If you have been injured in an accident, choosing the right personal injury lawyer can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. However, with so many lawyers, it can be difficult to know where to start. This article will highlight the top 10 mistakes to avoid when choosing a personal injury lawyer.
Mistake 1: Not Researching the Lawyer’s Experience
Experience is key when it comes to personal injury cases. It’s important to choose a lawyer who has a proven track record of success in handling cases similar to yours. To research a lawyer’s experience, look for information on their website or LinkedIn profile.
You can also ask for references from past clients or check online reviews. Be bold and ask the lawyer directly about their experience and success rate.
Examples of inexperienced lawyers and their impact on cases include:
- Missed deadlines.
- Failure to gather the necessary evidence.
- Settling cases for far less than they are worth.
Mistake 2: Choosing a Lawyer Based on Advertising Alone
Lawyer advertising can be misleading and does not necessarily reflect the quality of the lawyer’s work. It’s important to evaluate a lawyer’s advertising and not rely solely on it when making your decision.
Look for specific examples of cases the lawyer has won, and check for any awards or recognition they may have received. Don’t be swayed by flashy ads or promises of large settlements.
Mistake 3: Not Checking the Lawyer’s Reputation
A lawyer’s reputation in the legal community can have a big impact on the outcome of your case. Choosing a lawyer who is respected and trusted by their peers is important. To research a lawyer’s reputation, check with your state bar association or ask for recommendations from other lawyers you know.
You can also check online reviews and ratings from past clients. Strictly avoid hiring lawyers who have been disciplined by the state bar association or have a history of unethical behavior.
Mistake 4: Choosing a Lawyer Based on Price Alone
While it’s important to consider the cost of a lawyer, choosing one based solely on price can be a big mistake. Lawyers with very low fees may lack experience or may not have the resources to properly handle your case. It’s important to evaluate a lawyer’s fees in relation to their experience and success rate.
Examples of lawyers with unreasonably low fees include those who advertise “no win, no fee” guarantees but charge exorbitant fees if they do win the case.
Mistake 5: Not Evaluating the Lawyer’s Communication Skills
Communication is key in any legal case, and choosing a lawyer who can communicate effectively with you and other parties involved in your case is important.
To evaluate a lawyer’s communication skills, schedule a consultation and ask questions about how they will keep you informed throughout the case. Pay attention to their responsiveness and willingness to answer your questions.
Lawyers with poor communication skills are difficult to reach and often fail to keep their clients informed about the status of their cases.
Mistake 6: Choosing a Lawyer Based on a Referral Without Doing Your Own Research
While referrals can be helpful, relying solely on them to choose a lawyer can be risky. It’s important to do your own research and evaluate the lawyer’s qualifications before making a decision. Ask for references from past clients and check online reviews and ratings.
Mistake 7: Not Checking the Lawyer’s Availability
It is essential to have a lawyer who is always available to address your concerns and answer your questions throughout your case. It would be best if you had a lawyer who would keep you informed about the progress of your case and answer your phone calls and emails promptly.
Some lawyers are known for being difficult to reach or unresponsive to their clients. You should avoid such lawyers.
How to Evaluate a Lawyer’s Availability:
You can evaluate a lawyer’s availability during your initial consultation. Ask the lawyer how quickly they usually respond to clients’ emails and phone calls. Also, ask if they have a policy for returning calls and emails. This information will give you an idea of what to expect if you choose to work with the lawyer.
Examples of lawyers who are difficult to reach or unresponsive to clients:
A lawyer who doesn’t return phone calls or emails promptly can cause significant stress to their clients.
For example, a lawyer who never returns phone calls or emails can make their clients feel in the dark about their case. This lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings and, ultimately, the client losing the case.
Mistake 8: Choosing a Lawyer Who Doesn’t Specialize in Personal Injury Law
It is essential to choose a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. This is because personal injury law is complex, and only a lawyer with experience in this area can provide you with the best possible representation. A lawyer specializing in personal injury law will know how to navigate the legal system and negotiate with insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve.
How to Evaluate a Lawyer’s Specialization:
You can evaluate a lawyer’s specialization by checking their website or asking about their personal injury law experience. You can also check their track record to see if they have won similar cases to yours in the past.
Examples of lawyers who lack experience in personal injury law and their impact on cases:
A lawyer lacking personal injury law experience may not know the proper procedures to follow when filing a claim. They may also be unfamiliar with the nuances of personal injury law, which could lead to them accepting a lower settlement offer than you deserve.
Mistake 9: Not Asking About the Lawyer’s Case Load
A lawyer’s caseload can significantly impact the outcome of your case. If a lawyer has too many cases, they may not have enough time to devote to your case. Conversely, if a lawyer has too few cases, it could be a sign that they are not reputable.
How to Evaluate a Lawyer’s Caseload:
You can evaluate a lawyer’s caseload by asking how many cases they are working on. You can also ask if they have a team of lawyers and support staff to help them with their cases.
A lawyer with a high caseload may not have enough time to devote to your case, which could lead to them missing important details. They may also have difficulty keeping up with deadlines, which could result in your case being dismissed.
Mistake 10: Choosing a Lawyer Who Doesn’t Make You Comfortable
Feeling comfortable with your lawyer in a personal injury case is crucial. You will be sharing personal information with your lawyer, and you need to be able to trust them. If you don’t feel comfortable with your lawyer, you may not be able to communicate effectively with them, which could hurt your case.
You can evaluate whether you feel comfortable with a lawyer during your initial consultation. Pay attention to how they communicate with you and whether they listen to your concerns. Also, ask yourself if you can trust the lawyer.
If you have been injured in an accident and need a personal injury lawyer, make sure to avoid these 10 mistakes when making your choice. Research a lawyer’s experience, reputation, specialization, and availability to ensure you have the best possible representation. Don’t rely solely on advertising or referrals; avoid choosing a lawyer based solely on price. Also, evaluate a lawyer’s communication skills and ask about their caseload. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started on your personal injury case.
Choosing a Personal Injury – FAQs
Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about how to choose a personal injury lawyer in Wisconsin.
Why is specialization in personal injury law important?
There are many lawyers out there who will take any case that comes their way or dabble in practice areas with which they aren’t intimately familiar. However, these attorneys are apt to make mistakes that could cost their clients money. Instead, opt for an attorney who focuses on this practice area, knows the latest changes to statutory and case law, and has a track record of winning cases like yours.
How can I verify a lawyer’s credentials?
You can double-check a prospective attorney’s credentials by looking them up on the state bar registry as well as legal services like Avvo and Super Lawyers.
What should I ask during the initial consultation with a lawyer?
Your initial consultation is a low-stakes way to get to know a prospective attorney and determine whether they’re right for you. Here are some questions to help you make that decision:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- Do you focus on personal injury law specifically?
- What is your success rate?
- What can I expect during the course of my case?
- Will you handle my case yourself?
- How do you bill for your services?
Why is it important to discuss the case timeline?
Discussing the timeline of your case can give you a better idea of what to expect during the litigation process. That way, you’re not surprised by anticipated delays.
What are the risks of hiring an unlicensed attorney?
If you hire an unlicensed lawyer, you risk not only losing a winnable case but also having little recourse if your so-called attorney makes a critical mistake.
Contact our Wisconsin Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Schwaba Law Firm wants to hear from you. Contact us today for your free consultation with an experienced Wisconsin personal injury lawyer.
