How Do I Pick the Best Personal Injury Lawyer?

Alabama accident victims frequently need a personal injury lawyer to seek compensation for their damages. Not knowing an attorney, they will sometimes turn to advertisements, billboards and TV ads. Bad idea. In this post, we will give insider tips on how to find the best lawyer for your injury claim.

Step 1 – Research the internet

Type in simple search phrases on Google, like “personal injury attorneys”. Then scour the results for news stories, reviews and articles published by these attorneys. Pay particular attention to reviews for attorneys. Lawyers who have multiple, legitimate negative reviews should be marked off the list. On the other hand, law firms with a high number of positive reviews should be seriously considered. Reputable review portals on the internet include: Google Business Listings, AVVO, Yelp, Findlaw, etc.

Step 2 – Ignore billboards and TV ads

The mere fact that an attorney advertises to the general public for personal injury clients does not make him a bad attorney. But, similarly, his payment for a billboard across the street from a hospital says nothing about his ability to competently prepare and try your case for settlement or jury trial. You must dig deeper.

Step 3  – Pick a Lawyer with Expertise in Your Area of Injury

Simply having a license to practice law does not qualify an attorney to properly handle your claim. If, for example, you have been in an accident with a commercial vehicle, attempt to hire a law firm that has experience with truck accident claims, not just general personal injury such as slip and falls. Similarly, if you have been the victim of a hospital’s negligence, hire an attorney who has experience with medical malpractice lawsuits.

Step 4 – Ask local judges and court personnel who are the top personal injury lawyers in your area

Unlike TV spots and billboards, a local judge, who deals with lawyers on a regular basis, will have the inside information you need to find the best lawyer. If you don’t know a judge, ask court personnel who probably also have an inside track on which local lawyers have the best reputation.

Step 5 – Look at their track record

Questions to ask: What is their win/loss ratio? Do they have a reputation for big jury verdicts? Do they list their results on the website? Do they have any disciplinary issues with the Alabama Bar association?

Step 6 – Find someone you are comfortable with

There is no rule requiring an injury claimant to hire the first attorney they meet with. Feel free to shop around and find the one that makes you feel comfortable with their ability.

Get in touch with our Birmingham personal injury attorneys today.