Choosing a personal injury lawyer is one of the first decisions regarding your case. In every state, a wide variety of quality attorneys offer their services. Not every one of them can meet your needs.
First, you have to decide what to look for in a lawyer. Once you have an idea, you can begin your search. A few resources can help you look for a personal injury attorney. Learn how we at Emroch and Kilduff can support you below!
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer:
- Can maximize your compensation. Settlement calculations are not straightforward due to non-economic damages. A lawyer knows how to get an accurate estimate and considers what other factors can increase your case’s value. Furthermore, they fight insurance companies to negotiate fair compensation.
- Understands how to file a claim. Filing a personal injury claim consists of multiple steps and procedures. If someone is new to the legal system, they might find it confusing and complex. As a result, they are more likely to make costly mistakes. A law firm guides you through the process and helps you prevent any errors.
- Determines who is liable. In some cases, the source of negligence is not clear. An attorney investigates the matter and uses the evidence to discover who is liable. In addition, they might learn more than one party is responsible for your injuries.
Personal injury lawyers fight for victims’ rights to compensation. You can get the assistance and care you need to get back on your feet.
How Do You Find the Right Lawyer for Your Case?
Over a million attorneys operate in the United States. You need to locate a personal injury lawyer if you experienced an accident because of another’s negligence. Anywhere from 93,000 to 135,000 personal injury attorneys offer services to clients.
Look for someone who handles cases of accidents similar to yours. A lawyer specializing in car accidents might be unfamiliar with workers' comp laws.
Some people feel overwhelmed after a traumatic event and do not know where to start their search. You have multiple ways to find an experienced lawyer.
A Lawyer’s Website
Around 57 percent of people find a lawyer through web searches. As a result, many attorneys set up websites for their offices to attract more prospective clients. An estimated 68 percent of them have made their sites mobile-friendly for additional convenience.
You can gain insight from sections like testimonials when you visit a lawyer’s page. Usually, most sites give detailed descriptions of the team and their experience in the field. An attorney usually lists the types of accidents they work with and information for each.
Directories
In addition to lawyer pages, online directories can send you in the right direction. Multiple domains exist to give people a list of attorneys near them. A person can select a practice area, and the directory creates a detailed profile of each lawyer.
A profile might list the firm's experience and fees. You can use the information to determine which office to contact. However, do not make a final decision until you meet the attorney.
Ask a Friend
Another way to search for potential personal injury lawyers is to ask someone you know. You can talk to a trusted loved one or friend who went through a similar ordeal. They might have worked with a reliable office and can make a recommendation.
However, not everyone responds similarly to an attorney’s style and personality. Meet with the lawyer before you decide to hire them.
Local Bar Association
You can get a list of potential offices from your local bar association. Most bar associations offer referral services. Each service has different qualifications to look for when screening a lawyer. You are likely to find someone in good standing with the state bar.
Looking For a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you have been personally injured recently one of the best decisions you could make right now is to hire a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer will be able to go over your case details and provide the crucial steps you need to have a chance of winning your claim. Emroch and Kilduff is here to support you, reach out to us!
Qualities to Look for in a Lawyer
A personal injury lawsuit can go on for months or even more than a year. You should find a lawyer you can get along with during the claim process. One of the qualities to look for is how well the attorney communicates regularly.
Strong communication skills can make a difference in a case. The lawyer updates you about any new developments and possible legal options. You can become more informed when making necessary decisions, especially if you need to change strategies.
Another element to consider is the firm’s experience with your type of personal injury accident. You are more likely to get a successful outcome if you have a lawyer who has worked on many cases.
The attorney understands the procedures of a courtroom. They can utilize different aspects of a lawsuit to the client’s advantage. You can trust an experienced lawyer to communicate your side of the story.
Of course, a plaintiff should have a lawyer who shows empathy and compassion. Your attorney should treat you as a person instead of a case file. You can switch to another firm if you do not feel your lawyer respects you.
How to Hire a Good Personal Injury Lawyer
A consultation allows the lawyer to assess a person’s case to know if they have a valid claim. However, the initial meeting allows you to evaluate an attorney. You can get an idea of their personality and willingness to take on your case.
During the consultation, you can ask the lawyer several questions. The questions can center around how many cases they have handled before. You can inquire how the attorney would proceed with your claim as well.
You sign a contingency fee agreement if you and the lawyer are ready to work on the case together. The agreement describes the terms of your working partnership and fees. You and the attorney generally discuss the costs before you sign anything.
You can meet with multiple other firms if you do not believe a lawyer is right for you. You do not need to worry about any fees. Consultations usually do not cost you anything. Contact us to get your consultation today!
