Did you know that over 80% of adults in the United States can’t afford legal services?
Often, people overpay for attorneys because they don’t research the kind they need. If you’re looking for a personal injury attorney, for example, many attorneys specialize in different areas of law. If you want to make the most of your money and time, a few tips will guide you through the selection process.
Keep reading to learn the best tips for choosing a Seattle personal injury lawyer!
1. Recognize Your Needs
Before you fall into endless search pages of local attorneys, you need to recognize your needs.
This part won’t take long, since there are a few categories that most people fall into. Car accidents, work accidents, and assaults are some of the most common categories. Slip-and-fall cases, along with negligence and dog bites, are also personal injury cases.
If you’ve suffered from another person, medical professional, or employer, you likely have a case. Write down what your situation was and determine which category encompasses your case.
2. Discuss Your Budget
When you start interviewing personal injury attorney candidates, you should discuss your budget.
Helping your attorney understand your financial restrictions will save you time and money. Depending on the legal firm, you may have the option to make monthly payments for legal help. The hope, however, is that if you win the case with the attorney’s help, you will be awarded compensation for the legal costs.
Some attorneys won’t charge you for services, but you’ll have to research their reputation.
3. Check Review Sites
If you want to win your personal injury case, you need to hire a local attorney with a strong reputation.
Testimonials are a great starting place to learn more about a law firm or specific attorney, but they can be biased. Online review sites, social media, and other platforms, however, can give you a full picture. Learning about the good and bad of the attorney’s previous cases can help you find the most suitable option.
Even if an attorney has years of experience, you won’t want to work with them if they’re unreliable or difficult to talk to. Reviews can give you a better view of the attorney’s work history and ethics.
4. Look Beyond Loved Ones
Do you know someone that went to law school and is starting a legal career?
Although you want to support friends and family, you don’t want to hire an attorney just because you know them. If an attorney you know doesn’t have specific experience with your type of case, you should consider other options in the area.
Hiring a lawyer requires looking past loved ones to find the best support you can get.
Another reason you should avoid hiring an attorney you’re close with is to prevent emotions from getting in the way. If the person representing you is too emotionally-involved, it could impact the results of the case. Look for an unbiased and knowledgeable attorney who knows how to help.
5. Compare Communication Styles
When it comes to navigating a legal case, you don’t want to feel left in the dark.
When you pick an attorney, you should inquire about their communication styles. Knowing this information can help you feel at ease when they are busy or an obstacle in the case arises.
Some attorneys work around the clock and will answer calls at any time of the day. Make sure you know how your attorney handles communication so you don’t feel ghosted or call them too much.
This is also important if the attorney wants to meet in the Seattle area. Phone calls and emails are great for handling cases, but sometimes in-person meetings are more beneficial.
6. Talk & Watch
Have you ever felt like you had something important to say but someone kept ignoring you or cutting you off?
If this is how an attorney candidate is responding to you while talking, you should find someone that’s more thoughtful. Depending on your explanation and evidence, they can increase your odds of winning the case, but they have to listen. Regardless of how much experience an attorney has, they need to listen to individual cases and approach them with a fresh mentality.
You can learn more information on alphaaccidentlawyers.com about attorney-client relationships.
7. Verify Credentials
Although it’s uncommon, some people will try to represent your case without the necessary credentials.
The attorney you select must be licensed to practice law in the state of Washington. A valid license displays they’ve completed and passed law school and the bar exam. This also makes them Juris Doctors, which is someone who specializes in law.
If you’re dealing with an intricate case, you can compare additional credentials to find the most appropriate attorney. Other certifications can increase their knowledge of a specific injury case and increase their odds of winning.
8. Consider Their Compassion
A good attorney can win a case, but an excellent attorney can help people get compensated and increase self-esteem.
You want to find an attorney that isn’t money-driven. Compassionate attorneys are all over the Seattle area. Having an attorney that is considerate of your experience and suffering can help motivate them to win and find you the assistance you need.
Rushed attorneys who try to make money with little attention can be difficult to work with. Some people feel disrespected or upset when they hire an attorney with little compassion.
Win Your Case with a Seattle Personal Injury Lawyer
Whether you’ve been in a car accident, gotten bitten by a dog, or suffered from medical malpractice, you can find help.
The tips mentioned above can help you find a Seattle personal injury lawyer that will be worth your time and money. If you don’t work with the right attorney, you may have to find an alternative in the middle of the case or risk the chance of low settlements. Fortunately, you can find someone that specializes in your personal injury case for a win.
Be sure to read our blog for more content about hiring an attorney and finding legal help!
