Editor’s Note: This blog was previously published in May 2021 and has been updated for accuracy – March 2025.
Hiring a personal injury attorney after a car accident or other serious injury can feel like a daunting task. You need a lawyer to navigate the complex web of laws, procedures, and insurance company tactics, yet the internet is flooded with personal injury attorneys. For clients unfamiliar with the legal process, it can be overwhelming to know who to trust or how to decide.
Fortunately, there are simple steps and key questions that can help you identify not just any attorney, but the right one for you and your case. The first step is understanding what a personal injury attorney can do for you.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
While there’s no legal requirement to hire a personal injury lawyer, going it alone comes with significant risks. Consider these common pitfalls:
- Insurance companies don’t always play fair, and if you’re not experienced with personal injury claims and negotiating with insurance companies, it’s easy to make costly mistakes.
- When it’s time to file a lawsuit and litigate your claim, you don’t get any special consideration because you’re on your own–you’re expected to understand and comply with all technical, legal, and procedural requirements.
- Pursuing a personal injury claim can be very expensive, and most people don’t have the resources or the knowledge required to identify and retain experts, have testing conducted, and otherwise prepare an effective case.
An experienced personal injury attorney can handle negotiations with insurance companies, navigate the court system and local legal procedures, leverage a network of experts to build your case, and manage deadlines, filings, and evidence production.
But technical expertise isn’t everything. Your attorney should also make you feel confident and comfortable throughout the process.
Using Free Consultations to Find the Right Fit
A free consultation is more than an opportunity to ask, “Do I have a case?” or “How much is it worth?” It’s your chance to assess the attorney and their firm.
Pay attention to:
- Listening skills: Does the attorney listen to your concerns and show genuine understanding?
- Communication style: Are they clear and approachable when explaining legal concepts?
- Comfort level: Do you feel at ease asking questions and sharing personal details?
Be cautious of overpromising. While an experienced attorney can provide insights based on similar cases, no ethical lawyer will guarantee a specific outcome.
Preparing Questions for Your Free Consultation
Going into a consultation with a written list of questions can help you stay focused and ensure you cover all your concerns. In addition to questions specific to your case, consider these:
- Q) How much of your practice is dedicated to personal injury cases? An attorney who handles personal injury cases regularly is more likely to have the specialized knowledge needed to secure the best outcome.
- Q) How often do you go to trial? Most personal injury cases settle, but it’s crucial that your attorney is prepared and capable of taking your case to court if necessary.
- Q) Have you handled cases like mine before? Different types of personal injury cases require specific expertise. For example, truck accident cases often involve federal regulations and out-of-state parties, while medical malpractice claims present entirely different challenges.
- Q) How will I communicate with your office? Whether communication is handled directly by the attorney, through a paralegal, or by a team approach, it’s essential to know what to expect to avoid frustration.
What to Look for in Your Personal Injury Lawyer
The ideal attorney will:
- Possess deep knowledge of the relevant area of law.
- Be prepared to advocate aggressively for your best interests.
- Have the resources and professional network necessary to support your case.
- Listen to your concerns and explain legal concepts in a way you can understand.
- Make you feel comfortable and confident as you navigate the process together.
Atlanta attorney ReShea Balams fights for maximum compensation for people who have been injured through someone else’s negligence, including victims of motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall injuries, medical malpractice and more. The Balams Firm offers free, no-obligation consultations so injury victims can gather the information they need to make good decisions in difficult times. You can schedule yours right now by calling (404) 445-2005 or filling out the contact form on this page.
