How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You
With thousands of personal injury attorneys practicing across the country, picking the right one for your situation can feel overwhelming. A structured approach — the right questions, a few red flags to avoid — makes it much more manageable.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Do you regularly handle cases like mine (car accident, slip and fall, workplace injury, product liability, dog bite)?
- Is your fee contingency-based, and if so, what percentage, and are case costs deducted before or after that percentage?
- Who will actually handle my case day-to-day — you, or a paralegal or junior associate?
- How do you typically communicate case updates, and how often?
- Are you licensed to practice in my state?
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious of attorneys who guarantee a specific outcome or dollar amount before reviewing your case, pressure you to sign immediately, are difficult to reach for a straightforward pre-hire question, or can't clearly explain their fee structure.
State licensing matters
Attorneys must be licensed in the state where they practice. If your case involves a different state than where you currently live, make sure any attorney you're considering is licensed (or can be) in the state where your accident occurred.
Want help finding a good match? Request a free case review and we'll help connect you with an independent, licensed attorney in your state.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time — confirm details with a licensed attorney in your state.