When you’ve been injured in an accident, selecting the right New York personal injury lawyer to represent you is very important. A good lawyer helps you navigate the legal system and also ensures that you receive the compensation you deserve.
There are several red flags to keep in mind.
Lack Of Experience
Experience is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a personal injury lawyer. An experienced lawyer will better understand the legal system and how to navigate it to get the best possible outcome for your case. You will also want to look for a lawyer with trial experience so that if your case does not settle you can go to trial and a verdict.
Poor Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial when working with a personal injury lawyer. The biggest complaint about personal injury lawyers is that they don’t communicate!
You want to look for a lawyer who will respond to your calls and emails after you hire them. You want someone who will keep you informed about the status of your case. Read the the reviews and testimonials to see how the lawyers’ past clients feel about the lawyer and the law firm.
Inflated Promises
Avoid lawyers who make unreasonable promises or guarantees about the outcome of your case. A good lawyer will be upfront and honest about the strengths and weaknesses of your case. If it sounds like they’re making promises they can’t possibly keep, walk away.
Lack Of Resources
Personal injury lawsuits may require significant resources to litigate. Your case could fail if the lawyer doesn’t have the ability to properly fund your case. Personal injury lawyers earn their contingency fees partly because they also provide the funding necessary for the expenses of your case. Since hiring expert witnesses to prove liability and your damages can be expensive make sure that your lawyer has the means to hire the right expert witnesses, and otherwise properly fund your case.
You Don’t Like the Lawyer
You will have to work with this attorney for many months, or even years, while your case winds its way through the legal system. If the lawyer lacks empathy, talks down to you, or just doesn’t click with you personally, you may want to keep looking for a lawyer you can relate to and feel comfortable with.
The Lawyer Seems Unprofessional
Professionalism is important in any legal setting. If your lawyer seems scattered, disorganized, rude, disrespectful, or slovenly, you’re looking at a red flag that could significantly impact your case at every step of the process. That is why, as stated earlier, it is a good idea to read the reviews and testimonials to see what the lawyers’ past clients say and feel.
The Lawyer Tries to Use High-Pressure Tactics
Beware of lawyers who use high-pressure tactics to try to get you to sign on as their client. Good lawyers don’t need to act like used car salesmen. Good lawyers provide you with the information and let you make your own decisions without pressuring you.
- I have heard from people that found their lawyer because the lawyer actually had a desk in a doctors or chiropractors’ office where they try to solicit injured patients.
- I have heard from people who were referred to their lawyer by their ambulance driver, or from a doctor or nurse at the emergency room or hospital. Someone whom you never met, and do not know, tells you that they know you need help after your accident and can help refer you to doctors and lawyers!
- I have even heard about and personally experienced lawyers who just walk into your hospital room uninvited and offer to represent you.
