Mistake #1: Hiring a lawyer who doesn’t specialize or have extensive experience in personal injury law. Attorneys who practice general law don’t know the “ins and outs” of a personal injury practice. The opposition will take advantage of this weakness.
Mistake #2: Hiring a lawyer who doesn’t like to go to trial. Insurance companies know the attorneys who avoid trial. Many times this translates into lower settlement values for you because the carrier perceives no threat of losing big at trial.
Mistake #3: Hiring a lawyer who is too busy. Even if the attorney is one of the best in your area, if he/she is too busy, your case can be shuffled around to other staff to handle – which defeats the purpose of going to that attorney in the first place.
Mistake #4: Hiring a lawyer who is hesitant to explain fees. Any reputable personal injury attorney works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay legal fees unless you receive a settlement in your favor.
Mistake #5: Hiring a lawyer who isn’t upfront about the merits of your case. Your attorney should spend some time getting to know the details of your situation so he/she can explain to you the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
Mistake #6: Hiring a lawyer without knowing his/her reputation with clients and in the legal community. Seek out statements from clients or other professionals in the legal industry. It’s to your advantage to find out if the lawyer achieved a favorable settlement for someone who was in a similar situation as you.
Mistake #7: Hiring a lawyer who is in it just for the money. Stay away from attorneys who look at you with dollar signs in their eyes. You want a lawyer who demonstrates competence and commitment to you and your cause.
Mistake #8: Hiring a lawyer who you aren’t comfortable with. Trust between you and your attorney goes a long way toward a successful outcome. If you don’t believe your lawyer is carefully listening to your needs, then it’s time to move on.
To set up your free, no-obligation consultation, contact me at my Honolulu, Hawaii, office today. Any information discussed will remain confidential.
