Choosing a Lawyer

We post a ton of informational content across our social media channels, and I love seeing the questions we get there. One of the most common questions I see goes something like "Gary, I was just in a car accident. How do I know what lawyer to hire?"

Choosing a lawyer is tough – how do you know who to get? You want the best you can get, to be treated nicely and fairly, and to get the full value of your damages as quickly as possible.

Here are some questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring them:

• Are you going to handle my case personally?
• I know you say ‘No Fee if No Recovery’ and I get a free consultation, but if you lose my case are you going to want me to pay at least your expenses? Or do I really have no obligation whatsoever if we do not win my case?
• Do you go to court, take depositions, and fight these cases or do you just sign these up and let your associates do the work?
• Do you file lawsuits and try cases, or are we just going to collect a bunch of documents, send them to the claims adjustor and settle this case cheaply?
• Have you actually litigated and tried these kinds of cases?
• Do you continue to train and keep up with your trial skills?
• Do you have a reputation in the legal community and with claim adjustors and defense lawyers that you will fight to the very end for a case to ensure that you get the full value of the settlement of the claim, rather than a reduced value?

• How long have you been practicing in this field of law?
• Have you ever handled a case like mine before?

Here are a number of additional questions:

• What are the possible outcomes of my case?
• Will you be able to assist me in finding good medical care?
• Will you be able to fight my liens for my insurance company or others who want to take money from my case?
• Do you charge additional money for fighting liens or if I have to get a loan or any other matter other than the percentage that you promised me?
• Are you willing to take my case for a lower percentage than what you have quoted?
• Are expenses included in your fees?
• Will you let me know what is going on with my case in a timely manner?
• Will you answer my phone calls and communicate with me?
• What style approach will you take--aggressive and zealous?
• Although I certainly want to settle my case, will you make sure I get all the money I can?
• Who else in your office will be working on my case?

• Is this is serious enough injury where I should get a lawyer?
• Does this lawyer have the right experience and resources?
• How is your firm’s track record?
• What kind of reputation to do you have?
• Do you feel comfortable with this lawyer?
• Do you have any certifications or peer awards?
• Is the lawyer trying to hard sell you or is it obvious that they a robust business and having them as a teammate to fight your claim would be beneficial?
• If I terminate my representation of you before the matter is resolved, do I have to pay you?
• Will you be responsible for my case or will I be assigned to another lawyer?
• Or will you work as a team with other lawyers?
• Who is my primary contact?
• What is the best way to communicate with you?
• How are you going to tell me about what is going on with my case?
• Why should I hire you?
• How strong is my case?
• What are its weaknesses?
• What is the likely outcome of my case and what should I do?

Choosing a lawyer can be a lot of work, but finding the right firm to represent you can be one of the most important steps in winning your case!

Car accidents are awful, but it’s important to be prepared with knowledge. Fortunately, we’ve literally written the book on how to handle a car crash!

Tell ya what, let me give you a copy.