Choosing a personal injury lawyer is an important decision, and there are a few key things to look for as you compare your options. A Greenville personal injury lawyer at Smith Jordan Law can also help answer questions about your situation and help you make an informed decision.
What should you look for in a personal injury lawyer?
One of the first things to check is whether the lawyer handles cases like yours. Personal injury is a broad umbrella, and an attorney who focuses on car accidents may not be a good fit for a medical malpractice case. You may also want to check their license to ensure they are in good standing with the state bar.
Most firms will have a way to contact them on their website, and you can expect this first interaction to put their best foot forward. Consider how quickly they responded and how the interaction went.
How much experience should a personal injury lawyer have?
While experience isn’t everything, it can affect how a lawyer handles your case. If an individual attorney lacks extensive experience, you may want to consider whether they will have regular support or staffing from more experienced team members.
There is no set amount of experience that will make one lawyer better than another. The bigger picture is often most important. Someone with 3 years of direct experience, supported by those with 30 years, may provide better representation than an individual with 5 years of direct experience.
What questions should you ask during a consultation?
The initial consultation is your chance to ask questions and see if the lawyer is a good fit. They will likely ask many questions about your case and situation to determine if/how they can help you, but it is just as important that you feel confident working with them. Some of the more common questions people ask include:
- What experience do you have with cases like mine?
- What results have you seen in similar cases?
- How do you usually handle cases like this?
- How often will you update me?
- Will I work directly with you or with staff?
- How are your fees structured?
There is no right or wrong answer to these questions, but they should give you a general idea of what to expect from working together and whether their style and expectations will align with yours.
How do personal injury lawyer fees work?
Many personal injury firms, including Smith Jordan Law, provide services on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay upfront, and fees are only taken if compensation is recovered. This allows you to secure representation without worrying about incurring legal costs or risking losing the case entirely.
These fees are typically a percentage of what is recovered, though the percentage may come out before you pay other liabilities like medical bills or just on the remaining balance. This can make a significant difference in what you take home and is often an important question to ask.
Why does choosing a local Greenville personal injury lawyer matter?
When you go with local representation, you’re working with someone familiar with the local courts and community. Positive working relationships with other attorneys, court staff, and local resources can make your case go a little smoother.
What red flags should you avoid when choosing a lawyer?
Some signs that should give you pause when looking for a personal injury lawyer are obvious, including poor or disrespectful communication, pressuring you to sign a contract, or general disorganization.
More subtle red flags include an attorney who speaks in certainty or guarantees certain timelines or results. A firm that does not clearly answer your questions or gives vague responses may not be the best choice.
An attorney should be able to clearly communicate with you regarding costs and expectations while also providing support for what they tell you. Ambiguity without reason should be a red flag.
How can the right lawyer affect your personal injury claim?
The legal relationship will often flourish with trust and transparency. If you are not able to develop a trusting relationship, it can significantly impact the outcome of your case and the amount of stress and anxiety you experience. For example, when you have a trusting relationship, it may be easier to disclose possible liability that they can tackle head-on, instead of being surprised by it later when the other party brings it up.
Find the right personal injury lawyer for your case in Greenville
The Greenville personal injury lawyers at Smith Jordan Law have more than 40 years of serving the community. We take the time to understand your situation and work with you from start to finish so you know what to expect, allowing you to focus on recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation online or by calling (864) 343-2222.