How to Choose a Personal Injury Attorney

After you have suffered a wrongful injury, seeking an Indiana personal injury attorney is a must. It’s important to choose the lawyer for you and your case.

The myriad of cases handled by personal injury attorneys is expansive. Often lawyers will focus on handling a certain type of law. It’s important to pay attention to the track record when researching lawyers to determine if their services are right for you.

The Process of Seeking Legal Representation

Choosing a personal injury attorney requires care. The following tips can help you pick the best person for your case.

Identify Lawyers in Your Area

The lawyer you choose to represent you must practice in the state in which your injury occurred, regardless of where you actually live. The internet can provide lists of lawyers by location.

Don’t overlook networking services. Local bar associations will usually have a network of skilled attorneys. These groups will help you match the specifics of your case to the strengths of each lawyer in the area.

Identify Lawyers Experienced in Your Type of Case

Again, no two personal injury cases are exactly the same. If you were injured in a car accident and a particular lawyer only has experience in medical malpractice, they probably won’t be a good fit. Find a lawyer who has dealt with similar cases to yours to ensure you receive the best representation.

Talk to Coworkers or Friends

First-hand experience is often the best filter for determining attorney efficacy, but never determine your legal representation based solely on word of mouth. It pays to do your homework.

Check Up on Relevant Lawyers

Once you have narrowed down your list, it’s time to take a look into the backgrounds of the lawyers you’re considering. There are several websites that score lawyers based on their abilities and other factors. It’s also important to check the state bar in which the lawyer practices so you can ensure your lawyer hasn’t been disbarred.

Attend Free Consultations

Almost every law firm offers a free initial consultation. This meeting allows the lawyer to assess your case and lets you both get to know if you would work well together. Bring documents to this initial meeting. These may be proof of lost income, the accident report, doctor’s notes, and medical bills. Go to more than one free consultation so you have options and can choose the lawyer you like best, rather than just the only one you’ve met.

Make the Decision

With all this research, you are ready to make an informed decision about what lawyer you want to represent you.

Additional Tips for Seeking Skilled Attorneys

Make sure you ask potential attorneys questions about their experience with cases like yours and what they think of your claim. Additionally, pay attention to the lawyer’s staff. Since lawyers hire their staff members, they are reflective and representative of the attorney’s values and professionalism. A knowledgeable and helpful staff is often indicative of your lawyer’s efficacy.

Benefits of Hiring an Attorney

You can deal with insurance companies on your own. However, they often deliver the lowest possible payout to their clients. Lawyers can put pressure on insurance companies, who are notorious for stalling payments and frustrating clients into accepting whatever payment amount they offer. A lawyer can prove liability in ways that most people without legal knowledge cannot.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of another’s wrongdoing or negligence, contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer from Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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