The first step is to pick up the phone and call us.
Attorney William Messervy
When you’ve been injured in an accident or due to someone else’s negligence, figuring out how to hire a personal injury lawyer should be a top priority. After seeking medical attention, your next move should be to seek legal representation.
Even though that’s your next step, please keep in mind that not all personal injury attorneys are created equally. You don’t want to hire a lawyer who doesn’t think your case deserves their full attention and messes up your opportunity for a positive outcome.
Just how do you find the right lawyer to present your case? Here are some tips.
Selecting a Personal Injury Attorney
When choosing your lawyer, consider these factors:
- Experience
- Reputation
- Track record
- Specialization
Don’t be embarrassed to speak with multiple attorneys.
Meeting with them helps you gauge their competence. It is your right and responsibility to find a lawyer with a great record of handling your type of case. Therefore, specialization matters. Medical malpractice cases differ from those involving injury in a car accident.
Your commitment to finding the right attorney, combined with that attorney’s know-how, can reduce your stress in the long run and result in fair compensation for your losses. Ultimately, you want an attorney who is a good communicator and problem solver.
If you’re unsure about what these initial calls should look like, Attorney William Messervy explains them a bit more in the video below.
The Importance of a Strong Attorney/Client Relationship
Attorneys use communication and trust to build strong client relationships. If your attorney makes you feel valued and secure, that makes you a happier client and more willing to trust the person handling your case.
Also, an attorney who keeps a client updated on the progress of the case and responds promptly to calls and messages creates an open line of communication.
Be certain you choose a lawyer who accommodates your style of communication. If you prefer emails, calls, or face-to-face interactions, make sure your attorney will take the time to interact with you using that method.
Steps to Take After Your Initial Consultations
Compare the attorneys you’ve consulted, trim your list to a few top options, and decide on the one with whom you’d like to proceed.
Make sure you understand the fees the attorney will charge if your case is won.
Once you have decided, you will sign a contingency contract; this officially establishes your attorney/client relationship.
What to Expect Once You’ve Hired a Personal Injury Lawyer
Now, the process of building your case begins. Your lawyer will use resources to investigate the circumstances of your injury by gathering and analyzing evidence, reviewing your medical records, contacting insurance companies, and calculating financial losses that resulted from the accident.
Your attorney could potentially negotiate a settlement once both parties gather all the appropriate information. If those negotiations fail, expect your lawyer to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. Your lawyer’s sole responsibility is to get you every single penny you deserve.
Hiring a lawyer for your personal injury case is simply that – personal. Make sure the lawyer you hire is a good fit.
Personally speak with the lawyer who will manage your case. If they can’t take the time to personally discuss your case, then they may not give your case the attention it deserves later on. Their complete focus should be on securing a win for you.
If you need an experienced and focused personal injury law firm to handle your case, please call the law office of Timberlake & League for a free consultation. We can help.