The primary reason a plaintiff hires a lawyer is so they can get the justice and compensation that they deserve. Getting a lawyer for your personal injury case will significantly increase your chances of success, but only if you hire the right one.
You should only hire accident and injury lawyers with a high track record of success and expertise in cases like yours. It’s easy to spot a subpar lawyer. You can always tell from your constant interaction with them.
In this article, we’ll be listing out a few of the major red flags you should keep an eye out for when you hire a personal injury lawyer.
Personal Injury Lawyer Red Flags to Be Wary of
Here are the red flags you should keep in mind when looking for a personal injury lawyer:
Demanding money upfront
If your intended lawyer does not operate on a contingency basis, you should be wary of them.
A trustworthy lawyer will sometimes offer to review your case for free, and after assessing the facts, they'll state their contingency plan, ensuring they only get paid if you get your settlement.
When they have a stake in your claim, they'll be more motivated to fight for your legal rights.
Overpromising on the settlement
Confidence is an attractive trait in a lawyer, but it becomes a red flag when they begin to constantly promise you things that they can't and don't deliver.
Even if they have won numerous cases in their field, you should be able to tell when they're making fake manifestos.
Overeagerness to settle
No one likes to go through the hustle and bustle of a trial, especially when there's the option to settle. However, you have the ultimate say here. Your lawyer's job is to advise you on your options and help you spot the best course of action.
Never trust a lawyer who only advises you to settle out of court. Chances are, they do not think they're qualified to help you bag a win, or they're simply here to get a quick commission and be on their way.
Poor communication
If this is your first lawsuit, you'll probably have many questions and skepticism. One of the many fancy traits a good lawyer possesses is the ability to decompress legal processes for a layman. You need a lawyer who is available to answer your questions in clear terms.
A lawyer who doesn't update you on the progress of your case is one you should replace. If you can't reach them over the phone or get solid answers from them, it's a clear sign that they might not be the best for you.
Stiff schedule
An overworked lawyer cannot give your case the amount of time and dedication it deserves. There needs to be more at stake for you to be depending on a lawyer who does not prioritize you.
During your initial interview with them, you can ask about their caseload. If they're transparent and truthful, that's a green flag.
Lack of empathy
The right lawyer will show compassion. You don't have to become best friends, but they will treat you more like a human and less like 'just another file in the drawer."
Wrapping Up
In a personal injury case, you, the victim, are seeking compensation from the person who caused you pain or damage. You’re allowed to legally represent yourself in court against the at-fault party. But, if you do this, the likelihood of success for your case will be very slim.
With a competent lawyer, your chances of success will run back up. However, if they have several red flags and you hire them anyway, you're as good as someone with no legal counsel at all.