Finding the Right Personal Injury Lawyer for You
After being involved in a crash there are probably many questions swirling in your head. How will I pay my medical bills? What do I do about time off work? How do I get my car fixed? You will get advice from the insurance company and guidance from your friends and family, but the best thing to do is call an Indianapolis personal injury attorney.
A good injury attorney will be able to assess your case, tell you if you need an attorney, and then walk you through the process so that you can focus on your recovery. However, not all attorneys are the same and some don’t have your best interest in mind.
Therefore, it is important to do your homework and remember these important points when finding the right auto accident lawyer for you and your case.
Here Are the 4 Fundamentals When Finding the Right Attorney
Experience
Practice makes perfect, and they do, in fact, refer to the law as a practice. Not only do you want an accident attorney licensed to practice law in the state where your incident happened, but you want an attorney who has handled other cases like yours – and done so successfully.
Before deciding on the right attorney, ask how many years they have been in business and how many cases like yours they have settled or tried and won. Any reputable attorney should be able to give you examples of a proven track record. You also want to be sure that if your case can’t be settled outside of court, your attorney is prepared to fight in the courtroom.
Expertise
While there are general practitioners who will take cases in a variety of practice areas, most attorneys focus on specific areas of law. An attorney who is focused on personal injury will have the most relevant experience to take on your case. They will be familiar with insurance negotiations, medical records, and pain and suffering.
Customer Service
Though you may owe your attorney anything until they settle or win your case, you are ultimately paying them. Therefore, your attorney and his or her staff should provide you with excellent customer service and personal attention. This means honest and open communication, regular status updates, and friendliness from staff. Your case should always feel like a priority. Look at client testimonials and reviews online to get a good idea of the attorney’s reputation for client service.
Chemistry
You shouldn’t make the decision to hire an attorney solely on a gut feeling, but it is important to “click” with the attorney or firm you choose. You will want to speak with your prospective lawyer in person or on the phone before retaining services.
It is important that your attorney be a good listener, be articulate and optimistic about your case, is empathetic, seem trustworthy and hard-working. You want a go-getter who is prompt and efficient. If they don’t get back to you shortly after your initial contact, they may not be the right fit.