Choosing a personal injury lawyer after an accident is not always easy. While there are many competent and honorable personal injury lawyers in practice, there are a number of unscrupulous firms that will engage in unethical (and sometimes illegal) practices in order to gain cases. Earning themselves the derogatory title of “ambulance chasers,” the conduct of these lawyers is not befitting what is necessary for high-quality representation. If you have been injured and are seeking legal representation, do some research beforehand and be wary of any lawyer who contacts you soon after an accident. When you know what makes a good lawyer and what questions to ask, it will be much easier to find the right person to represent you.
While researching a personal injury lawyer, seek answers to the following questions to make sure a potential candidate is the right fit for you and your case:
How many years has the lawyer been in practice?
What areas does the lawyer focus his or her practice on?
Is the lawyer board certified?
What kinds of awards, recognitions, ratings, and reviews has the lawyer received from clients, peers, and rating organizations?
What experience does the lawyer have with cases similar to yours, and what was the outcome?
Who will be working on your case? Is there support staff? How often will you be working with them?
Is the lawyer easily accessible when you have questions or concerns about your case? Are they available by phone or email? What is the average response time you should expect?
Will the lawyer keep you updated on the status of your case?
What percentage of the lawyer’s cases go to trial? Will they be willing to go to court to seek a better deal if a settlement offer is insufficient?
If you’ve been injured, you should be able to trust that your lawyer is experienced, qualified, and has your best interests at heart. When you sit down or talk on the phone with a lawyer during an initial consultation, asking these questions will go a long way in helping you make an informed decision about who you want representing you after an accident, and may mean the difference between winning and losing your case.
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