How to use this guide
Use the section links to find the records, deadlines, and questions most relevant to your situation.
Topic
How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Case
Consumer Guide
Start with
Introduction
Use the section links to find the information most relevant to your situation.
Individual questions
Case-specific review
An attorney can address how the facts, evidence, deadlines, and governing law apply to a particular matter.
01
Introduction
When choosing an attorney after a serious accident, compare relevant experience, communication, resources, responsibilities, and the written fee agreement.
02
1. Check Their Courtroom Record
Some firms are built for high-volume, quick-resolution work. Serious injury and wrongful-death cases may require a different system: attorney attention, expert funding, record review, and trial preparation.
Question to Ask: "When was the last time you took a case to trial verdict?" Trial history is one useful signal when evaluating whether the firm can prepare a disputed case.
03
2. Verify Their Focus
Ask how often the lawyer handles matters involving comparable injuries, experts, defendants, and trial preparation. Relevant experience, available resources, communication, and the written fee agreement are more useful than a broad practice label alone.
04
3. Read the Fee Agreement Carefully
Many injury matters use a contingency fee, but the percentage, case expenses, and client responsibilities should be stated in the written agreement.
- Case Expenses: Does the firm advance these costs? The fee agreement should explain how attorney fees and advanced case costs are handled if no money is recovered.
- Fee Changes: Does the percentage change if a lawsuit, appeal, or trial is required?
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Red Flags to Avoid
- Specific outcome promises: No lawyer can guarantee a result. Treat a promised outcome or dollar amount before factual review as a warning sign.
- Pressure to sign: Ask how the firm obtained your information and take the time needed to read the written agreement before deciding.
Review the Record Early
Evidence can change quickly. Attorney review can help identify records, deadlines, and preservation issues.