If you’re on this page, it’s likely that you’ve been through a lot lately. You might feel like you don’t have the time to be selective about finding an attorney. Since personal injury attorneys are usually contacted following unpleasant, if not tragic, life circumstances, there is an understandable instinct to rush the process; To get it over with. This is a mistake. If you aren’t careful about who you choose, you might lose the case. Or worse, get paid less than you deserve. Here are some helpful questions to consider while searching for a personal injury lawyer.

What are their references? The issue of references is a tricky one in the legal profession, as contact details cannot be revealed due to attorney-client privilege. Ask your lawyer and see how they respond to this request. A good attorney will be able to point you towards public records that indicate their name as legal counsel, as well as the outcome of the case. These records are public.

Does the lawyer have social media presence? Many personal injury lawyers have not stepped into the social media space yet. Their trepidation is understandable; They’re busy people and just don’t have the time to play on Facebook all day. Yet the ones that own LinkedIn or Facebook profiles offer an interesting window into their performance. Chances are at least one of their Facebook friends or fans, or one of their LinkedIn connections, has used their services. Reach out to some of these people and see what their experience was. Just because they are part of their network does not mean they will give them favorable reviews as people often add a connection prior to becoming a client.

Have they passed the Bar exam? This one is definitely on the cautious side, but lawyers do get “de-barred” occasionally, and some of them might try to practice without the appropriate license. We’re not saying it’s common but it does happen. Either way, you only have to go to your local Bar website and look them up. It’s a few minutes of your time that could be well spent if your candidate turns out to be a con-man.

How large is the firm? As with any industry, the size of the organization will correlate to some particular strengths and weaknesses. You wouldn’t go to a giant law firm if you’re seeking $1,200 in damages for an uninsured medical visit after slipping on the floor of your local diner. If your claim is large, however, or involves a very-well organized opponent (another corporation, for example) you might be better off going with a well-known company.

What’s their track record like? The law is considered an open record, and most court cases can be dug up at your local law library. Take a few hours out of your day to visit the law library or county registrar and do some old-fashioned research. See if there are any cases involving the lawyer you’re considering and note their results.

What do they charge? As with everything else, budget should impact your decision. In personal injury law, you should only go with a lawyer who charges after they win. But look at the percent they are taking. If it’s inordinately high, or if they try to throw in extra fees, they might not be worth your time.

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