Dealing with personal injury cases can be extremely frustrating without the legal guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney. If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident, it’s best to make sure that you find the best firm or attorney to fight your case for you. Here are some quick tips to finding the best personal injury attorney near you.
Things to Look For In a Personal Injury Attorney
Experience
The best attorney for your needs is someone that has dealt with the type of injury case you’re involved with. The best attorneys know exactly what to look for, where to look for it, and understands how to leverage any findings towards the success of your case. Hiring a personal injury attorney with little to no experience can seriously impact the results of your case and the timeline over which your case plays out. So, make sure that before you hire an attorney, you’re asking them about any similar cases they’ve dealt with and what steps they are willing to take to successfully resolve your case.
Local Knowledge
An attorney with local knowledge can provide the best chance at success. An attorney with a local lay of the land can be beneficial to the success of your case as different cities and states have different laws or standards. So hiring an attorney in California to fight your case in Texas probably wouldn’t be a great idea. That being said, some attorneys work and understand laws across state lines, so make sure to discuss all of your case details with an attorney prior to hiring he or her.
Willingness to Listen
Finding an attorney that works well for your situation and needs can make the entire legal process a bit more bearable. While you’re probably not going to have a backyard barbecue with your attorney, having someone that you get along with and keeps you updated with your case will help give you some piece of mind. The legal process isn’t fast, so make sure you and the attorney are on the same page prior to hiring them. During your consultation, feel out how receptive the attorney is to your case and needs. Are they asking all the right questions? Are you receiving the information you need? Are they talking over you rather than hearing you out? These are all things to keep in mind as you source an attorney.
Places to Find an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Friends and Family
An easy way to start your search for an experienced lawyer is to ask your friends and family. Chances are, they’ve dealt with a specific lawyer that worked well for them and will happily point you in the right direction. One thing to remember is that everyone is different and one attorney may work well for them, but not for you. Add any recommendations to your list of potential attorneys and cross off any that don’t feel like a good fit once you’ve properly vetted them.
Online Search
If you don’t have any luck with friends and family, the next best step is to start searching the internet for a qualified attorney. The legal industry is extremely competitive, so it can be somewhat overwhelming to sift through the hundreds of local attorneys in your area. Narrow down your search by being a bit more specific with your keywords. For instance, if you’re injured by a specific product, chances are you probably aren’t alone. Try to search for attorneys that have dealt with and written about specific cases revolving around the same type of injury or topic. Online reviews and testimonials are also extremely helpful, as they give insight into how an attorney dealt with past clients and their cases.
Other Lawyers
While not every lawyer practices the same type of law, they can be a great resource in finding a great personal injury attorney. Asking other attorneys that you’ve worked with to recommend a local personal injury attorney for your needs can be an easy way to find a local, trustworthy attorney that can meet your legal needs. Attorneys routinely receive leads that may not work for their practice, but they typically already have someone they pass said leads to when they’re inbounded. But just like the friends and family referrals, make sure that you still take the time to properly vet any recommendations.
Local Bar Referrals
Most local bar associations have a referral system that lets users search for local attorneys by their areas of practice. Keep in mind that not all referral systems are the same, as some screen attorneys prior to being listed, while others simply list all attorneys that are in good standing with the state bar. If you choose to use a referral system, make sure to find out how they find and list the attorneys in their system. You can typically find this somewhere on their site, or you can give them a quick call to discuss their vetting info.
Here is a list of directories that can help you narrow down the search for the best personal injury attorney near you:
- FindLaw
- Avvo
- Justia
- Super Lawyers
- Nolo
Questions to Ask a Potential Attorney or Firm
Interviewing a potential attorney can help you narrow down your search. If you didn’t receive a referral from someone, you’ll want to know that they are the best fit for your needs. Here are a few questions you should ask when interviewing attorneys:
- How long has said attorney been practicing law?
- Have they handled a case like yours before?
- Who is going to handle your case? Are they going to pass it onto someone else?
- What expenses (if any) will be incurred during the process?
- What is the contingency fee?
- How long do they estimate the case will take?
Are You in Need of A Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Attorney?
Hiring a personal injury attorney to navigate the legal side of your injury is the best chance you have to receive the money you deserve. Whether you’re in a battle with an insurance company or you need to file a lawsuit, personal injury attorneys are the easiest way to ensuring your side is heard and your needs are met. Don’t rush to hire an attorney and make sure that whichever firm you decide on has the ethical background and experience for your case.
If you’re looking for a personal injury team that knows what it takes to fight even the toughest personal injury cases, the Weycer Law Firm is here to help. The Weycer Law Firm is one of the most experienced personal injury firms in Texas, with over 35 years of experience. Mark Weycer and his team have the legal and local Houston knowledge to get you the results you need. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, on the job site, or suffered an injury at the hands of a medical professional, the Weycer Law Firm team has what it takes to fight for you. Call us today at (713) 668-4545 to discuss your case for free.