How to Choose a Personal Injury Attorney
Not sure how to pick the right attorney for your claim? Here's what to look for and what to ask before you decide.
Look for relevant experience with your type of case
Personal injury covers a wide range of situations, from car accidents to product liability to wrongful death. An attorney with specific experience in your case type is generally better positioned to anticipate how it will unfold.
Understand how contingency fees work
Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid a percentage of your recovery, and only if you recover something. Ask upfront what percentage applies and whether it changes if the case goes to trial.
Ask about communication before you sign anything
Some firms hand your case to a large team with limited attorney contact; others keep communication closer and more direct. Neither approach is inherently wrong, but you should know which one you're getting.
Questions worth asking in a free consultation
How many cases like mine have you handled? What's your general approach to negotiating with insurers? Will you tell me honestly if my case isn't strong? Who will actually be my point of contact?
Trust your gut, but verify credentials
Beyond the conversation itself, confirm the attorney is licensed and in good standing in your state through your state bar association's public lookup tool, which is typically free and takes only a few minutes.