The aftermath of a car accident is a stressful period of anxiety, worry, piling medical bills, and pain from injuries. The thought of litigation further compounds an already grave situation. However, with a professional personal injury lawyer, you can concentrate on your recovery as a trained legal representative effectively represents your claim.
This blog will explain five essential tips for choosing a personal injury lawyer for your case.
Search for Local Attorney
You’re better off working with a local attorney, i.e., one licensed to practice in Tennessee. This professional is more likely to be familiar with the local state laws and court processes, making them ideal for your case. Although not always crucial, an attorney’s relationships with insurance companies, judges, and other professionals could prove helpful in your case.
The easiest way to find a local attorney is through platforms like Justia and Avvo. However, you can compromise on locality if you fail to find an attorney meeting your requirements. Just make sure the ultimate lawyer you opt for is licensed to practice in the state of Tennessee.
Watch Out for the Success Rate and Track Record
After shortlisting potential candidates, it’s time to check for their success and track record. Look for testimonials, reviews, ethical complaints, disciplinary actions, and performance data from their websites and other review sites. This information will give you insight into how competent a particular attorney is.
“You are better off working with an attorney with a success rate taking similar
cases to trial,” says personal injury attorney Michael Ponce of Ponce Law.
Are They Good Communicators?
One of the main reasons to hire an attorney is to avoid the stress and anxiety associated with pursuing a claim independently. It’s better to focus on recovery and adjusting to a life post injuries instead of chasing paperwork, depositions, and negotiations. That’s why your choice of representation should be a lawyer with impeccable communication skills.
An effective way to gauge this is to consider how the attorney will explain your rights and interests during your initial consultation. This small indicator can ensure you select an attorney who will always be there for you, providing timely updates and explanations for your case.
You Have a Say in Your Choice of a Lawyer
There’s no harm in scheduling a few consultations with different attorneys before making your decision. After all, most lawyers offer free initial consultations. So, take this chance to analyze each candidate critically.
Your final choice should be the professional that ticks all the boxes, whether it is communication, fees, and sometimes even their general demeanor and rapport-building skills.
You Don’t Need to Pay Upfront
There’s no denying that legal services can be expensive. On the bright side, most personal injury attorneys dispense their services contingently. Under this structure, they front all costs associated with your case and recoup these funds from a percentage of your settlement, should the case prove successful.
Conclusion
This guide has shown you the essential tips for hiring a personal injury lawyer for your case. Remember, the success of your claim may come down to the experience, track record, and relationship with the professional you choose. Be sure to take time and consider several options before you settle on a decision. We wish you the best in your claim.
