Good Injury Lawyer Selection: Top 10 Tips

The list of Top Attorneys was just published today by Fort Worth Magazine. It is an honor to have been again selected by my peers.I attended the reception Tuesday evening and was again reminded how many good lawyers we have here.

But it made me wonder how someone injured could pick just one top injury lawyer.

In the unfortunate event that you have been injured in a crash and are in the process of selecting the best lawyer, here are 10 tips:

1. Experience  

Your attorney must know every law, procedure, and strategy to maximize the value of your case. He has to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance adjusters and lawyers and possibly convince a jury to award you damages.

We have three law schools just here in the DFW area that are graduating almost 1,000 new lawyers each year.

Since all lawyers charge the same fee, you should consider hiring one who has been practicing law here for a long time.

2. Board Certification

The Texas bar just passed a milestone this week: 100,000 attorneys are now licensed to practice in the state. That’s a lot of people to choose from!

But less than two percent (2%) have been certified as specialists in personal injury law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The board has done the screening work for you by selecting which attorneys are the experts in their fields.

Board certified lawyers must have proven substantial experience, take a rigorous exam, receive evaluations and recommendations by judges and other lawyers, and commit many additional hours of study in their specialty.

3. Specialization in Accident Cases

While all injury lawyers can handle a car wreck case, some focus on defective products, medical malpractice, or toxic torts. Look for a law firm that just handles motor vehicle collision claims and has represented many people with cases like yours. It will know exactly what to do. An attorney who also handles criminal defense and divorces may be spreading himself thinly.

4. Web Site and Blog

Check out the attorney’s web site to learn more about his practice, experience, history and experience. Read his blog to learn more about other similar cases he has handled, injury issues he cares about, and his ability and knowledge.

5. Client Reviews

The Internet gives you countless ways to review an attorney’s qualifications and reputation.  Check out how his past clients rated him on Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, Lawyers.com, LinkedIn, and on many others. Find out if past clients thought he had treated them well and got them good recoveries of money. See how many would recommend him to other people. The more, the better. Don’t rely on who your uncle heard was a good lawyer or on a bombastic TV ad.

6. Awards

Research professional recognition and accomplishments. Has the attorney been honored by legal organizations? Is he a member of personal injury attorney groups and held leadership positions?

7. Team

Make sure he has a competent and deep staff. The lawyer’s team will include paralegals, legal assistants, investigators, accountants, structured settlement annuity brokers, photographers, and others. He will know the best doctors, experts, mediators, and professionals who can bolster your case.

8. Extra Services

All injury lawyers offer many of the same things, like “no recovery – no fee.” But will they also fight to reduce your often excessive medical costs to save you money?  Loan you money at zero percent (0%) interest for emergencies?  Pay for your expenses like MRI’s up front? Charge you for expenses like copies, deliveries, and certified mail? You’ll make more money that way.

9. Personal Meeting

Make sure you can meet with the attorney — not a junior associate, law student, or legal assistant. At your first meeting, bring a list of questions and make sure they are answered. But see if the lawyer already answers them for you without you having to ask about;, things like

  • Who is going to pay for your medical care?
  • What medical care will you need?
  • Who will pay for or total your car or truck?
  • Who will get you a rental in the meantime?
  • What will you do if you can’t work and how will your bills get paid?
  • What insurance proceeds are available?
  • What might your case be worth?
  • What is the process and how long will it take?

10. Personal Attention

You need to know if your attorney will be personally handling your case or if his paralegal, another younger attorney. or partner will be. Will he be updating you on a regular basis? Personally fighting for your rights? All the experience in the world makes no difference if your lawyer doesn’t care about your case.

Hiring the best personal injury lawyer for your case can be a confusing decision.

Here is more information about my law firm and the services we provide.

Call us at 817-885-8000 or toll-free at 1-888-801-8585, or click here to learn how we get you the compensation you deserve.

Share This Post