Choosing a personal injury lawyer is a lot like choosing a doctor or a mechanic. My own doctor has earned my trust over years of relying on him. I believe what he tells me, and I follow his advice. My mechanic shop earned that same trust. I have known the owner for about ten years, and my father-in-law has known him even longer.
Why Trust Matters When Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer
My mechanic never keeps parts for my car in stock. He always has to order them. His prices beat the dealership every time, but the most important thing is that I trust him. If he tells me something, I know it is true. I also know he is not looking for extra work while my car sits in his shop. Your relationship with your lawyer should work the same way.
Speak with a Charlotte car accident lawyer and get a free consultation today.
Call (980) 294-4931Understanding Personal Injury Lawyer Fees
Most personal injury lawyers charge similar rates. An attorney typically takes about a third of your settlement to handle the case. That figure often rises to around forty percent if the case requires filing a lawsuit. Because of this standard structure, most cases end up settling at the one-third rate.
Some lawyers charge more, and some charge less. If a lawyer wants a higher rate than one-third, you should ask why. There may be a good reason. You might have an unusually difficult medical malpractice case, and the lawyer may be taking on significant risk. Or the lawyer might expect substantial expenses that they will need to advance on your behalf. In situations like these, a higher rate often makes sense.
Sometimes, though, there is no good reason for the higher fee. If that happens, ask the lawyer exactly what you are getting for the extra cost. Occasionally, the lawyer really is that good. Certain attorneys bring expertise that justifies a higher rate. An attorney who has written a book or spoken at conferences about a specific area of law often falls into this category. I know several brain injury lawyers who charge more than less experienced attorneys, simply because their specialized knowledge is worth it.
Is the Fee Contingent on Winning Your Case?
Another important factor is whether your lawyer’s fee depends on winning. This arrangement is standard in most personal injury cases. Attorneys often describe it as “you don’t pay if we don’t win.” A note usually follows, explaining that you remain responsible for court costs and expenses. If your personal injury case does not include a contingency fee, find out why. There may be a legitimate reason, or the attorney simply may not believe strongly in your case.
Does the Lawyer Focus on Personal Injury Cases?
Just as there are many types of doctors, there are many types of lawyers. My firm handles personal injury cases exclusively. Real estate transactions, wills, debt collection, and small business tax matters all fall outside what we do. We focus entirely on personal injury work.
Could you hire someone who handles many different types of legal work for your personal injury case? Sure. The real question is whether you should. When I needed a minor surgical procedure myself, I did not see my family doctor. Instead, I chose a specialist. My family doctor, or even a general surgeon, could probably have handled it. However, I only wanted to go through this procedure once, and I wanted it done correctly the first time. I wanted someone who found the procedure routine, someone who had performed it hundreds of times, backed by a staff who knew exactly what to do.
You deserve the same standard with your lawyer. Look for someone who has handled hundreds of personal injury cases and understands car wrecks and the injuries they cause. Your attorney’s staff should know how to set up a claim properly. Additionally, your lawyer should know how to write a strong demand letter and file a lawsuit if the case cannot settle. Above all, your attorney should tell you honestly whether an offer is fair, whether it falls short, or whether something about your case makes it especially difficult to win.
Will Your Lawyer Actually Call You Back?
The most common complaint about lawyers is that they never call clients back. This is not about a call that takes a day or two. Some lawyers simply never respond at all. I would not accept this from anyone else I do business with, so why would I accept it from a lawyer? You hired this person to help you, and they should follow through.
At our firm, we strive to return every call the same day it comes in. We always aim to respond within twenty-four hours. Please call again if you have not heard back from us within a day, because something went wrong on our end.
Why Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer Carefully Pays Off
All of these factors matter when deciding which law firm to trust with your case. Take the time to speak with your prospective lawyer directly before you commit. A brief conversation often reveals whether an attorney will treat you the way you deserve to be treated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer
Should I choose the lawyer with the lowest fee? Not necessarily. Fees matter, but experience, communication, and specialization often matter more. A lawyer with slightly higher rates may still get you significantly more compensation.
What if I am not sure my case qualifies as personal injury? An initial consultation can help clarify this. Even if your case falls outside personal injury law, a knowledgeable attorney can often point you toward someone who shares the same standards.
Why Choose Shane Smith Law
My firm was built around the same standards I look for in my own doctor and mechanic: honesty, expertise, and responsiveness. We handle personal injury cases exclusively, we work on a contingency-fee basis, and we return calls promptly. You pay nothing upfront, and you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Shane Smith Law for a Free Consultation
Take a look at what our firm stands for, and give us a call if you have a personal injury case. If your situation falls outside personal injury law, I may know someone who can help and who shares the same standards. Call our office today at (980) 246-2656, and let us point you in the right direction.
