A good lawyer will provide regular updates on your case, not only letting you know the progress but also explaining why certain decisions are being made.
What sets apart a great lawyer in terms of communication is their ability to break down complex legal jargon and explain it in simple terms. After all, legal processes can be complicated, but that doesn’t mean they should be confusing.
When you’re in a vulnerable position, like recovering from an injury, you need to feel like you’re fully involved in the process and not left in the dark.
Ask potential lawyers how they keep their clients updated. The more open they are about their communication style, the more comfortable you’ll feel knowing you’re in good hands.
Reputation
While online reviews and word-of-mouth can give you a glimpse into a lawyer’s reputation, they’re not always the full picture. A lawyer may have glowing reviews online, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the right fit for you.
Reputation goes beyond what people say on the internet. It has more to do with how they’re perceived within the legal community and how they approach their work.
One of the best ways to assess a lawyer’s reputation is by speaking directly with others in the legal field. If you can, ask for recommendations from other professionals, like doctors, other lawyers, or even people who’ve gone through similar experiences.
These referrals often carry more weight because they come from people who have firsthand knowledge of the lawyer’s capabilities.
