6 Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve outlined six big mistakes to avoid when choosing an injury lawyer because it is not an easy decision. Why? You’ve been bombarded by lawyer advertisements for years containing confusing and/or bad information. Additionally, the insurance industry has spent millions of dollars with slick advertising trying to convince the public that hiring a lawyer isn’t necessary. Some people actually believe the insurance propaganda and treat their injury claim like it’s a routine do-it-yourself home project.

So, how do you find a qualified, competent, and professional lawyer? You start by reading this Consumer’s Guide. You’ll learn about the 6 common mistakes to avoid that people make when choosing an injury lawyer. We hope this guide helps you better understand the process of choosing and hiring an injury lawyer. With this information, you can make a more informed and intelligent choice.

6 Mistakes You Should Avoid When Hiring an Injury Lawyer

1. Hiring an inexperienced injury lawyer or a general practice lawyer.
   In hiring an injury lawyer, you should seek an attorney experienced in injury law and one who concentrates his/her work in injury law each and every day. If you tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in your knee, you wouldn’t allow your primary care physician to do the surgery. Instead, you would consult an orthopedic specialist. When selecting an injury lawyer, you need to follow the same procedures. Hire an experienced injury lawyer whose concentration is injury law.
2. Hiring an injury lawyer who never sees the inside of a courtroom.
   The insurance industry tracks the results of lawyers, so it knows which lawyers settle all their cases and which lawyers fight for their clients by going to court. Lawyers with a reputation for settling get their clients less money. To maximize your recovery, hire an injury lawyer familiar with the courthouse and not one that just routinely accepts the insurance company’s low offer.
3. Paying an attorney upfront.
   Most injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that unless your lawyer successfully recovers money on your behalf, you don’t owe an attorney’s fee. You should not have to pay any money upfront to hire an injury lawyer.
4. Hiring an injury lawyer who doesn’t have the resources to properly handle all aspects of your claim.
   A skilled personal injury lawyer will be able to investigate your claim and assist you with getting appropriate medical care. Avoid attorneys who are difficult to communicate with or who charge you money to handle your personal injury protection (PIP) or medical pay claims.
5. Hiring an attorney who doesn’t provide you peace of mind during the difficult days following an injury.
   Its important to hire an injury lawyer who provides support and comfort while you recover from your injuries. You’ll have lots of questions and concerns, and you need a lawyer responsive to your needs. Seek a lawyer who will speak with you, fight for you and put your interests first.
6. Hiring a discount lawyer.
   Most injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and charge between 33-40%, depending upon when your claim concludes. However, there are injury lawyers out there offering discounted fees. Do you really want a cheap lawyer fighting for you in your time of need? Be careful. The old adage, “you get what you pay for,” is usually right.