5 Tips for Finding a Lawyer for a Personal Injury 

Accidents are a part of life. Sometimes, you can even get hurt in an accident through no fault of your own. What can you do if you’ve sustained an injury or experienced damages as a direct result of someone else’s actions or negligence? In some cases, you might need the services of a personal injury lawyer who can work to get payment from the responsible party to compensate you for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. 

You’ve probably seen commercials for personal injury lawyers focusing on car accidents. Many personal injury cases do involve vehicles (including cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, and mass transportation like buses or trains) or pedestrians or cyclists being struck by vehicles. 

However, personal injury lawyers also deal with several other types of personal injury cases. The most common types of personal injury cases besides vehicular accidents include: 

• Slip and fall accidents
• Product liability
• Animal bites
• Medical malpractice
• Workplace accidents

So, how do you find a qualified lawyer for personal injury cases? The following are five tips for finding a lawyer for a personal injury claim, including what to look for and avoid.

1.  Choose A Local Law Firm

Finding a personal injury lawyer in your area is a good idea for a few reasons. For one thing, they will be the most familiar with the laws in your state and the local court system, judges, and potential expert witnesses that might help your case. Secondly, they will be more easily accessible to you. Depending on the type and complexity of your case, you may need to consult with their team more than once, which will be easier if the office is close to you.

For instance, if you’re near Portland, Oregon, the expert team at Warren Allen, LLP has a wealth of experience representing clients in various personal injury cases across the entire Pacific Northwest. A quick Google search of “personal injury lawyer near me” will likely provide you with several good options in your area. You can also talk to friends, co-workers, family, and neighbors to see if they have any personal experience with local attorneys and have any recommendations for you.

2. Check Their Experience

Be sure that the attorney and office you choose specializes in personal injury law. Lawyers with experience in personal injury settlement will be better equipped to give sound legal advice and represent you in court if needed. They will likely also have relationships with experts in the area to help establish negligence, gather evidence, and assess damages for which you might be eligible. 

Research the firm and the individual attorneys to the best of your ability. Read any reviews you can find. Check with the state bar association to verify the lawyers’ credentials. You can also ask about their track record of cases. How successful have they been? Do they have a good reputation?

3. Take Advantage Of Free Initial Consultations

Most reputable law firms understand that potential clients are hesitant and cautious, and they also want to make sure that you have a strong case and are eligible for compensation before they agree to represent you. Many experienced lawyers offer a free initial consultation to review your case with you and offer advice. 

During this meeting, you can assess the professionalism of the firm and the law team, get a feel for them, and determine whether you would feel comfortable working with them. Choosing an attorney who is respectful, responsive, and communicates with you quickly and clearly is important. Do they listen to you? Do they answer your questions in a straightforward manner that you can understand? Do they present themselves in a professional manner? If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” find another personal injury lawyer.

4. Ask Questions About The Fee Structure

Avoid any law firm that makes you feel uncomfortable asking questions about the fee structure. Many law firms work on a contingency fee basis when it comes to personal injury cases, which means they only get paid if you win the case. Be cautious about any personal injury lawyer who does not have a transparent fee structure or is unwilling to provide specific information about fees and costs. You should also avoid any lawyer who guarantees you will win your case or receive a certain amount of financial compensation. 

5. Trust Your Gut

Most importantly, trust your gut. Keeping all of the above tips in mind, you are in the best position to know whether the personal injury lawyer you’re consulting with is the right fit for you in your unique situation and specific case. A professional, reputable, experienced personal injury lawyer will be genuinely interested in helping you, listening to you thoughtfully, answering your questions clearly and promptly, and making you feel comfortable. 

Why Do You Need A Personal Injury Lawyer?

If needed, personal injury lawyers can help determine liability and establish the other party’s negligence. In addition, working with other experts, your attorney can:

• Investigate the circumstances of the accident and gather evidence
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Assess what damages you might be entitled to 
• Represent you in court if you do end up filing a lawsuit 

Getting appropriate legal advice and representation can give you the best chance to protect your rights and get you fair compensation when you’ve been injured due to the actions of another person or entity (e.g., business, government agency, etc.).

When To Find A Lawyer For Personal Injury Cases

Every state has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so it’s a good idea to consult with a personal injury lawyer like the personal injury law team at Warren Allen, LLP sooner rather than later. Also, it’s important to remember that personal injury is not limited to physical injuries but can also include mental and emotional anguish as well as diminished quality of life. When it’s time to find a lawyer for a personal injury, do your research, ask questions, and trust your instincts.