Looking around for a personal injury attorney probably wasn’t on your to-do list for this holiday season. Unfortunately, we see many new personal injury cases around this time of year. While there is no direct reason why, some theorize that it’s because of the amount of travel and hustle and bustle happening around this time. When it comes to looking for the best personal injury attorney, there are numerous things you should pay attention to.
Ask for Referrals
Referrals are one of the best ways to find an attorney who is trustworthy. Hearing from friends and family who may have found themselves in an unfortunate situation, yet came out on top because of a good attorney is a simple way to make a connection.
When you ask for a referral, be sure to ask about how promptly and well the attorney communicated. Understand their “bedside” manners and how well they interacted with opposing counsel. The stereotype of the aggressive lawyer might look cool, but it’s not good for attorneys to burn bridges with others in the legal community.
Check Reviews
Online reviews from people you do not know are another valuable way to find unbiased feedback on attorneys you’re looking at working with. Look at both positive and negative reviews. You want to see if there are trends in negative feedback that could be a red flag, as well as trends in positive feedback.
Pay attention to people complaining about attorneys who don’t seem to care. This is a major red flag. We take every client’s case seriously and care about the smallest and largest. Any good attorney should.
Additionally, when looking at reviews you should look at the number of reviews a firm has. The more they have the better, as it’s an indication that they serve many clients and can balance their caseload while doing so. It also is a sign of extensive experience.
Years of Experience
When looking for a personal injury attorney, pay attention to the number of years they’ve been practicing. A firm should have more than five years of experience and numerous favorably closed cases to ensure they have the knowledge needed to serve you.
Experience in Your Types of Injury
Not all personal injury attorneys practice in every area. There are far too many subsections of personal injury for a person to practice in all of them. Beware of the Jack of all trades! Whether you’re been in an auto accident, slip and fall, or the victim of a dog bite, find an attorney who knows the laws that apply to your circumstance.
Determine What’s Important to You
You know yourself better than anyone else. You know what’s important to you and the things that will make you feel safe enough with an attorney to be as open and honest as necessary with them.
Things to consider include:
- success record
- a lawyer’s experience with your type of case
- credentials and track record
- availability to take your case
- size of the law firm
- the law firm’s years of experience and access to resources
- how the law firm handles case fees
- past client experiences
Compile Your List
Once you know what you’re looking for in an attorney, begin to compile a list of those around you who can meet your needs. Call each one and ask for a free consultation. Here at Cohen & Winters, we never charge for a consultation. Our goal is to best advise you on the right steps for your needs. This shouldn’t cost you when you’ve already been through enough.
As you move through your list, be sure to actually talk to the attorney you’d be working with, not another member of the legal team. However, it’s also important to ensure your interactions with the entire office are positive, as each team member plays a crucial role in move your case forward.
One other thing to consider asking the attorneys who you speak with is for a ROUGH estimate of what you might expect to receive. No one can guarantee anything, but they might be able to provide a tentative timeline and understanding of what you could walk away with.
Looking for a personal injury attorney in New Hampshire? Contact our experienced legal team. We’re here to help you navigate the complex legal system and find an outcome that is most favorable for you. From understanding what the long-term implications of your injuries are to learning about your options, Cohen & Winters is here for you.
