How to Pick the Best Personal Injury Lawyer to Handle Your Case
When you are recovering from a vehicular accident, a slip and fall, a dog bite, or medical malpractice that has left you feeling worse than when you initially sought care, you might not be in the mood to comparison shop. That’s understandable! The aftereffects of a traumatic event like these can be devastating. Nevertheless, it’s important to find the best personal injury lawyer you can.
Read on to find out the first steps to take as you begin your journey to justice.
1. Ask Around
Despite the incredible convenience and usefulness of the internet, there is still no better way to find services or service providers than to ask for recommendations. Your friends, family members, and coworkers are going to be valuable connections during this time. Put the word out that you’re in the market for a great lawyer, and you’re bound to get plenty of names. Having a shortlist compiled before you begin to research individual firms will save you tons of time and effort.
2. Ask the Internet
While word of mouth might be the best way to start out in your search, word of mouse is also worth seeking out. You can learn a lot about a law firm from reading up on reviews. Check out sites like Angie’s List, Yelp, Google reviews, and local outlets. This might seem a daunting task in and of itself, so arm yourself with knowledge beforehand by finding out how to read reviews.
Taking everything that reviewers say at face value isn’t helpful, and in fact, can lead you pretty far astray. Develop a healthy sense of skepticism. This is a major decision, after all, and there’s no sense in rushing it — as long as you’re able to file your suit before the statute of limitations runs out.
3. Head to the Firm’s Site
Now that you’ve narrowed the filed of contenders a little more, head on over to check out the law firm’s site itself. It should be professional, easy to navigate, and full of information. Why is it important that a website be free of typos, error pages, or design faux pas? It reflects on the business at large and is, many times, a potential client’s first impression of the firm.
If the attorneys can’t be bothered to put their best foot forward online, they might not go the extra mile for you.
4. Make Contact
Here’s another opportunity to judge the firm’s overall professionalism. You should be treated with respect and courtesy. If you leave a voice mail or fill out a web form, expect a quick response — if that firm leaves you hanging, it’s OK to move on.
Additionally, pay attention to the “vibe” you get from the law firm. Trust your gut instincts. An attorney whose attitude or personality leaves a bad taste in your mouth is not the right attorney for you. You will be working with these folks for months or even years to come.
5. Ask a Lot of Questions
Lastly, come prepared to the complimentary consultations you set up. In addition to the general questions that all clients should ask, you may have some that are specific to your case. Write them down, and don’t sign on any dotted lines until all your concerns have been addressed.
The Best Personal Injury Lawyer For You
Remember that while recommendations are great, the best personal injury lawyer for your friend isn’t necessarily your best choice. Do your homework, check and double-check, and do whatever it takes to feel comfortable with your choice.
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