Choosing a personal injury lawyer is not something you should rush. You need the right person to help you fight for compensation after suffering an injury, and this can mean speaking with a few people to find the one who offers the kind of support you’re looking for. Learn some of the top tips for making this choice.
1. Focus on Pertinent Experience
Lawyers often highlight their years of experience in personal injury law, but this is a broad area of legal practice. An attorney who works mainly on car accident claims will likely know that part of the law inside out, but can they tackle medical malpractice or premises liability cases as easily?
To make sure a lawyer has the pertinent experience, ask about the kinds of settlements they’ve obtained for their clients. That can give you an idea of where their strengths lie.
2. Evaluate Their Track Record
Having successfully settled many cases is a good sign, but it’s essential to look at the kinds of settlements the lawyer has gotten. Less reputable attorneys take on many cases and settle as quickly as possible, often without negotiating, to boost their numbers. If you see a lot of low settlements, that could be a red flag.
3. Ask About Their Fee Structure
Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee structure. They receive a percentage of your settlement or jury award instead of charging upfront fees. Ask about this before making a decision. Ensure that you clearly understand what you will be charged if they do win your case. That way, there won’t be any surprises later on.
4. Consider Communication Styles
You need a lawyer who can explain complex legal concepts in a way that you can understand. They should not overwhelm you with jargon or seem annoyed if you ask for clarification. If you inquire about the statute of limitations in Indiana, for example, they should be able to give you a clear explanation.
You should also feel comfortable speaking with them. If they make you uneasy in any way, it’s best to choose another attorney. These processes are difficult enough without also disliking your representation.
Your lawyer should be someone you can contact and expect a reasonably prompt reply. You should not have to chase after them. This can sometimes happen if they have a very large number of clients, so consider response times as you make a choice.
5. Inquire About Their Local Resources
A personal injury claim often relies on expert testimonies. Your lawyer should have a wide net of professionals to reach out to for assistance. They should also have access to private investigators to assist with gathering evidence.
It’s not enough to have an array of expert witnesses. Your lawyer also needs to know how to use them efficiently. If you win a settlement or jury award, you will be the one who ends up paying for these experts, so being able to trust that your attorney relies on them only when needed is essential.
Contact the Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys at Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers for Help Today
After an accident that leaves you with injuries in Indianapolis, IN, hiring an experienced attorney to represent you as you begin legal action can feel like a daunting process. It doesn’t have to be. By looking for someone with experience in your type of claim and making sure you feel at ease with them, you can find the person who will help you fight for your rights.
If you’ve been injured or are facing a complex legal matter, reach out to Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers to schedule a consultation. Our team serves clients across Indianapolis and throughout Indiana, and we’re ready to pursue the justice and full compensation you deserve.