How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Lawyer

People injured in a car accident are well aware of the physical, as well as mental distress that can be caused by dealing with the aftermath of the situation. Life is often initially turned upside down, and sometimes the distress can carry on for years.  When the situation is caused by another person’s negligence, the distress is multiplied.  In this situation, the injured party has the right to gain compensation for the losses that have occurred. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, the injured party might be able to get the settlement that they deserve. Who should they choose?

The initial advice needed is often free because most lawyers offer a “contingency fee” method of payment, which basically means they collect a percentage of the settlement they obtain for you.  Accordingly, they will allow you a free initial consultation as a way of trying to attract your business.

Some tips on choosing the right lawyer:

 #1 Use a specialist

The laws pertaining to driving and insurance differ from province to province and are very complex. Because laws are created to cover a large range of subjects, they often cause confusion to the common person. A lawyer who specializes in a specific area of law is needed for this difficult interpretation and will ensure that the claim is in accordance with the compensation.

#2 Call your local bar association. 

They often have a referral number as well as lists of lawyers that practice in the area of law you are looking for.

#3 Call some local lawyers. 

Ask them if they needed a personal injury law lawyer for themselves today, who would they choose and why?

#4 Ask friends and family for names of attorneys they have used and trust.

Ask them some questions, such as, “did they return your phone calls promptly”.  “Did they keep you updated about what was happening with your claim?”  “Were they prepared to go to court if needed?”  “Did they have a courteous professional staff?”   “Did more than one lawyer work on your file”.  The reason for some of these questions is obvious.  You have the right to have a professional, courteous, knowledgeable team working on your behalf who is prepared to take your matter to a courtroom if need be.  While friends and family recommendations can be helpful, ultimately you should interview your potential lawyer prior to hiring them to determine a best fit for you and your situation.

#5  Interview 3 Personal Injury lawyers before making a decision.

Almost every personal injury lawyer offers a free initial interview.  Hiring a lawyer can be a very crucial decision for you, and an expensive one.  It is well worth your time to sit and interview 3 lawyers prior to spending thousand on them and placing your case in their trust.  Make sure you clarify that they have a free initial consultation before sitting down with them.

Some questions you need to ask:

• How many years have they been practicing?
• How many years have they been doing personal injury (PI) law?
• How many PI cases have they handled?
• Have they appeared in court before in PI trials?  How many?
• Have they done jury trials? 
• Do they foresee any problems with “liability” or any other matter that may be detrimental to your claim? 
• What is their percentage rate they will charge you?
• How long will the matter take to get resolved?
• Who is responsible for “disbursements” (costs) along the way until settlement?
• If the lawyer is covering these costs is there a charge or interest on those costs? Read more about Shawn Dickson Swail