Choosing a good lawyer that you can trust with your personal injury or wrongful death case is one of the most important choices you will face. Oftentimes clients come to Glass & Robson when they are most vulnerable. Many of the people who call our office have never needed a lawyer before and are unfamiliar with the legal process. Much like you experience when entering an Atlanta jewelry store and see all the ideal cut diamonds, in the legal field, there are no shortage of “bad” lawyers. Some will solicit potential clients directly through the use of “runners” even though it is a violation of the ethical rules. Others will put their own interests ahead of the client’s interest, which is a violation of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct. Before hiring a lawyer to represent you in a personal injury case, there are a number of factors you should consider:
5 Tips to Find a Good Lawyer
Interview the Lawyer
When you get the names of several good prospects, the next step is to talk to each personally. If you outline your needs in advance, many lawyers will be willing to meet to you for a half-hour or so at no charge so that you can size them up and make an informed decision.
Consider a Specialist
Most lawyers specialize in certain areas. Even those who claim to specialize in personal injury may have an even more specialized area of law that they tend to focus on. It often makes sense when looking for a lawyer to find one who specializes in cases involving your particular set of facts. For example, if you have suffered as a result of an accident with a tractor-trailer, you need a good lawyer who has handled cases against trucking companies as there are a unique set of rules that apply to tractor-trailer drivers. While specialists mays sometimes charge a little more for their services, the lawyer’s specialized knowledge is very valuable and it can be money that is well spent.
See their Results
Past results can be a helpful indicator of what a lawyer is capable of achieving. While no two cases are identical and a lawyer cannot guarantee the results for a client, looking at the lawyer’s past results can help a client evaluate the lawyer’s track record. A good lawyer will achieve success through settlement or trial, depending on the client’s unique set of circumstances. While many settlements are confidential, a good lawyer should be proud of his track record and the results he has obtained for his clients over the years.
Whether the Lawyer Tries Cases
Although a number of law firms will claim they are “trial lawyers,” the number of actual attorneys who are willing to go to court is much smaller. A good lawyer will not encourage you to settle your case for less than it is worth. A good lawyer will want to take your case to trial if your case is strong and the insurance company’s offer is low. In fact, insurance companies may pay you less if your lawyer does not regularly go to court. Before deciding to hire a law firm, ask the lawyers whether they actually try cases and how often they go to court.
Size of the Firm
Bigger is not always better when it comes to hiring a law firm. Some people think large law firms are more powerful than smaller firms. Unfortunately, many large firms are inefficient and can be slow to respond to client telephone calls or emails. Some larger firms do not even allow clients to speak with their attorney, instead instructing the client to deal with a “case manager” or paralegal. When deciding on a law firm, ask whether you will be interacting with your lawyer or instead be assigned a “case manager.”
The decision to hire a lawyer is important one and you should not make the decision lightly. By following these simple steps, you increase the chances of hiring a good lawyer to represent you.
Who to call if you need a good lawyer:
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident, truck accident, slip and fall, or hurt by a dangerous product, please call the attorneys at Glass & Robson at (404) 751-4702 for a free consultation. The members of our firm are good lawyers who have handled numerous cases throughout Georgia. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you.