How to Choose a Qualified Personal Injury Lawyer
If you wish to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, it is highly recommended that you consult with a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney who will protect your legal interests. Finding a competent personal injury attorney is not always an easy process, but it is worth the time and effort you spend. If you want to successfully resolve your case, you need to have the right personal injury attorney by your side. The following is some advice that can help you choose a qualified personal injury lawyer:
- Research – Do some research before choosing a personal injury attorney. Ask your friends, family, coworkers, or other lawyers for referrals or shop around on the Internet. Look up the websites of attorneys near you to read attorney biographies, past and present case results, and any other relevant information that could give you an idea about the firm and their dedication. Make sure to get the names and numbers of a few personal injury attorneys and comparison shop. Meet and discuss your case with each one before deciding if he/she is the right lawyer for you.
- Experience – Because personal injury can be a complex area of law, it is necessary to speak with an attorney who has experience handling personal injury cases. How long has the attorney been practicing? What percent of the attorney's cases are personal injury cases? Does the attorney usually represent defendants or plaintiffs? Be sure to obtain information about past cases, success rate, and more.
- Commitment – When choosing a personal injury lawyer, pick someone who cares about your case and will dedicate the time necessary to fully evaluate your personal injury claim. Will the attorney personally handle your case or pass it on to someone less experienced? Ask the attorney for references. Talking to previous clients about the lawyer's trustworthiness and skills is a good way to determine if he/she is the lawyer for you.
- Free Consultation – To determine whether a personal injury attorney is right for you, it is important to meet with a prospective attorney to discuss your case. Most qualified lawyers will offer a free initial consultation. Before you agree to meet with a lawyer, find out if you will be charged for the first interview. If a lawyer wants to charge you, take your case somewhere else.
- Contingency Fees – Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't have to pay them a dime unless your case is successfully resolved. Then they will receive a percentage of the award as their fee. Make sure to discuss fee arrangements with prospective attorneys to ensure that you understand and accept the payment structure.
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