Looking for a personal injury lawyer after an accident?
You’re probably pretty overwhelmed right now. Between hospital visits, insurance companies, and unpaid bills, the last thing you want to do is shop around for a lawyer.
But here’s the thing…
Picking the wrong personal injury lawyer could mean the difference between thousands of dollars in your pocket and nothing.
And honestly?
Most accident victims don’t even know what they should be looking for. With over 135,000 personal injury lawyers in the U.S. alone, how are you supposed to know who’s good and who’s not? The good news is by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
What you’ll discover:
- Red flags to look out for
- Questions every accident victim should be asking
- The hidden costs most lawyers won’t tell you about
- The key to finding a lawyer who actually wins cases
Why most people pick the wrong personal injury lawyer
OK. I know what you’re thinking.
You’re ready to call the lawyer you saw on that billboard.
Stop.
The biggest mistake accident victims make is choosing a personal injury lawyer based on a TV commercial or billboard. They don’t tell you anything about that lawyer’s experience or ability to actually win your case.
The best personal injury lawyers don’t need to advertise heavily. They get most of their clients through referrals because they consistently get results.
Experience is everything
Here’s the biggest difference between winning and losing your case…
Experience with your specific type of accident.
A lawyer who handles car accidents may not be the best choice for a medical malpractice case. Personal injury law covers a wide range of cases including slip and falls, defective products, dog bites and more.
Every area of law requires a different set of skills and knowledge. When evaluating potential lawyers, make sure to look for:
- Experience handling your specific type of accident
- Recent case results similar to yours
- Trial experience (not just settlement experience)
- Years of experience practicing personal injury law
Insurance companies are well aware of the best personal injury lawyers in any area. They have a team of seasoned lawyers on the other side, and they know who will fight for every last penny of your compensation and who will settle for next to nothing.
For example, a well-established firm like Mahoney law firm knows how to handle complex personal injury cases and negotiate successfully with insurance companies.
The questions that will separate the best lawyers from the rest
Don’t waste your consultation session by telling the lawyer your story.
Wrong approach.
Your initial meeting should be about evaluating them, not the other way around. Here are the questions that will help you figure out if you’re working with a top personal injury lawyer.
“What’s your success rate with cases like mine?”
A good lawyer should be able to provide you with specific examples of similar cases and their success rates. If they get cagey when you ask this question, walk away.
“Will you personally handle my case?”
At larger firms, you may end up being handed off to junior associates or paralegals. Make sure you know who will actually be working on your case.
“How many cases are you currently handling?”
Lawyers that are juggling too many cases at once can’t give your case the attention it deserves. You want someone with enough time and capacity to focus on your case.
“What is your trial experience?”
About 95% of personal injury cases settle out of court, but insurance companies are willing to pay a lot more if they know you have a lawyer who is not afraid to go to trial.
Fee structures (aka the dirty little secret about contingency fees)injury
You’re probably familiar with the contingency fee system most personal injury lawyers work on, where they only get paid if you win your case.
Sounds fair, right? Not so fast.
The percentage lawyers charge can vary wildly between 25% and 45% of your settlement. But what most people don’t realize is it’s not just the percentage that matters.
Example: a lawyer who charges 40% but gets you a $100,000 settlement ends up with a lot more money than a lawyer charging 25% who only gets you a $60,000 settlement.
Hidden costs to watch out for
Some lawyers will tack on additional fees for:
- Filing fees
- Expert witness fees
- Medical record retrieval
- Investigation costs
Make sure you know all the costs upfront.
Red flags that scream “RUN AWAY!”
Avoid any lawyer who:
Promises specific dollar amounts for your settlement before investigating your case. No ethical personal injury lawyer can guarantee you results.
Pressures you to sign right away. Reputable lawyers will let you take your time.
Has no trial experience. Insurance companies know which lawyers will cave under pressure and which won’t.
Doesn’t specialize in personal injury law. Just like you wouldn’t go to a heart surgeon for brain surgery.
A local lawyer is a better lawyer
Here’s one thing most accident victims don’t realize…
Local experience can make a huge difference in your case.
A lawyer with experience in the local courts, judges, and opposing counsel has a huge advantage. They understand things like:
- The personal injury laws and statutes specific to your state
- Local court procedures and timelines
- The evidence and witnesses each judge prefers
- How local juries typically react to certain cases
Communication: The #1 determining factor
Nothing kills a lawyer-client relationship faster than bad communication.
During your initial consultation, pay attention to:
How quickly they respond to your calls and emails. If they take days to get back to you now, it’ll only get worse later.
Whether or not they explain legal terms and concepts in a way you understand. Good lawyers don’t hide behind legalese.
If they seem genuinely interested in your case. A good lawyer will care about the outcome of your case and not just their fee.
Why resources and support staff matter
Building a strong personal injury case takes a lot more than just one lawyer.
The best personal injury lawyers have a whole team behind them:
- Medical experts who can explain your injuries to a jury
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Economic experts who calculate your future losses
- Investigators who gather evidence and interview witnesses
Ask them about the resources they’ll be dedicating to your case.
Making your final decision
After meeting with a few lawyers, go with your gut.
Trust your instincts. Choose the lawyer who:
Has specific experience with your type of accident and a track record of winning.
Communicates clearly and makes you feel confident in your case.
Has the resources and staff to properly handle your case.
Charges reasonable fees and is upfront about all costs.
Has genuine interest in helping you, not just in their fee.
Making it happen
Don’t put off starting your search for the right personal injury lawyer.
Timing is important for these reasons:
Evidence disappears. Witnesses lose details. Surveillance footage gets deleted.
The sooner you have an experienced lawyer investigating your case, the stronger your case will be.
Wrap Up
Finding the right personal injury lawyer isn’t about who advertises the most or offers the cheapest rates.
It’s about finding someone who:
Has a proven track record of winning cases similar to yours.
Communicates clearly and keeps you in the loop.
Has the resources and team to build a strong case.
Will fight for maximum compensation for you.
Take your time, meet with a few different lawyers and ask tough questions.
Your choice of lawyer will make or break whether you get the compensation you deserve or nothing at all. Make it count.
William Gall is a seasoned attorney specializing in civil litigation and family law. With a legal career spanning over two decades, William has built a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to justice. In addition to practicing law, he is a prolific writer, contributing regularly to various legal blogs where he shares his insights on current legal trends, case law, and best practices. His articles are well-regarded in the legal community for their thorough research and practical advice, making complex legal concepts accessible to both legal professionals and the general public.