How to Find and Pick a Personal Injury Lawyer in 5 Steps

If you have gone through an ordeal, the natural line of events would be to assert your rights and press charges against the party that caused the injuries. For all who do not practice law but who wish to pursue a case, it is best to rely on a professional. However, choosing a lawyer to represent you is not an easy task, especially if you have never out sought legal services previously.

After a free consultation that most lawyers offer, it might seem as though you can handle your own case, but as suggested, you should still opt for a qualified lawyer. Otherwise, you risk losing the case regardless of you being in the right. For the sake of saving time, money, as well as your nerves, here are the five steps to help you find the right lawyer to represent you.  

Step one: no-obligation consultation

Utilize all the benefits of the free consultations that most lawyers offer. This will be your opportunity to share your concerns and wishes with a professional who will then give you an objective opinion on your case. You will learn more about the process itself as well as the approach the lawyer intends to adopt.   

Besides accepting their pieces of advice, use this time to assess the lawyers by asking them questions. In this interview, you can learn about the years the lawyer has been in practice, what the fees are, as well as whether there are any additional costs. Once you have gathered this data from a couple of law firms, you will be more prepared to make an informed decision.

Step two: firm’s credentials

Once you have made your inquiries on the procedure and the payment, it is advisable you check the firm’s credentials. There are numerous websites that contain reviews on both lawyers and their respective firms. Some of them even offer peer reviews which could come in handy in case you have narrowed your choice down to two equally qualified firms.

If you found your lawyer through the Internet, it is recommendable to check whether your friends, family or acquaintances have used their services. Their first-hand experience might prove to be a beneficial addition to your decision-making process. If your friend had a positive experience with that lawyer, chances are you will as well.

Step three: the lawyer’s specialization 

A part of being a successful lawyer is being assertive, even bullish. However, whether that confidence stems from proven capabilities or not is often difficult to discern. Any lawyer you decide upon will be able to represent you in court, but that doesn’t mean that person will have the necessary expertise and experience. 

This is why you need to choose a personal injury lawyer who is specialized in that area so that your problems and wishes are respected and your best interests protected. Having in mind that they operate on a contingency basis, your lawyer will only get paid if the case is won, making your personal problems their own problems.  

Step four: other lawyer’s opinions

Thanks to their work experience, lawyers are more successful at assessing the skills and the character of their colleagues than those who are not from the world of law. This suggestion might seem strange, but you can get a useful recommendation as a part of the initial free consultation.

Lawyers know each other’s reputation as well as abilities. They will be able to provide you with information on other lawyers’ ethics which is essential if you wish to be represented by someone who understands your needs.

Step five: your inner feeling

In addition to the consultations, all the research and recommendations, there is one opinion which matters the most: your own. If the lawyer and the law firm come highly recommended but your gut feeling tells you something different, listen to it because it might turn out to be right.

The case itself will probably last for several months which you will spend in regular communication with your lawyer. Before you enter the court, make sure the chosen lawyer is reliable and sincere and that their effort will be directed towards ensuring that justice is served. 

After an injury caused by a stressful event and your rights being violated, it is reasonable to seek justice at court. Legal language can be quite confusing and court appearances discouraging if you don’t have somebody helping you. So, look for a personal injury lawyer who will help you maintain your dignity, enforce your rights and who makes you feel comfortable.