Every year, there are approximately 39.5 million personal injury cases in the US. These cases can be overwhelming to the involved victims. They might not know how to file for claims and fight for fair compensation. Most of them seek help from personal injury attorneys to overcome these challenges. However, with so many lawyers in this area, deciding which one to hire can be difficult. Read on to discover essential qualities and red flags to check when looking for a Phoenix personal injury attorney.
Legal Specialization
Anyone can most likely handle your personal injury case, but this does not mean you should hire them. You need to look for a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. An attorney who understands law and regulations on personal injury cases and how they work.
So, it’s a red flag if an attorney does not specialize in personal injury law, as they’re a jack of all trades. This means that they represent all kinds of clients, from divorce clients to people facing criminal charges. The problem with this attorney is that they only have a shallow knowledge of injury law. Hiring them can be a mistake as they’ll most likely struggle to offer reliable legal representation.
Reputation and Track-Record
Comparing the reputations and track records of different personal injury attorneys can help decide the one to hire. Use the internet to find out what past clients say about a given lawyer. Also, seek information on settlement amounts a given attorney has won for their clients. Your goal is to pick a personal injury attorney with an outstanding reputation.
It’s a red flag if an attorney has many negative reviews from past or current clients. Also, avoid attorneys who overpromise, claiming they can guarantee you’ll receive a certain amount as compensation. Personal injury cases are complex, and even for experienced attorney cannot guarantee a certain outcome. They can only estimate the value of your claim and will often caution you against having unrealistic expectations.
Trial Experience
One of the key things that separates personal injury attorneys is trial experience. You need to choose a lawyer who’s ready to take your case to court. The goal is to have the option to go to trial if you receive a too-low settlement offer. Your attorney will represent you in court and is experienced in picking the jury and presenting solid evidence.
It’s a red flag if an attorney does not have any trial experience. Hiring such a lawyer can limit your options as they’ll most likely counsel you against going to court. So, they might persuade you to accept a settlement offer, although the money is not enough to cover all the damages you suffered.
Conclusion
Choosing a competent attorney can positively impact your personal injury case. To find this attorney, check the area of specialization, reputation, and trial experience. Also, watch out for red flags; they can help you avoid hiring the wrong personal injury attorney in Phoenix.