Getting hurt in an accident can change your life in a second. You may be in pain, unable to work, and dealing with medical bills. That’s why finding the right personal injury lawyer is so important. The lawyer you choose can make a big difference in whether or not you get the money you need to recover.
A good lawyer will fight for your rights and make sure you’re treated fairly. They’ll deal with the insurance companies, help gather evidence, and represent you if the case goes to court. But not all lawyers are the same. Some are more skilled or experienced than others, and picking the right one takes a little effort.
It’s not just about choosing someone with a law degree. You need someone you feel comfortable with, someone who listens to you and takes your case seriously. That’s why this list of 11 tips can really help you make a smart decision.
Let’s break down what you should look for when hiring a personal injury lawyer, and why each point matters.
Tip 1: Look for Specialization in Personal Injury Law
Some lawyers handle many different types of cases, like divorce, criminal defense, or business law. While they may be smart, they might not have deep knowledge about personal injury laws. And that could hurt your case.
You want someone who deals with personal injury cases every day. These lawyers understand how to work with doctors, deal with insurance companies, and argue for fair compensation in injury claims. They also keep up with new laws and court rulings related to injury cases.
Specialized lawyers are often more prepared for challenges that come up. For example, if the other side tries to blame you for the accident or deny your injuries, a focused personal injury lawyer knows how to push back.
So, always ask if the lawyer focuses only or mainly on personal injury law. It’s a strong sign they’re serious about helping people like you.
Tip 2: Check Experience and Track Record
How long a lawyer has been practicing can give you some insight into their skills. Someone who’s been working in personal injury law for many years has probably seen cases like yours and knows how to handle them.
But it’s not just about how long they’ve been around. You should also find out how many personal injury cases they’ve worked on and how successful they’ve been. A lawyer who has handled hundreds of cases and won many of them is more likely to get you good results.
Try to find out the amounts they’ve helped other clients win. This gives you an idea of what kind of outcomes they’re used to getting. Some lawyers share this information on their websites, but you can also ask during your meeting.
A strong track record means they know what they’re doing—and that’s exactly what you want when your health and money are on the line.
Tip 3: Read Reviews and Ask for Referrals
One of the best ways to learn about a lawyer is by hearing from other people. You can check reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, Avvo, or Martindale-Hubbell. These reviews often mention how the lawyer treated their clients and how well the case turned out.
Pay attention to patterns. If many people say the lawyer was helpful, honest, and worked hard, that’s a good sign. If you see a lot of complaints about poor communication or delays, take that seriously too.
You can also ask people you trust for recommendations. Family, friends, or coworkers might have worked with a personal injury lawyer before and can tell you who they liked. Other lawyers, like your family attorney, may also know someone who’s good with injury cases.
Word of mouth can be one of the most honest ways to find a reliable lawyer.
Tip 4: Schedule a Free Consultation
Most personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation. This is a chance for you to talk about your case and ask questions—without paying anything. It’s also a great way to see if you feel comfortable with the lawyer.
You can do the consultation in person or over video. Use this time to ask how they plan to handle your case, what your chances are, and how long things might take. See if they answer clearly and take the time to listen to you.
A good lawyer will not rush you or avoid tough questions. They should give honest feedback, not just say what you want to hear. Trust is built from this first meeting.
This step helps you get a feel for who they are, how they work, and whether they’re the right fit for your needs.
Tip 5: Assess Their Communication Skills
When you’re going through a personal injury case, you want a lawyer who keeps you in the loop. That means they return your calls, answer your emails, and explain things in simple terms.
Some lawyers use a lot of legal words that can be confusing. You don’t need someone who talks like a law book—you need someone who makes things easy to understand. That way, you can feel confident about what’s happening in your case.
Also, pay attention to how they talk to you during your first meeting. Are they clear? Do they take the time to explain? That’s usually how they’ll communicate throughout the whole process.
A lawyer who’s easy to reach and explains things well can reduce a lot of stress and confusion during your case.
Tip 6: Understand Their Fee Structure
Most personal injury lawyers work on a “contingency fee” basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, they take a percentage of the money they win for you. If you don’t win, you don’t pay.
This setup is helpful for most people, especially if medical bills are piling up. But it’s important to know what that percentage is—usually it’s around 33% to 40%. Some may also charge extra fees for paperwork or expert witnesses.
Make sure to ask about all fees before signing anything. A good lawyer will be honest and explain everything clearly.
Knowing how they get paid will help you avoid surprises later.
Tip 7: Verify Their Credentials and License
Before you hire a lawyer, make sure they’re properly licensed to work in your state. You can usually check this on your local bar association’s website. It’s a quick step that gives you peace of mind.
You can also look for any complaints or disciplinary actions against them. A clean record is a good sign of professionalism.
Some lawyers also have special awards or certifications that show they’re respected in their field. These honors often come from legal groups or industry associations.
Taking the time to verify credentials shows you’re serious about picking someone trustworthy and qualified.
Tip 8: Gauge Their Willingness to Go to Trial
Not every personal injury case goes to court—many are settled outside. But it’s important to know if your lawyer is ready to go to trial if needed. Some lawyers settle every case to avoid court, even if you could get more money by going to trial.
Ask if they’ve tried cases in court before and how those cases went. A lawyer with courtroom experience can be a strong negotiator, because insurance companies take them more seriously.
If your case is complex or involves serious injuries, you want a lawyer who’s not afraid to fight for you in front of a judge.
A lawyer who’s ready to go the distance can make all the difference in how much you receive.
Tip 9: Make Sure They Have Adequate Resources
Personal injury cases sometimes need a lot of preparation. That includes hiring experts, gathering medical records, and building strong arguments. A solo lawyer without help might struggle to keep up.
Find out if the lawyer has a team behind them. Paralegals, assistants, investigators, and medical experts all help build a strong case.
If your lawyer has the right support, they can handle your case faster and more effectively. They’ll also be more prepared if the case ends up in court.
Don’t be afraid to ask how they work behind the scenes. A well-equipped lawyer is better able to handle anything that comes up.
Tip 10: Evaluate Their Case Strategy
A smart lawyer should have a plan for your case. When you talk to them, ask what steps they’ll take and how they’ll handle different parts of the process.
They should be able to explain their plan clearly—from collecting evidence to talking to the insurance company to preparing for trial if needed. A clear strategy shows they’re organized and know what they’re doing.
They should also be realistic about your case. If a lawyer makes promises that sound too good to be true, that’s a red flag.
Choose someone who’s honest and has a step-by-step plan that makes sense to you.
Tip 11: Trust Your Gut Feeling
Sometimes, it just comes down to how you feel. If something feels off during your first meeting with a lawyer, pay attention to that. You want to work with someone you can trust.
Ask yourself: Do they listen to me? Do they seem confident but not pushy? Do I feel respected? If the answer is yes, you’re probably on the right track.
On the other hand, if they talk over you, don’t answer questions, or seem only interested in money, it’s okay to walk away.
Your instincts can be a powerful guide—so don’t ignore them.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Chicago at Phillips Law Offices
If you’re in the Chicago area and looking for a trusted personal injury lawyer, Phillips Law Offices is here to help. Our team focuses only on personal injury cases and has decades of experience fighting for people just like you.
We’ve helped clients win millions in compensation, and they’re known for being honest, hardworking, and aggressive when needed. Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, or medical mistake, they have the resources to handle it all.
Our lawyers offer free consultations, explain everything in plain language, and treat your case with the care it deserves. When you work with Phillips Law Offices, you’re not just another case—you’re a person who deserves justice.
Suffered Personal Injury? Contact Us Today for Help and Compensation
Don’t wait to get the help you need. If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s mistake, call Phillips Law Offices now. Our team is ready to listen, answer your questions, and fight for the money you deserve.
Let a trusted legal team stand by your side and get results that matter. Call us today (312) 598-0917 for your free consultation. You can also find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.88479288375672, -87.63079064829671
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