Personal injury cases can be daunting, but with the right attorney by your side you can rest assured that your case will be handled in a timely and professional manner. In this guide we will discuss how to find the perfect personal injury lawyer for your needs and what to look for when comparing different attorneys.
Understand Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Before you begin your quest for the perfect attorney, it’s important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities. Make sure that you are familiar with any applicable laws or regulations governing personal injury cases in your jurisdiction. Additionally, you should consult a reliable source of information such as the American Bar Association (ABA) website to become more informed regarding specific attorney credentials, association regulations, professional standards and general legal topics. Taking the time to do this research can save you time and effort later on when selecting an attorney.
Research Applicable Laws
Research applicable laws and regulations when seeking a personal injury lawyer. Make sure you are familiar with your state’s statute of limitations, which sets the amount of time after an incident where you can take legal action. Also, understand any specific rules or regulations related to your type of case as they may influence how you proceed. Knowing the local laws and regulations pertaining to your particular case will also help you decide if certain lawyers are qualified to assist you in court. Having this knowledge can save you time and money in the long run.
Ensure the Attorney’s Licensing is Current and Valid
Before deciding on a lawyer to hire, make sure the attorney’s licenses are up-to-date and valid in your state. You can verify this information with the bar association or online through the National Lawyer Registry. Additionally, read reviews of past cases and any disciplinary measures taken against them. This will help you confirm their credentials and ensure they are qualified to take on your case.
Review the Attorney’s Track Record of Success
When researching and interviewing attorneys to assess their qualifications, it’s important to review how successful they have been in past cases. How many cases have they won? What are the average amounts of damage awards or settlements? Are there any particular areas the lawyer specializes in? You want to make sure that you pick an experienced lawyer with a good track record of success.
Make Sure the Lawyer Offers a Free Initial Consultation
Many personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation to potential clients. This provides a great opportunity for you to discuss the details of your case, ask any questions you may have and get an understanding of how the attorney can help you. During this consultation, it’s also important to properly vet the lawyer so you know he or she is right for your specific case. Ask about their qualifications, experience and success rate in past cases. Be sure to compare and contrast each lawyer’s respective strengths before settling on one who is best suited to handle your case.