St. Louis is no exception to traffic crashes.
On average, St. Louis has about 15,000 traffic crashes every year. In 2022 alone, 173 people were killed, and 14,930 people were injured in crashes.
So, what should you do if you’ve been injured in an accident in St. Louis? Once you check in with a doctor, you follow it up with a visit to a personal injury lawyer.
A personal injury lawyer will help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, with so many St. Louis personal injury lawyers available, it can be confusing to know who to choose, especially when the personal injury industry is worth around $53.1 billion in 2022. You’re bound to find some shady lawyers just looking to fill their pockets.
But fret not!
In this blog, we’ll mention six characteristics for choosing a personal injury lawyer.
Experience Handling Your Specific Type of Case
Choose a lawyer with experience handling your specific type of injury case.
According to the United States Bureau of Justice, over 50% of all personal injury cases involve a motor vehicle accident. So, if you were injured in one, you’ll want to find a lawyer specializing in motor accident cases.
On the other hand, if you experienced medical malpractice, selecting a lawyer with years of prior experience in product liability is ideal. A veteran personal injury lawyer thoroughly understands the intricacies and challenges of building a strong case for that particular injury type.
Seasoned lawyers can better predict potential case outcomes and settlement amounts based on past cases they’ve handled. Their familiarity with the details and processes of that specific injury case can prove invaluable.
Proven Track Record of Success
Experience alone isn’t enough.
You need someone with a strong record of negotiated settlements and personal injury case litigations. According to Nolo, individuals who’ve hired personal injury lawyers receive payouts nearly three times higher than those who did not. So, take time to research the background and past case results of the lawyers you are considering.
Look for a proven track record of obtaining favorable verdicts and settlement amounts for their clients. High settlement amounts and case win percentages demonstrate their ability to argue injury and damages cases in clients’ favor effectively.
Ask the lawyer for examples of past successful verdicts and settlements of cases similar to yours. Check online legal databases to confirm their case results. An impressive track record proves the lawyer has the skills and experience to maximize your injury claim compensation.
Excellent Communication Skills
Pay close attention to how well a potential lawyer communicates with you during initial consultations.
Do they listen attentively and answer your questions in easy-to-understand language? Can you easily get in touch with them via phone or email?
These traits demonstrate how they will communicate as your case proceeds.
Frustration often arises when lawyers fail to promptly return calls and emails or leave their clients in the dark. You want a lawyer who provides regular case updates in a way you comprehend.
Clear communication ensures you feel informed and understand your legal options.
Strong Reputation in the Legal Community
Research the lawyer’s reputation before you appoint them.
A lawyer with an excellent regional or national legal reputation often yields better client case results. Judges and insurance company legal teams know which personal injury lawyers fight hardest for their clients and have the skills to win.
Ask your close ones for referrals to injury lawyers with stellar professional reputations. Also, check online legal rating sites and Google reviews for feedback on a lawyer’s reputation.
Hiring a lawyer with high regard in the legal sphere can pay dividends for your case outcome.
High Level of Personal Service
Seeking out lawyers who provide a white glove, highly personalized level of service is ideal.
They should fully take time to understand your unique situation, needs, and expectations. Beware of lawyers juggling an enormous caseload, as it prevents them from dedicating adequate focus to your case.
You want a lawyer who treats you more than a case number. As TorHoerman Law notes, let the lawyers focus on the legal process while you focus on healing yourself. Quality service means the lawyers will work late evenings and weekends with you if needed to solve your case.
Having a lawyer invested in you and your family on a human level can make navigating the legal process much smoother.
Offers Reasonable Fees
When comparing potential personal injury lawyers, carefully look at their fee structures.
A majority of the lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you’ll only pay them after they win the case. Simply put, they will only receive something if they win the case.
Personal injury lawyers usually charge 25%-40% of any final settlement or court-awarded compensation. However, the experienced ones will factor their fees into your payment to help you make the most of your claim.
Be wary of lawyers promoting outrageous contingency fees or extra charges. Their costs should be competitive and reasonable compared to the market rate for your area and case type.
An effective lawyer can win strong compensation while keeping their fees affordable. This ensures you keep more of the settlement amount.
Conclusion
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer will significantly impact the outcome of your case.
However, it requires in-depth research into their credentials, experience, and client satisfaction. But taking the time to find an attorney with extensive expertise in your injury type, an impressive track record, strong communication skills, excellent reputation, personalized service, and reasonable fees can pay huge dividends.
With the right lawyer fighting for you, you can feel confident your case is in competent hands and be assured of receiving maximum compensation for your injuries.
Don’t settle for less – your health, finances, and peace of mind depend on it.
