After an injury due to another party’s negligence, you are likely ready to find a personal injury lawyer for your case. While having an attorney nearby can be convenient, location is not the only consideration. You do not want just any attorney. You want someone who has your best interests at heart and will offer you high-quality service.
You may have a hard time deciding which firm to call on. You can simplify the process by using these tips to find an attorney near you to handle your suit.
Qualifications and Experience
An excellent place to start when searching for personal injury lawyers is to research their qualifications and experience. Not all lawyers are equal, so you want to select someone with experience handling cases like yours. You can find much of this information by reading the firm’s website or social media profiles.
You may consider a lawyer’s time in practice, but that is not the only factor that makes for a qualified attorney. If a newer lawyer works in a firm with many other longer-serving attorneys, the individual can count on the team’s background for help with challenging issues.
Sometimes a lawyer has not practiced for a personal injury firm but has much experience working for the other side, for example, in the insurance industry. Other types of valuable experiences include internships and externships for judges, which offer unique insights into the court system. Other lawyers spent time as research assistants. The important thing is to know that the lawyer you choose has a comprehensive understanding of your type of case and relevant matters of the legal system.
Online Reviews or Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Reading reviews online or asking for word-of-mouth referrals can help you understand how previous clients enjoyed working with a particular lawyer or firm. Pay attention to details about their communication styles and ability to explain legal matters in plain English. A bonus is finding an attorney with the heart of a teacher who enjoys helping people outside the courtroom.
You can also find out about awards, recognition or other certifications the lawyer received in their field. Such accolades can signify their level of excellence and success as an attorney.
A Successful Track Record
Ensure your prospective lawyer not only has experience handling cases similar to yours but also a successful track record in achieving positive outcomes for clients. Try to find out details about those cases and how the firm or lawyer achieved such successes.
An Initial Consultation
Once you narrow your list to one or two that seems like an ideal fit, contact the firm to set up an initial consultation. You will find that confident and capable attorneys are willing to conduct a complimentary evaluation of your case because they are not chasing money. They want to discern if the client and case fit.
During this meeting, discuss your case in detail with the lawyer. Ask any questions that come to mind about their practice. You should feel comfortable with your chosen lawyer before committing to them. During the case, you will have to work closely with the attorney and have implicit trust.
Investigatory Skills
Attorneys do more than argue your case. Lawyers know how to investigate the facts and form coherent conclusions. Well-rounded personal injury lawyers know how to analyze a wide variety of cases, such as car accidents, slip and fall, medical malpractice and even dog bites. The lawyer gathers evidence to support your position.
A lawyer may research relevant regulations and review all documents related to the incident in question. In some cases, your attorney may also conduct interviews with witnesses or visit the scene of the accident to examine any potential physical evidence to include. A legal professional will better understand which questions to ask and how to phrase them.
A solid attorney also knows the limits of evidence. Certain relationships have special legal protection. A lawyer can more quickly decide which pieces of evidence cannot support a case and avoid wasting time and effort.
Membership in Organizations
Another factor that can tell you something about your lawyer is membership in professional, alumni or other organizations. Bar associations require their members to adhere to specific standards of conduct and ethics. Ask prospective lawyers if they are members of any professional organizations, and if so, which ones?
Of course, membership in an organization alone does not ensure the lawyer is right for you. Still, community activity and peer recognition can give you a peek into an attorney’s level of commitment to others and willingness to serve.
Personality and Interests
Attorneys with a healthy home life and outside interests bring a balanced perspective to your case. An attorney with diverse pastimes, friends and community involvement is likely to be creative, decisive and diplomatic when resolving your case.
Additionally, having other hobbies and interests usually requires good time management skills. Such an attorney will likely be able to budget their time responsibly and prioritize crucial tasks effectively. Those with a healthy balance of activities tend to be passionate people who enjoy learning challenges. Outside interests often translate into reliable service that you can trust.
Fees and Payment Options
You should also understand fees or payment plans that may be available for you. Lawyers may have different fee schedules or payment plans, so inquire about this before deciding on a firm.
You will often discover that top personal injury attorneys do not ask for payment unless they win the case. Discuss the arrangement and ensure you are clear on all the details.
Regular Updates on Your Case’s Progress
Another factor to consider is how frequently the attorney will update you on your case’s progress from start to finish. A concerned lawyer keeps you informed throughout the ordeal. From filing paperwork and gathering evidence through settlement negotiations and court proceedings, you need to know what is happening every step of the way. Make sure your future attorney is willing to communicate freely with you during the process.
Licensing in Your State and Familiarity With Local Procedures
You must also be sure your personal injury lawyer has a license to practice in the state where you are filing a claim. While living in the location is a plus, familiarity with local court procedures and regulations related to your case type is essential.
Such a background will give you peace of mind knowing that they are well-versed in state laws pertaining to personal injury claims and relevant court rulings, which could affect how your case plays out if it goes before a judge or jury. Your counsel’s acquaintance with court procedures, regulations, and preferences of local judges may affect how quickly your case settles or goes through trial proceedings if necessary.
Top-Notch Lawyers In Utah
Working with a personal injury lawyer can make all the difference when fighting for justice after suffering harm due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness. You can count on solid, capable legal guidance in Utah by choosing the team at Siegfried & Jensen.
When you need help getting compensation for medical, traffic or other types of injuries, our personable and knowledgeable team is here to help. You don’t have to pay unless you win. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.