Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney

Attorney referrals are available through state bar associations: State Bar of Texas, State Bar of Georgia, Illinois State Bar. Martindale-Hubbell provides attorney ratings.

Choosing a personal injury attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make after an accident. The right attorney can mean the difference between fair compensation and being shortchanged by insurance companies. This guide helps you evaluate attorneys and make an informed choice.

Key Qualifications to Look For

• Experience with your injury type: Car accidents, truck crashes, premises liability each require specific expertise
• Trial experience: Attorneys who try cases get better settlements; insurance companies track trial records
• Local knowledge: Understanding local courts, judges, and jury pools matters
• Resources: Complex cases require expert witnesses, accident reconstructionists, and medical specialists
• Track record: Ask about recent verdicts and settlements in similar cases

Questions to Ask During Consultation

• How many cases like mine have you handled?
• What is your trial experience? How many jury verdicts?
• Who will actually handle my case day-to-day?
• How do you communicate with clients? How quickly do you respond?
• What is your fee structure and what costs will I be responsible for?
• What do you think my case is worth and why?
• What challenges do you see in my case?

Red Flags to Avoid

• Guarantees of specific results: No ethical attorney can promise outcomes
• Pressure to sign immediately: Good attorneys give you time to decide
• Unclear fee structure: Contingency fees should be clearly explained
• Inaccessibility: If you cannot reach them during consultation, it will not improve later
• Cases passed to associates: Know who will actually work your case
• No trial experience: Settlement-only attorneys get lower offers

Understanding Contingency Fees

Personal injury attorneys typically work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win. Standard fee structures:

• Standard contingency: 33-40% of recovery
• Pre-litigation settlement: Often 33% (1/3)
• After filing lawsuit: May increase to 40%
• Case costs: Filing fees, experts, medical records usually separate from fee percentage
• No win, no fee: You owe nothing if the case is unsuccessful

What to Bring to Your Consultation

• Police report or accident documentation
• Photos of the accident scene and injuries
• Insurance information (yours and other parties)
• Medical records and bills
• Employment information for lost wage claims
• List of questions you want answered