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No one ever expects to need a lawyer, and when you do, you may find it difficult to locate one that you work well with. Lawyers have a background in state and federal laws and can help you following a car, pedestrian, medical, or work-related accident. Whether you're searching for a lawyer to represent you now or want to consider your options before you may need one, here are a few key things to look for when choosing the right lawyer.
Specialized Experience
Lawyers have various specializations, which refer to the area of law in which they most often work. Choosing a lawyer specializing in your specific area of law ensures they have the expertise needed to build your case. A few common specialties include personal injury, car accident, workman's compensation, and medical malpractice.
It's also important to note that personal injury is a broad area of law that covers most injury types, including car accidents, pedestrian accidents, and product injuries. This means it's common for a personal injury lawyer to cover multiple injury types. However, you wouldn't want to hire a divorce lawyer to represent your car accident case. Car accidents are expensive, often leading to medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and stress and anxiety, so you want to choose a lawyer who can get you sufficient compensation.
Location
Of course, you want to choose a lawyer who is licensed in your state. A lawyer within driving distance of your home is also important in case you need to meet with them in person. If you're pursuing legal action in a different city or state, you'll want to choose a lawyer there instead. For example, if you're visiting Chicago, Illinois, on vacation, and you're involved in a pedestrian accident, you should search for a Chicago personal injury lawyer.
Testimonials and Reputation
You can learn a lot about potential lawyers by reviewing testimonials and reviews. Ask any lawyer that you're considering working with for a list of referrals. These people have worked with them previously and have agreed to talk to potential clients. You can also use the internet to find reviews of the law firm and the specific lawyer you're planning to hire.
Track Record
It may also be helpful to ask the law firm you're working with what their track record is with cases similar to yours. It's important to note that many personal injury cases are settled outside of court. A settlement is when the defendant and plaintiff both agree to a settlement offer rather than a lengthy and expensive trial. You could also inquire about how often the firm settles cases versus taking them to trial.
Payment Expectations
While choosing a lawyer based on price isn't usually the best idea, it is important to consider how the law firm manages payments. Many law firms don't charge personal injury clients anything unless they win the case. Others may charge a retainer fee for each month they work on your case, which can get expensive. Car accidents can get expensive, and adding the cost of legal representation can become a huge burden if they're unable to recover compensation on your behalf.
Communication and Ease of Access
Effective communication is crucial for a lawyer-client relationship. Use the initial consultation to evaluate how well you communicate with the potential lawyer. Email or call them with any follow-up questions you may have, and determine how quickly or thoroughly they respond. Assess their communication style to make sure it matches yours.
Legal Team
When choosing a lawyer, it's important to consider the lawyer themselves and their legal team. Most law firms have large teams, which means you'll have multiple people working on your case. Ensure you get along with the legal team and share a similar communication style.
It can also be helpful to inquire about the team's expectations for you. Find out how involved they expect you to be with the case, including collecting information or tracking down witnesses. Some clients may want to be involved, whereas others may prefer a hands-off approach, so finding a good fit is important.
Legal Plan
It can also be helpful to discuss how the lawyer plans to handle your case should they take it. They may want to settle outside of court quickly, whereas this doesn't match your desires. A good lawyer-client relationship is one that meets the needs of the client while using the expertise of the lawyer. After reviewing your case and its details, your potential lawyer should be able to give you a good idea of how they plan to manage your case.
You'll spend months working with your personal injury lawyer and their team, making it important to carefully choose one that matches your communication style. Choosing a lawyer with expertise in your injury area is also helpful. Give yourself time to consider your options to make the best decision.
