What to Look for in a Great Personal Injury Lawyer

When involved in an accident that results in serious injuries, the first step for many is to seek legal counsel. But with thousands of lawyers to choose from — some less experienced or reputable than others — it’s important to take that step with care to ensure the success of your case.

IBISWorld data shows that there were more than 48,000 personal injury attorneys in the United States in 2023. In Ohio alone, nearly 17,000 lawyers take on injury-related cases, according to the Ohio Bar’s directory.

Clearly, if you want the best outcome for your case, you’ll need to choose carefully. When searching for an attorney, it’s crucial to do your due diligence as if your chances for compensation depend on it, as they very well may.

How to Find an Attorney

Researching personal injury law firms in your area may sound time-consuming, even overwhelming. However, it can often be as simple as making a few phone calls.

Referrals can come from many sources, such as family members or friends who have successfully won a case using a particular personal injury lawyer. Alternatively, you might have a friend or know a friend of a friend who practices law. Even if they don’t focus on personal injury, they may be able to make a recommendation.

Another good source — the best one for vetted lawyers — is a local American Bar Association referral service. Keep in mind, however, that such services may charge a fee.

While you might have seen personal injury lawyer ads on TV, online, or in print publications, it’s wise not to make advertising your only source. Some lawyers may be volume-driven and geared toward fast turnover rather than outcome-focused. A far better approach is to aim to gather three to five referrals from different sources.

What to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer

Once you’ve got a list, you can reach out to each firm and schedule a consultation, which most personal injury attorneys offer at no charge. Here are a few things to look for during your consultation:

Reputation

To gauge a firm’s reputation, find out whether they’ve received awards, high rankings, or other industry recognition in the past. It’s also a good idea to search for reviews from previous clients.

Experience

Make sure that personal injuries are the firm’s primary practice area and that its attorneys have a track record for achieving favorable outcomes for their clients. Don’t be afraid to request examples of successful cases.

Depending on your needs, it may also be wise to verify that the firm has mediation or trial experience.

Communication

When interacting with a particular attorney, pay attention to their communication style. Did they welcome your questions? Were their explanations clear and knowledgeable? Did you sense sincerity in how they expressed concern for you and your case?

The answers to these questions may influence your rapport with a given lawyer, as well as their ability to be of service to you.

Your Decision Matters — Make It Count

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t just settle on the first personal injury attorney you come across. Gather multiple recommendations, research the firms in detail, and meet with an attorney at each to get a sense of their personality and expertise.

By being proactive and taking the right steps, you can find an attorney who will prove to be a stalwart champion for your case.