The lawyer you choose can affect how your case is handled, how much stress you carry and, in many cases, the outcome. Most people have never hired a lawyer before, so here’s what to look for, step by step.
1. Look for a personal injury focus
Personal injury law has its own rules, deadlines and insurance tactics. A lawyer who handles injury cases every day knows how to value claims, deal with adjusters and take a case to trial if needed. Be cautious of general practice firms that take “a little of everything.”
Ask: “What percentage of your practice is personal injury?” and “Do you represent injured people or insurance companies?”
2. Check experience with your type of case
A car accident, a truck crash, a medical malpractice claim and a dog bite each involve different laws and evidence. Truck cases involve federal regulations. Medical malpractice often requires expert witnesses and has special filing rules.
Ask: “How many cases like mine have you handled in the past few years?”
3. Confirm their license and record
Every state bar lets you look up whether a lawyer is licensed and in good standing, and many show public discipline. It takes two minutes. See how to check a lawyer’s license and discipline record.
4. Pay attention to responsiveness
How quickly a firm responds to your first call is a preview of how they’ll treat you as a client. Look for:
- A real person answers, or you get a call back the same day
- Someone explains the next steps clearly
- You know who will actually handle your case, and how to reach them
5. Read reviews, but read them carefully
Google reviews, Avvo and other sites can show patterns. Focus on what clients say about communication, honesty and how they were treated, not just the dollar amounts. A few negative reviews are normal; repeated complaints about unreturned calls are a red flag.
6. Understand the fee agreement
Most injury lawyers work on contingency: no fee unless they recover money for you. But details vary. Ask for the agreement in writing and make sure you understand:
- The percentage, and whether it increases if the case goes to trial
- How case costs are handled, and whether they’re deducted before or after the fee
- What happens if you lose
Learn more in how contingency fees work and attorney fees vs. case costs.
7. Trust how you feel
You’ll be working with this person for months, sometimes years. Choose someone who listens, answers your questions without jargon and doesn’t pressure you to sign on the spot.
Meet with more than one lawyer
Consultations are usually free. Talking to two or three lawyers helps you compare their approach and how comfortable you feel. Bring our questions to ask a personal injury lawyer.
Red flags
- Guarantees a specific result or dollar amount
- Pressures you to sign immediately
- Contacts you uninvited after an accident
- Won’t explain fees in writing
- You can never reach the lawyer, only a call center
See more in red flags in injury lawyer ads.
Printable checklist
- Focuses on personal injury and represents injured people
- Has handled cases like mine
- Licensed and in good standing with the state bar
- Responded quickly and clearly
- Reviews mention good communication
- Written contingency fee agreement that I understand
- I know who will handle my case day to day
- I felt listened to, not pressured
Find a hand-selected injury attorney in your city →
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost money to talk to a personal injury lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation. If they take your case on contingency, you typically pay nothing upfront.
Should I hire a lawyer from a TV ad?
Some advertised firms are excellent; others handle huge volumes and pass cases to junior staff. Whatever their marketing, ask who will actually handle your case and how often you'll hear from them.
Is a bigger firm always better?
Not necessarily. Large firms have resources; smaller firms may offer more personal attention. See big law firm vs. small local firm.
Can I change lawyers if I'm unhappy?
Yes, you can usually change lawyers. Your first lawyer may be entitled to part of the fee for work already done, but that typically comes out of the total fee, not out of your pocket separately.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different. Talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.