If you have been injured in an accident, you need to look out for yourself first and foremost. That means taking the necessary steps to get yourself healthy, and it also means retaining a lawyer if legal action is appropriate. You should not have to suffer financial loss as the result of the action of another party. Trying to pursue damages on your own in an injury case can be a difficult task, so you will likely be better served to retain the services of a personal injury lawyer.
When looking for representation, keep these tips in mind.
Look for Experience
This probably isn’t a surprise, but you are going to want to find a lawyer who is experienced in this kind of work. You only get one shot at making your case in this circumstance, so you don’t want to take your chances with someone who is just getting started. Putting experience on your side doesn’t guarantee a positive outcome, but it certainly does give you a better chance. In addition to verifying that an attorney has been practicing this kind of law for an extended period of time, you should also confirm that he has been successful. After all, a long history of losing cases doesn’t bode well for your interests.
Get a First Impression
When you call a law office to inquire about representation, the first impression they offer will tell you a lot about the kind of organization you are dealing with. Are they professional right from the start, and is the staff friendly and helpful? Also, are they easy to contact? If it is hard to get someone on the phone when you first make contact, that pattern could continue after your case has begun. Call around to a few practices and judge them not only on things like experience and reputation, but also on customer service. Trust your instinct and choose a lawyer who seems to have everything in order.
Research His Reputation
Another way to gather information about an attorney is to look at the comments that have been left about him online. Those who have been represented in the past by this lawyer may have offered reviews of their experience – and you can use that experience to your benefit. While one or two bad reviews shouldn’t cause you too much concern, it would be a problem to see a pattern of negative feedback. There are too many good lawyers out there to settle for one who has had a long list of issues with previous cases.
In addition to the points above, make sure the lawyer you choose has experience and knowledge specific to your case. Not all personal injury lawyers are the same, as some deal specifically with categories such as automotive accidents, workplace incidents, etc. Find an attorney who is going to be able to bring his expertise directly to your case and you will be strengthening your position as you try to win the damages you deserve.
