One of the biggest challenges an individual or their family faces after sustaining a personal injury is finding the right attorney to take on their case. This can seem like a never-ending process, and it may feel like you have to reach out to dozens of lawyers before finding the right fit. That’s why the team at Maring Williams Law Office has created this guide to help you navigate the process and sort the right attorney from the wrong one.
What to Look For in an Attorney
1. Experience
When searching for a lawyer, the biggest thing to consider is their experience in the personal injury field. It is important to find out how many years of experience they have. Ask them if they exclusively practice personal injury law or if it’s just one aspect of their practice. Additionally, look into any awards and certifications they may have and ensure they are licensed to practice in your state.
2. Case Results
The next thing to consider is the lawyer’s track record. Ask them about their past successes and what kind of outcomes they have achieved for clients with similar cases as yours. Find out how many cases they’ve handled, and if possible, look up reviews from past clients—you typically can find this information on the attorney’s website.
3. Legal Resources
Finally, it is important to look into the attorney’s resources. Is the lawyer backed by a reputable firm with plenty of financial and legal resources? Do they have access to experts, investigators, and other necessary professionals that could help your case? All of these are important aspects to know before deciding on an attorney.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
It's important to have some questions prepared to ask during your initial consultation. While we've already touched on some conversation starters above, here are some more specific questions that you may find useful to ask.
- What kind of strategy do you think would be best for my case?
- How long do you think it will take to resolve this matter?
- What is your estimated success rate in cases similar to mine?
- Who will be working on my case, and what are their qualifications?
- What out-of-pocket expenses will I have to pay?
- How often can I expect updates on the progress of my case?
You may also find it helpful to know whether your case has a chance of going to trial. While very few personal injury cases require extensive litigation in a courtroom, it's important to manage your expectations early on. This can also be useful in gauging your attorney's trial experience and learning about how they have handled similar cases in the past.
By asking these questions, you can get a better idea of how your case may proceed and if this attorney is truly the right fit for you. It’s important to remember that while finding the right lawyer is important, it’s also just as important to feel comfortable with them and trust them.
Can I Change My Lawyer Mid-Case?
If you hire an attorney and then later decide it's not an ideal situation, you may be able to change to a new lawyer mid-case. However, this should only be done if absolutely necessary and after careful consideration. In some cases, changing lawyers may slow down the process of your case or incur additional costs.
When evaluating whether or not to switch attorneys, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I trust that my current attorney is pursuing the case properly?
- Am I confident in their ability to represent me effectively?
- Do I feel comfortable communicating with them and asking questions?
- Are they providing me with regular updates on my case’s progress?
If you can confidently answer “no” to any of these questions, then it may be time to consider changing lawyers.
Need Legal Assistance? Maring Williams Law Office is Here for You.
At Maring Williams Law Office, we are passionate about providing top-notch legal assistance to our clients. Our attorneys have decades of experience in personal injury and wrongful death cases, and we strive for the best outcomes possible for every individual who comes to us. Contact us today by calling (701) 402-6644 or filling out this short form to learn more about how we can help you with your case.