What You Should Look for in Your Attorney
Choosing a personal injury attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after an accident. Not all firms offer the same level of service, transparency, or support. Below are several key things every personal injury attorney should offer and why they matter for your case.
Consultation
A reputable personal injury attorney should offer a free initial consultation, allowing you to understand your legal options without financial pressure. During this consultation, the attorney should take the time to review the facts of your case and answer your questions honestly. Some topics that may be discussed during this initial meeting may include:
- What happened: Your accident, where it happened, when it happened, how it happened, etc.
- Any photos or videos: Ring/CCTV footage, photos, phone recording, voice recording, scene images, etc.
- Incident/Police Reports (if applicable)
- Medical treatment to date: Providers, diagnoses, and ongoing symptoms
An experienced attorney can’t predict the future, but they should be able to explain whether your case has legal merit, potential next steps, and a realistic timeline.
Contingency Fee
Personal injury attorneys take cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t pay anything unless your attorney wins your case. In our humble opinion, this system works well for personal injury because it allows those who have been harmed by someone else’s negligence to pursue justice without fear of a hefty retainer fee. The industry standard for contingency fees in personal injury cases is 1/3 of the settlement amount, or 33%, though this percentage can vary by firm or case complexity.
Other Fees
While the standard attorney fee is often 33%, it’s important to understand that case costs and medical liens are separate and may impact your final recovery.
Case Costs: There are many fees associated with a case: filing fees, expert evaluations, medical records, depositions, trial costs, etc.
Medical Lien: In the State of Michigan, you are legally required to pay what is called a medical lien. A medical lien is money that you pay back to your insurance company for the costs of your medical bills following your injury. Our office does attempt to negotiate this lien, so it is the least amount possible, however some insurance companies are unwilling to negotiate.
Accessible Communication
Our office is smaller, but it is to your advantage! Because our office is smaller, everyone works together on your case. This is a benefit to our clients because no matter who you speak to on the phone, there is a strong chance that they are familiar with your file and can assist you.
Besides phone, we also offer multiple other points of contact for our clients: text, email, mail, and our secure client portal. Having these multiple touchpoints available to our clients ensures that you are always able to reach out to someone regardless of whether or not our office is physically open.
Flexible Meeting Options
While the pandemic accelerated these changes, flexible meeting options are now a permanent benefit for clients. We provide:
- Virtual Consultations: Phone/Video
- Digital Document Transfer: Medical records, images, IDs, forms
- In-Office Appointments: When preferred
- On-site Assistance: Clients who need help with technology may receive support from our staff at their home, including getting set up for virtual court appearances
We always want to meet our clients where they’re at and ensure that they every step is convenient and comfortable.
Strong Client Reviews
When comparing attorneys, don’t just look at the star rating. An attorney that has a 4.7 star rating might be better than one with a 4.8. Look at the amount of reviews an attorney has and what they say. A larger number of authentic reviews often gives a clearer picture of client experience.
Checking Google reviews can help you get a sense of what its like working with a firm.
Insurance Company Representation
A good personal injury attorney should allow you to focus on healing from your injuries, rather than dealing with the added stress of going back and forth with insurance companies. They should:
- Communicate with insurance companies for you
- Shield you from pressure tactics and discouraging “quick settlements”
- Prepare you if a recorded statement is ever appropriate (often it isn’t without counsel)
From day one, your attorney should let insurers know that you are represented by their firm and instruct you to direct any calls to your legal team. That way, you are focused on your recovery and your attorney is focused on protecting your rights and your claim.
Relevant Experience
Your attorney should be up front with you and identify whether or not they have handled a case similar to yours. While they may not be able to predict a settlement amount, they can disclose whether they have settled similar cases. Relevant experience can help with:
- Proper case valuation
- Anticipating defense strategies
- Negotiating effectively
Choosing the Right Attorney
Choosing the right personal injury attorney can make a meaningful difference in both your experience and your result. Transparency, accessibility, and experience should never be optional. When your attorney offers these essentials from the start, you can focus on recovery while knowing your case is in capable hands.