Finding an attorney is easy, however, finding the right one for your personal injury claim can be tough.
You probably don’t want to go with the first name you see on an online search. You probably also don’t go with the one pestering you to let them take your case.
So, how do you go about selecting the best personal injury attorney?
You usually start by doing a little research and knowing which questions to ask during the initial consultation.
Finding an Attorney Starts with Research
Some personal injury attorneys spend time researching the latest accident reports in hopes of landing clients. These are usually the attorneys who show up unannounced in your hospital room inquiring if you have legal representation.
While these attorneys may be skilled at their jobs, they’re not giving you the best first impression. If the attorney is stalking the accident reports, there may be a good reason they have difficulty finding clients.
A better way of locating a qualified personal injury attorney is learning what other lawyers have to say about them. You can take advantage of a few resources that include the following:
- The Martindale-Hubbell Bar Registry
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Superlawyers

All three websites list and rank attorneys on factors like professional and ethical standards. If your claim involves a medical malpractice lawsuit, the Best Lawyers in America website divides attorneys by field making it easier to find one best suited for your type of claim.
If you’re more interested in expertise ratings, check the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Registry.
Questions to Ask During the Consultation
Okay, you’ve researched attorneys in the area and have a good idea who’s the best choice for your personal injury claim. However, don’t get too excited; your opinion can change during the consultation, as this is the initial meeting you have with your prospective attorney.
Think of it as a type of interview; you’re interviewing the attorney and they're probably doing the same to you.
Your consultation should be free of charge, as this is standard practice for most attorneys, even those practicing outside personal injury law. You should expect the attorney to review your case and ask questions, and this is also when you want to ask your questions. So, what should you ask the attorney?
What is the Payment Structure?
An attorney’s payment structure refers to the type of fees they charge. Personal injury attorneys have a few options. They can charge fixed, hourly, or contingency fees. Here’s a quick breakdown of each type of fee structure.
Fixed rates are a set fee for an attorney to work on your personal injury claim; this type of fee is usually due either partially or fully upfront. Since you’re probably dealing with expenses stemming from the accident, you may not be able to afford an attorney who charges a fixed rate.
Hourly fees are precisely what the name implies. You pay a set rate for each hour the attorney works on your claim. If you have a straightforward claim, hourly rates may be an affordable option.
The most common type of payment structure offered by personal injury attorneys is contingency fees. You sign a written agreement with the attorney stating a percentage of your insurance settlement goes toward your legal fees.
Contingency fee rates typically range between 30% and 50%. You can retain the attorney’s services without any upfront or hourly costs. However, contingency fees don’t always cover all expenses associated with your case, so be sure to ask what may be an extra cost.
Has the Attorney Worked on Cases Similar to Yours?
As we mentioned earlier, personal injury law is divided into different categories. A car accident claim is different from filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Even injuries caused by product malfunctions can take a different path than other types of injury cases. Your research should indicate if the attorney has experience with your type of personal injury claim, but it’s also a good idea to double-check.
Ask the attorney if they have any examples of cases they’ve worked on. Find out if they have client references and if other attorneys refer cases their way. Their answers can help you decide if they’re the best attorney to take on your claim.
Does the Attorney Have Access to Resources?
Filing an insurance claim after an accident involves more than listing your damages. You need to supply evidence to support your claim. Finding out if the attorney has the necessary resources like accident scene investigators can be the difference between winning and losing your claim.
If the attorney handles everything without relying on additional resources, they may not be able to successfully prove your claim.

Questions Your Attorney May Ask
The consultation is a two-way process. The attorney will probably have questions about your claim.
The Particulars of the Accident
The attorney will want to know details about the accident.
For example, how extensive are your damages and if you’re the at-fault driver.
If your state follows comparative negligence rules, the attorney will also inquire about your percentage of the blame.
Other questions about the accident can include learning who you’ve talked to about the accident. For example, did you apologize to the other involved driver? This can be taken as an admission of your guilt by the insurance company and may make it more difficult for the attorney to successfully navigate your claim.
Are You Comfortable with the Fee Agreement?
This is a question you want to carefully consider before signing a contract with the attorney. Go over all of the details of the fee agreement and question anything that may be confusing. If you both agree to the terms, sign the agreement, and get started working on your claim.
You Can Find the Right Attorney for Your Personal Injury Claim
With a little research and knowing which questions to ask, you can find the best attorney to handle your personal injury claim. Remember to ask the attorney plenty of questions. The more information you have, the easier it is to pick the right lawyer.
Being thorough in your search and asking about their experience, success rate, and approach to handling cases can help you make an informed decision. Taking the time to find the right attorney ensures that you have the best possible representation for your claim, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nurlana Alasgarli
Content Specialist
Nurlana Alasgarli is a professional copywriter with more than 6 years of creative writing experience. Having lived and experienced all over the world, there are many writing genres that Nurlana follows, including adventure, outdoor and motorbiking. Nurlana brings life to content creation, captivating her readers.