When you’re injured in a serious accident, you deserve serious representation. Finding the best personal injury lawyer will increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve—but how do you know what to look for?
Don’t settle for the first attorney you find. You deserve the best, and at Payne Law Firm, we’re committed to providing just that. We proudly serve Texas and North Carolina, offering free consultations for cases involving car accidents, product liability, wrongful deaths, and more.
The pillars of our firm are quality, efficiency, and unmatched expertise. Founding attorney Jason Payne is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Very few practicing attorneys have earned this certification. This labels him as an expert in personal injury law—you deserve nothing less than an expert on your side.
5 Key Factors to Consider When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Personal injury law is a complex field, so you need to hire an attorney who understands the ins and outs of your situation. Even if an attorney is knowledgeable, that’s still not good enough. The best personal injury attorney is also hard-working and empathetic, willing to devote countless hours to your cause and well-being.
In the following sections, we will highlight the qualities every good lawyer should have. You deserve justice—a lawyer who checks every box will help you receive it.
1. Level of Experience
If an attorney has seen it all, they’re likely a great asset for your case. The best personal injury lawyer will have years of experience in their field, having handled thousands of cases for people like you.
But it’s important to dig even deeper into an attorney’s experience. Several years on the job will make any attorney wiser, but you should also research an attorney’s trial experience and areas of practice.
Trial experience is critical to maximizing your compensation—if an attorney only settles cases outside of court, they may not have the determination or expertise to help you in the courtroom.
The best personal injury attorney will also have a wealth of experience with cases like yours. For example, someone who is predominantly a car accident lawyer may not be well-equipped to represent you in a slip-and-fall case. When researching attorneys, look into their practice areas. You may want to search elsewhere if they have limited information on a specific service.
2. Reputation
As with all professions, an attorney’s reputation can tell you everything you need to know. Would you go to a mechanic or dentist with poor reviews? Probably not. You should have the same mentality when searching for the best personal injury lawyer.
With so many attorneys claiming to be on your side, how do you choose someone? We recommend looking to third-party sources like the Better Business Bureau or Google reviews. Or, if you know someone who had a similar case, reach out to them for recommendations. A trusted recommendation can put your mind at ease when searching for the right attorney.
An attorney’s website and social media can speak volumes about what their firm truly offers. Scan these platforms to check their proficiencies, professional recognition, and testimonials.
3. Track Record
You’ll know if an attorney is truly skilled based on their track record. The best personal injury attorney will have a history of success inside and outside of court, only settling when it is in a client’s best financial interest.
You need a strong negotiator on your side. If an attorney frequently cracks under pressure, settling for less than clients deserve, they may actively hurt your cause. The same is true in the courtroom—if an attorney has a history of frequently losing in litigation, they may not be a strong asset for you.
Personal injury claims can be taxing and unsuccessful when handled by the wrong lawyer. Someone with a quality track record will guide you seamlessly, making for a low-stress, high-reward experience in comparison.
Many law firms will have a “results” or “cases won” section on their website. This page can reveal which types of cases the firm has won, along with how much compensation was earned. You can also ask the lawyer for specific information regarding their track record during a consultation. Asking a question similar to, “Have you typically been successful with cases like mine?” can give you some insight.
4. Communication Skills
You will typically learn an attorney’s communication style during your initial consultation. Let’s discuss some green and red flags. The best personal injury lawyer will be fully engaged in your conversation, helping you feel comfortable and respected. Lower-quality lawyers may act dismissive or disinterested in your case, avoiding eye contact and taking little care to explain potential paths forward.
The fact is that personal injury law is complex. The best personal injury attorney will make the claim process more approachable, explaining legal terms and processes with great care. They will be open to answering your questions and will give serious, well-thought-out responses.
If you feel comfortable with a lawyer, that’s a great sign. But if a lawyer acts as if they are above you, or as if they have better things to do, you should avoid hiring them. Disinterested lawyers won’t be there for you when it truly counts, and they may place other cases above yours.
Sometimes, the best personal injury lawyer will give you a positive gut feeling. Go with your gut. Communication is everything in the personal injury field—a strong communicator is often a strong negotiator and representative in court.
5. Payments & Fees
If a lawyer tries to hide their pricing from you, or if they include predatory fees in the fine print of a contract, then you should avoid hiring them. The best personal injury lawyer places your well-being first and puts their compensation in the backseat.
You should be wary of lawyers who ask for massive fees upfront. Most credible lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t owe any money until your case is won. If your case is unsuccessful, you won’t owe any legal fees.
Lawyers who pester you about finances may do more harm than good in the long run. The best personal injury attorney will focus exclusively on your case and well-being, leaving the question of money until after you receive legal compensation. A lawyer who is money-focused instead of client-focused will add unneeded stress to the legal process, so if you are suspicious of their intentions, it’s best to stay away.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Texas or North Carolina Today
At Payne Law Firm, we are serious about winning your case. Insurance companies know this, too. They hate to see our name attached to a case because they know the quality of our practice. Since 2004, we have fought tirelessly for people like you, earning favorable compensation for our clients in Texas and North Carolina.
Our firm specializes in personal injury cases, having earned maximum financial compensation for car accidents, brain injury, wrongful death, and product liability cases. Our practice extends beyond these areas as well, covering injuries and accidents of all kinds.
If you’ve been seriously injured, you need a serious team to help you earn proper compensation. Contact our team for a free consultation today.
