If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Not only will this ensure that your legal rights are protected, but a talented lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve. If you are looking for a personal injury attorney in Sarasota, check Hale Law. Below are some of the best ideas that will help you to get an experienced attorney who has intimate knowledge of personal injury law.
Ask Friends and Family for Referrals
Chances are, someone you know has been through a personal injury case and can recommend a good lawyer. So, make a list of lawyers who have been recommended to you, and then do your own research to narrow it down.
While friends and family are an easy way to get a good lawyer, you will not always have this option and that’s where the internet comes in. Online review websites, such as Yelp and Google+, can be a great way to get information on personal injury lawyers. Read through the reviews to see if any of the attorneys on your list have been involved in lawsuits or have had complaints filed against them.
However, don’t judge a lawyer for having one or two critical reviews. Reviewers can be unfair, and that doesn’t mean the professional is incapable of winning cases. Instead, look for a lawyer with mostly positive reviews who has been in business for a while. This is a good sign that the lawyer knows what they’re doing and can be trusted to handle your case.
Interview Your Top Choices
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential lawyers, it’s time to interview them. This is your chance to ask questions and get a feel for whether the lawyer is a good fit for you.
In this phase, ask if the lawyer has experience with personal injury cases like yours. You’ll also want to find out how long the lawyer expects your case to take and what their fees will be.
Most importantly, make sure you feel comfortable with the lawyer. They will be working closely with you throughout your case, so it’s important that you get along well.
If you don’t feel comfortable with a lawyer, move on to the next one.
Check the Lawyer’s Records with the State Bar Association
While most lawyers are ethical and upstanding members of the community, some may have been caught doing something illegal or unethical. And checking the State Bar Association’s website is a good way to find out.
If you have questions about the lawyer you’re considering, don’t hesitate to ask them. The worst thing that could happen is that they say no and you move on to the next lawyer.
Generally, it’s important that you feel comfortable with your choice, and the lawyer should answer all of your questions.
Review the Attorney’s Experience and Credentials
Just as you would do with any other professional, it’s important to review a personal injury lawyer’s experience and credentials.
Lawyers who have been in practice for many years and have successfully handled cases similar to yours are likely the best choice. You should also check to see if they’re licensed to practice law in your state.
If you have questions about the lawyer’s experience or credentials, don’t hesitate to ask them. The lawyer should be more than happy to answer your questions.
Ask if the Lawyer Will Personally Handle Your Case
Some lawyers will assign a junior associate to your case, while others will handle it from beginning to end. It’s important to ask this question so you know what you’re getting into.
If the lawyer doesn’t plan on handling your case themselves, find out how often they’ll be in touch and who you can contact if you have questions.
It’s also worth mentioning that some junior associates may be good lawyers, but their lack of experience could cost you dearly. Also, you want to avoid a situation where you have to go through a lawyer’s assistant every time you need to ask a question.
Go with Your Gut
In the end, you have to go with your gut when it comes to hiring a personal injury lawyer. If something doesn’t feel right, or if you have a bad feeling about a particular lawyer, walk away.
There are plenty of lawyers out there who would be happy to work with you and who will do their best to get you the compensation you deserve.
Everything considered, following these tips should make the process of finding and hiring a personal injury lawyer much easier. By taking your time and asking the right questions, you will find someone who’s a good fit for you and your case.