Choosing an experienced personal injury lawyer is one of the most critical decisions. It would be best to have someone who will listen to your needs and guide you through the personal injury claims process. The best lawyers are experienced and licensed, have a track record of success relating to your case, and have strong negotiation skills. They also have compassion and empathy for their clients.
Extensive Experience
A lawyer from an experienced personal injury law firm with extensive experience will be more likely to know the most effective ways to get results in your case. Experienced personal injury attorneys will be able to anticipate what insurance companies and defense lawyers will do in your case and be prepared to counter their tactics. Shop around before hiring a personal injury attorney. Most offer free consultations to meet with you and discuss your case, so take advantage of this opportunity. You should pay attention to how quickly the attorney answers your questions, how invested they seem in your case, and how detailed their explanations of the following steps are. It would be best to consider how long the attorney and law firm has been in business and their track record for winning settlements and verdicts. You want a history of success pursuing high-value cases, including those with catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims.
Strong Communication Skills
Whether discussing your case with an insurance company, connecting to a jury in the trial, or explaining legal concepts to clients, strong communication skills are vital for personal injury attorneys. They should also be available to their clients by phone or email and respond to questions promptly. An excellent personal injury attorney will feel genuine empathy for their clients. After all, it’s often a very stressful time for them:
- Adjusting to life after an accident.
- Worrying about medical bills and lost income.
- Watching their insurance claims pile up.
A good lawyer can explain these concerns and the process clearly and easily. They will communicate well in legal environments as well, communicating with judges and jurors professionally and respectfully.
Strong Negotiation Skills
Negotiating a fair settlement with insurance companies is vital in personal injury cases. A firm with solid negotiation skills can ensure you receive a larger settlement than you can secure. When selecting a personal injury attorney, ask how many years of experience they have handling cases like yours. While every case is different and past success does not guarantee future results, a lawyer’s extensive experience will help give them the edge they need to win your claim. Additionally, a firm with strong negotiation skills will be more likely to build rapport and trust with their counterparts during negotiations. This can ultimately lead to a more collaborative and positive outcome for both parties.
Strong Litigation Skills
The ability to effectively negotiate and litigate your case is crucial. The best personal injury attorneys are savvy negotiators and can connect to juries and influence them to rule in favor of their clients. They also know how to value a client’s case, including non-economic damages such as emotional and mental distress. This is accomplished by researching similar cases and seeking expert opinions. A reasonable attorney will not take no for an answer and persistently fight for their clients. This tenacity helps them overcome obstacles and achieve justice for their clients. They are also creative and think outside the box to find ways to establish liability and secure compensation for their clients. These skills can be the difference between getting the settlement you deserve and being left shortchanged by the insurance company.
Excellent Customer Service
The best law firms understand how important client service is. They are proactive in answering clients’ questions and providing them with updates on their case’s progress. In a world where consumers are researching everything before purchasing, personal injury law firm customer service is vital to getting the business. For example, a firm may offer free legal advice, provide follow-up emails after each phone call, and encourage clients to leave reviews on review and comparison sites. Additionally, look for a firm that doesn’t rely on solicitation letters. When you meet with an attorney, ask about who will be handling your case and if they are a senior lawyer or a junior associate. Having your case managed by someone with significant experience will help ensure the best possible outcome.