According to the American Bar Association, there’re more than 1.4 million registered lawyers in the United States. These lawyers specialize in varying fields within the broader legal profession. However, personal injury lawyers have one of the worst reputations compared to attorneys in other specializations. Is this image an authentic reflection of personal injury lawyers?
The personal injury claim is a hot market for lawyers. The number of annual personal injury claims made following car accidents annually has increased. Most lawyers have found a new hot demand with the market growing steadily. Perhaps this informs the reason personal injury lawyers are considered opportunists.
The reality is that the personal injury claims landscape encompasses a fair share of technicalities that often affect the outcome of claims. Even then, every industry has its share of bad apples. But this doesn’t mean that all personal injury lawyers are bad. This article dispels the notion that personal injury lawyers are a bunch of crooks.
Who is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
A personal injury lawyer is an attorney who offers legal services to clients who have suffered injuries, physically or psychologically, due to another party (s) acts of negligence. These lawyers practice within parameters of the tort law. Car accident lawyers are among the more known personal injury attorneys. The reputation around these lawyers within the public context is a matter of interest.
Why do Personal Injury Lawyers have a Bad Reputation?
The personal injury profession is most misunderstood within the broader legal context. Unknown to most people, the personal injury field encompasses loads of technicalities. The bad reputation around this field is accelerated because most people don’t understand the legal dynamics around handling insurance claims, collaborating with injured patients, and following up with dodgy insurance companies.
Most accident or other personal injury victims often suffer devastating injuries, which cause mental and emotional frustrations. Following such ordeals, the default assumption is that they are entitled to loads of money in compensation. When their expectation of reward isn’t met, they will tend to assume that the injury attorney enjoyed the greatest benefits from the claim. However, in most cases, the reality is that the accident attorney barely makes enough to cover the costs involved in the facilitation of the case.
Communication is the other concern that stands out. The general assumption is that once a settlement is reached, the value of the claim agreed upon should hit the client’s account in wholesome and immediately. However, the reality is that in most cases, the process may be more protracted than most personal injury lawyers inform the clients. Communication can help both parties tame expectations and therefore approach the whole process with a sober mind.
It’s important to note that insurance companies also have their defense attorney who will often go all out trying to tilt the case in their favor. As such, the question of whether the claim will be granted and how much the claim’s value should be is subject to a legal battle. It may be unfair to expect more than is humanly deliverable from the injury attorney.
However, it’s fair enough to accept that the field also has its share of rogue attorneys when all is said. As such, it’s essential to know how to separate the wheat from the chaff.
How to Select Injury Attorneys of Repute
Every profession has the challenge of scoundrels who hide behind the curtains. But with intentional background checks, it’s possible to find a reliable injury lawyer.
Review the Potential Injury Lawyer’s Credentials
Attaining credentials as a personal injury lawyer takes time and dedication. In most states, personal injury lawyers must complete and pass the Law School Admission test on top of graduating from an accredited law school. Further, the personal injury lawyer must also possess a certification board in personal injury litigation. Insisting on a lawyer with such basic credentials will save you from landing on an injury lawyer with a bad reputation.
Consider Experience and Expertise
The personal injury field encompasses notable technicalities that may at times present legal hurdles. It takes experience and expertise for injury lawyers to skillfully win a claim on your behalf. Before you settle for a legal expert, consider whether the lawyer in question has gained sufficient experience over the cause of service. Expertise could be based on the number of years the injury lawyer has been in the game. You could also measure experience based on the number of successful cases the injury attorney has had favorable rulings. An injury lawyer with years of experience will hardly provide phony services.
Consider A Good Communicator
We have established that poor communication is at the core of the bad reputation associated with personal injury lawyers. For you to avoid any disappointment, you must settle for a lawyer who is open from the beginning about your terms of engagement.
The lawyer should offer candid answers on how much they charge for the legal services. A good communicator should also clarify whether there’re other underlying expenses you may pay. Finally, a reputable accident lawyer should also offer a rough estimate of the worth of your case/claim. Such openness eliminates any doubts and mistrust that may emerge.
Referrals and Testimonials
Before engaging any injury lawyer, always consider these two critical aspects. Relatives, friends, and acquittances often give the best reviews about potential injury lawyers. If you can get a referral, their services have passed the test. You may also check online for testimonials from past clients and assess their feedback about the lawyers. Such information will help you make informed decisions and avoid disappointments.
Separate the Wheat from the Chaff
It would be unfair to blanket condemn injury lawyers because of a misconception around this profession. Over the years, personal injury attorneys have suffered accusations of being opportunists and taking advantage of injury victims. However, the bad reputation could be due to existing miscommunication, over-expectation, and lack of knowledge about the operations within the field.
However, as a personal injury victim, it’s essential to undertake sufficient background checks to ensure you get a reliable accident lawyer. Referrals, testimonials, and credentials should be the first considerations when choosing an injury lawyer. Further, consider an injury lawyer who fosters open communication with you.
Are you wondering whether you can find a trustworthy injury attorney? At Alvine Law Firm LLP, we fit the bill. Try our services today, and you won’t regret the outcome. Contact us today for unmatched legal advice and assistance.