When you’re injured and need representation for insurance claims and lawsuits etc., it’s easy to get lost in the hundreds of attorneys available to you. Hiring an attorney is a very personal decision and should be based on solid research as well as how you react to the lawyer. It’s important not to simply open the phone book and choose a lawyer, so here are some important tips on choosing the right one and making sure the one you choose is reputable.

Begin Your Search

While phone books and online websites are great ways to get a list of lawyers, it’s best to get referrals from friends and family who have been in a similar situation. Referrals are one of a lawyer’s best tools and a major way they get business. How to find a personal injury lawyer isn’t an easy question to ask, but most people will be willing to help you out. If a relative won a personal injury case with this attorney, you not only know that they have the skills required, but also treated your relative well.

If you don’t have a friend or relative to ask, your best option is to begin looking online or in the phone book. The list will be long, but at least you’ll have a pool to choose from. Also, do not take the word of commercials and how fancy their ads are. Let the lawyer’s education, training, and honesty take priority over flashy advertising.

The Consultation

Most attorneys will not charge to meet with you to discuss your case. This is the initial consultation and your opportunity to tell them about your case and to find out if they are willing to represent you. It’s a two-way street. You’re choosing the attorney, but the attorney is also deciding if your case is winnable and if they want to take it.

This is when you can ask them all the important questions as well. It’s important to ask about the following:

• Their educational background.
• How long they have been in practice.
• How many cases have been similar to yours.
• Have they had any experience in a trial atmosphere.
• You should also ask them about fees, including any retainer fees and contingency fees that might arise.

When the consultation is over, you should have all the information for whether or not you want them to be your lawyer.