If you’ve been injured in an accident and are considering hiring a personal injury attorney, you may wonder, “Where do I start?”
After all, many people rarely need to look for an attorney and need to familiarize themselves with the process. On top of that, finding the right person is important—someone who will fight for the compensation you need to put your life back together. It’s a big decision, and the many options can feel overwhelming.
You’ve probably seen ads for personal injury attorneys on billboards, television, and social media. Each one claims to be the best. How do you know which one is the right fit for your situation?
The guide below will walk you through what to look for so you can feel confident and informed about your choice. Know that you can always contact our Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys. We always offer a free initial consultation and would happily discuss your case.
1. Proven Experience in Personal Injury Cases
Look for an attorney with a proven track record in handling various personal injury claims. Whether your case involves a car accident, slip and fall, workplace injury, or medical malpractice, you want to hire an attorney with experience in your particular type of claim.
Check out their websites online, including their testimonials, then ask those attorneys you meet with about the cases they’ve handled and the outcomes they’ve achieved. A history of favorable settlements or verdicts can show that an attorney can navigate the law to their client’s advantage.
(See our case results here for examples of our successful outcomes.)
2. Strong Negotiation Skills
Most personal injury claims are settled before they go to court. This saves time and resources for all sides and is the preferred outcome. That’s why you need an attorney who has exceptional negotiation skills.
This person should be adept at working with insurance companies that often focus on their bottom lines and minimize payouts. You need someone who knows how insurance companies work and how to communicate with them in a way that secures a fair settlement for you.
During your initial consultation, ask the attorney how they approach negotiations and what strategies they use to benefit their clients.
3. Trial Experience
Even though most personal injury cases are settled outside of court, you will still be best served by an attorney with trial experience. Why? For a couple of reasons.
First, insurance companies usually know what type of experience your lawyer has. When going into negotiations, if they understand that your attorney will take them to court if necessary, they will be more likely to take that attorney seriously and negotiate accordingly.
Second, sometimes the parties can’t agree on a settlement, and the case goes to court. Then, it would help if you had someone comfortable presenting a compelling case at trial to give you every possible advantage at a favorable verdict.
Ask the attorney about their trial experience during your initial consultation.
4. Communication and Accessibility
Good communication is critical to any attorney-client relationship. You want someone who will take the time to explain your case, is happy to answer questions, and will keep you updated throughout the process.
During your initial consultation, consider how the attorney and their staff interact with you. Are they attentive, respectful, and responsive? Do they explain complex legal concepts in a way that’s easy for you to understand?
If you feel confident and have more peace of mind after communicating with this person, that’s a good sign.
5. Reviews and Testimonials
Look for reviews online highlighting the attorney’s strengths, such as dedication, communication style, expertise, and success rate. Start with Google reviews, then check legal review sites like Avvo and Justia. Many law firms also maintain active social media profiles, and you may find reviews or comments on these profiles.
In addition to online reviews, don’t hesitate to ask for references.
6. Free Initial Consultations
Once you’ve narrowed your search, make an appointment with the attorneys left on your list for free initial consultations. Most reputable personal injury attorneys offer these to help you decide whether you want to work with them.
Prepare a list of questions to ask, such as:
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- What is your success rate?
- Do you charge on a contingency basis, or are there up-front costs?
- How will you keep me informed about my case?
Make notes at each meeting that you can review later when deciding.
7. Decide
After meeting with several attorneys, take some time to review your notes and weigh your options. Consider the following factors:
- Experience: This may be the most critical factor—the one that makes the difference in your case.
- Communication: Did you feel heard and valued as a client?
- Reputation: Check over your notes to see if you feel confident about this attorney’s reputation.
- Confidence: Check in with your feelings—does this attorney help you feel confident moving forward?
Trust your instincts. Choose an attorney with the experience and skills to manage your case who will also make you feel comfortable and supported.
We Are Here to Help You
At Shapiro, Washburn, and Sharp, we have decades of proven experience, a history of securing substantial settlements and verdicts, and a reputation for compassionate client care. When you partner with us, you’ll gain a dedicated team that will ensure that your case gets the attention it deserves.
We will do everything possible to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, as we did for this client, who suffered a second stroke shortly after her first one due to her doctor’s negligence. We helped secure a $3.5 million jury verdict in her favor.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation. We have offices in Virginia Beach, Hampton, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Norfolk.