Top 5 Considerations When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Have you suffered an injury on the job, in a car accident, or on someone else’s property? Aside from seeking medical treatment, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. When you begin the search for a personal injury lawyer, it may seem overwhelming. There are likely dozens to choose from in your area, which can make the selection process very difficult. You need to do a lot of research before making a final choice, and the following five considerations should be taken into account:
What is the Attorney’s Experience Level?
When you are meeting with various attorneys, you need to find out the experience level of each one. There are various rules in personal injury law, which can be quite complex. When your injury has been caused by the negligence of another person, you want to work with an attorney who has handled cases like yours. You want an attorney who will be able to thoroughly investigate your case, properly speak with police and witnesses, and collect evidence to support your claim.
What is the Attorney’s Reputation?
Does the attorney have a strong reputation within their practice area? Do they come referred by many clients and not just a few? What is the attorney’s reputation with the courts, insurance companies, and other lawyers? If the attorney has been highly rated by objective, third-party rating services, has received numerous positive reviews from other clients, and has a solid reputation among his or her peers, this is someone who should be strongly considered.
What is the Attorney’s Communication Policy?
Almost every attorney will have some sort of communication policy that they follow when dealing with their clients. You will want to work with an attorney who is responsive to your messages, no matter the method you use. Will the attorney return your call within at least 1 to 2 business days? Will they answer emails in a timely manner? Do they allow you to send them text messages? An attorney who works closely with you is one that you want on your side for a personal injury case.
How Does the Attorney Charge Their Clients?
You might not think that this is a serious consideration, but when working with an attorney you should know how they will charge for their services. Almost all attorneys in the personal injury practice area operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that they will not charge you for their services unless you are paid as a result of the case. It is best to ask every attorney with whom you meet about their legal fees and other charges that could be sent your way. You don’t want to be hit with any surprises later on.
Does the Lawyer Care for Their Clients?
Even though this consideration comes in at number five on the list, it is one of the most important when choosing a personal injury attorney for your case. You absolutely need to choose a lawyer who actually cares about their client and is not just in it for the payout. You want them to show you compassion, that they truly want to help you because of the injury you suffered. It is best to know that you are working with an attorney who is passionate about what they do, and concerned about your wellbeing, your ability to pay your bills, and your ability to care for your family. Recovering full and fair compensation from a personal injury case can be as long and arduous process. Working with a compassionate attorney can make the legal process much smoother and make the overall situation much easier to handle.
Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Attorney Today
If you or someone close to you was injured because of the negligence or reckless actions of another party, you deserve to be fully compensated. If you are looking for a personal injury attorney who is experienced, reputable, responsive, and compassionate, we welcome the opportunity to earn your trust. Call the office of Smith Law Firm at 334-702-1744 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. You may also send us a message through our online contact form.
