Finding a good personal injury lawyer involves more than just choosing someone with a law degree. You want a professional who specializes in injury cases, has a strong track record of success, communicates clearly, and genuinely cares about your recovery. The right attorney can help you secure significantly more compensation while reducing your stress throughout the legal process.
Start by Looking for Specialized Experience
Not all lawyers handle personal injury cases regularly. Some attorneys may take on a wide range of cases—from divorce to bankruptcy to contracts—which can dilute their expertise in personal injury law. Look for someone who focuses primarily on:
- Car accidents
- Truck and commercial vehicle accidents
- Slip and falls or premises liability
- Wrongful death
- Catastrophic injury and long-term disability claims
Specialized attorneys are more likely to understand the nuances of injury law, how insurance companies operate, and how to value complex damages like pain and suffering or future lost income.
Use Trusted Sources and Reviews
Begin your search by asking for recommendations from:
- Friends or family who have worked with a personal injury lawyer
- Healthcare providers who treat accident victims
- Local bar associations or referral services
- Online legal directories like Avvo, Super Lawyers, or Martindale-Hubbell
Read reviews carefully, paying attention to comments about responsiveness, professionalism, case outcomes, and how the attorney treated their clients. A good personal injury lawyer will have consistently strong feedback and client testimonials that highlight both results and empathy.
Check Credentials and Licensing
Before contacting any attorney, verify that they are:
- Licensed and in good standing with the state bar
- Free of disciplinary actions or ethics violations
- Accredited by professional legal organizations
- Recognized by peers through awards, leadership roles, or speaking engagements
This information is often available on the state bar website or through online legal platforms. A reputable attorney will be transparent about their experience and background.
Ask the Right Questions in a Consultation
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. Prepare a list of questions to make sure they’re a good fit for your case:
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- What were the results of those cases?
- Who will be working on my case day to day?
- How will you keep me informed about progress
- What is your fee structure, and are there any hidden costs?
Also observe whether they listen attentively, explain things clearly, and seem genuinely interested in helping you. A good lawyer won’t rush you through or pressure you into signing anything on the spot.
Be Wary of Red Flags
If a lawyer:
- Guarantees a specific dollar amount
- Pressures you to sign immediately
- Avoids answering direct questions
- Is vague about who will handle your case
- Doesn’t have time for a proper consultation
…it’s best to keep looking. Trust your instincts. You’re hiring someone to represent your health, finances, and future—there’s no reason to settle for someone who doesn’t feel like the right fit.
We’ve also written a guide on how to choose a personal injury lawyer, focusing on what to look for in their experience, fee agreements, and communication style.
If you’re wondering how attorneys actually get paid, our post on how personal injury lawyers get paid walks through contingency fees and how settlements are distributed.
And to understand what kind of percentage they typically take, see our breakdown on how much accident lawyers charge—including real-world fee ranges and what's included.
Michael Avanesian, the founder and driving force behind Avian Law Group, is a passionate and dedicated attorney with a strong background in personal injury law. As a partner at JT Legal Group, Michael led the growth of the personal injury practice from a single employee to a team of over ninety professionals, securing over $2 billion in settlements for clients in just three years.
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