Choosing the right personal injury lawyer can make the difference between getting fair payment for your injuries and walking away with much less than you deserve. The best lawyer for your case is someone who has handled cases like yours, will fight for you, and treats you with respect. This guide will help you find that person.
Getting hurt in an accident is hard enough. You might have medical bills piling up, time off work, and pain that won’t go away. The last thing you need is to pick the wrong lawyer. But here’s the good news: if you know what to look for, finding a great personal injury lawyer doesn’t have to be confusing.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to pick a lawyer who will stand up for you. We’ll cover what makes a good lawyer, what questions to ask, and what warning signs to watch out for. By the end, you’ll feel confident about making this important choice.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Not every injury needs a lawyer. If you got a small bump or bruise and the other person’s insurance offered you a fair amount right away, you might be okay on your own.
But you should call a lawyer if:
- Your injuries are serious or will last a long time
- You missed work and lost money
- The insurance company is blaming you for the accident
- The other side has a lawyer
- Your medical bills are high
- You’re not sure what your case is worth
People with a personal injury lawyer end up with payouts nearly three times higher than those without representation. That’s a big difference.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A good personal injury lawyer takes care of everything so you can focus on getting better. They will:
- Look into what happened and gather proof
- Talk to the insurance company for you
- Get your medical records and bills together
- Hire experts if needed
- Fight to get you the most money possible
- Take your case to court if the insurance company won’t be fair
Think of your lawyer as your guide through a confusing process. They know the rules, they know the tricks insurance companies use, and they know how to win.
What to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer
Experience With Your Type of Case
All personal injury lawyers are not the same. Someone who handles car accidents might not be the best choice for a medical malpractice case. Medical malpractice claims have a lower success rate, with only about 19% resulting in payouts, so you need someone who knows how to handle these tough cases.
If you were hurt in a car accident, look for a lawyer who handles lots of car accident cases. If you fell at a store, find someone who knows about slip and fall cases. If you were hit by a truck, you want someone with experience in truck accident cases.
Ask any lawyer you meet: “How many cases like mine have you handled?” and “What were the results?” A lawyer with a good track record in your type of case is more likely to get you good results too.
Trial Experience Matters
Around 95-96% of personal injury cases are settled before trial. That’s great news because trials take a long time and cost more money. But here’s the thing: insurance companies check to see if your lawyer actually goes to trial.
If your lawyer never takes cases to court, insurance companies know they can offer less money. They’re not scared. But if your lawyer has a reputation for going to trial and winning, insurance companies will offer more to avoid court.
So even though your case probably won’t go to trial, you still want a lawyer who isn’t afraid of the courtroom.
Success Rate and Results
Every lawyer will tell you they’re great. But you need to see proof. Look for:
- Past results on their website
- Client reviews online
- Awards or recognition from other lawyers
- How long they’ve been doing this work
Auto accident cases saw the highest success rate for plaintiffs at 61% when cases go to trial. A good lawyer should be able to show you they get results for their clients.
Don’t be shy about asking: “Can you show me some cases you’ve won?” or “Do you have any client stories you can share?”
Communication and Availability
Your lawyer should be easy to reach and willing to talk to you. If they take days to return your calls now, imagine how hard it will be to reach them once they have your money.
Good lawyers will:
- Return your calls or emails within one day
- Explain things in words you can understand
- Keep you updated on what’s happening
- Answer your questions without making you feel bad
During your first meeting, pay attention to how the lawyer treats you. Do they listen? Do they care about your story? Or do they seem rushed and distracted?
Fee Structure You Can Afford
Most personal injury lawyers work on something called a “contingency fee.” This means you don’t pay anything unless they win your case. Contingency fees are particularly common in personal injury cases, where the successful lawyer is awarded between 20% to 50% of the recovery amount.
Here’s how it works:
- You meet with the lawyer for free
- If they take your case, you don’t pay them anything upfront
- If they win, they take a percentage (usually 33% to 40%)
- If they lose, you owe nothing
This is good for you because:
- You can afford a great lawyer even if you have no money
- Your lawyer is motivated to get you the most money possible
- You don’t risk losing money if your case doesn’t work out
Make sure you understand exactly what percentage the lawyer will take and if you have to pay for anything else like court fees or expert witnesses.
Where to Find Good Personal Injury Lawyers
Ask People You Trust
The best way to find a good lawyer is to ask people who have used one. Talk to:
- Friends or family who have been in accidents
- Co-workers who might know someone
- Your doctor or other professionals
If someone you trust had a good experience with a lawyer, that’s a great place to start. But don’t hire someone just because your cousin liked them. You still need to meet the lawyer yourself.
Search Online
Type “personal injury lawyer” and your city into Google. You’ll see lots of results. Look at:
- Their website (does it look professional and helpful?)
- Online reviews on Google and other sites
- Their experience and results
- What types of cases they handle
Be careful of lawyers who spend more money on fancy ads than on actually helping clients. Big billboards and TV commercials don’t always mean a better lawyer.
Check Professional Groups
Good lawyers often belong to groups like the American Association of Justice or state trial lawyer organizations. These groups require lawyers to meet certain standards and stay up to date on the law.
If a lawyer teaches other lawyers or writes articles about personal injury law, that’s a good sign they know their stuff.
What About Lawyer Referral Services?
Some organizations connect people with lawyers. These can be helpful, but remember: not every lawyer on these lists is the best choice for you. Use them to get names, but still meet with lawyers and ask questions before deciding.
Questions to Ask During Your First Meeting
About Their Experience
- How long have you been handling personal injury cases?
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- What were the results in those cases?
- Have you ever taken a case like mine to trial?
- Do you have experience with [specific injury type]?
About Your Case
- Do you think I have a good case?
- What is my case worth?
- How long will this take?
- What are the biggest challenges in my case?
- What happens if we lose?
Don’t expect exact answers. A honest lawyer will tell you they need to investigate before knowing exactly what your case is worth. Be worried if a lawyer promises you specific amounts of money right away.
About How They Work
- Will you handle my case yourself or pass it to someone else?
- How often will you update me?
- How can I reach you if I have questions?
- What do you need from me?
- How involved can I be in my case?
About Money
- Do you work on contingency?
- What percentage will you take?
- Are there any costs I have to pay even if we lose?
- When do I have to pay expenses?
- Will your fee be different if the case goes to trial?
Get everything in writing. A good lawyer will give you a clear contract that explains exactly how much you’ll pay.
About Their Firm
- How many cases does your firm handle at once?
- Who else will work on my case?
- Does your firm have the resources to handle my case?
- Can I speak with a past client?
Red Flags to Watch Out For
They Want Money Upfront
There’s a simple reason why you should avoid hiring a personal injury attorney who demands up-front payment: His money is guaranteed, and yours is not. Real personal injury lawyers work on contingency. If someone asks for money before they do any work, walk away.
They Promise Specific Results
Be very careful if a lawyer says things like “I’ll get you $500,000” or “We’ll definitely win.” No lawyer can promise what will happen. Cases depend on facts, evidence, and what judges and juries decide.
A honest lawyer will say things like “Based on similar cases, you might get…” or “We have a good chance if…” They talk about what’s possible, not what’s guaranteed.
They Don’t Return Your Calls
If it’s hard to reach the lawyer before you hire them, it will be even harder after. Poor communication is one of the biggest problems people have with lawyers.
They Have Bad Reviews
Look up the lawyer online. What do other clients say? A few negative reviews are normal (you can’t make everyone happy), but lots of complaints about the same problems are a warning sign.
Watch for reviews that mention:
- Not returning calls
- Settling cases too quickly for low amounts
- Being rude or unprofessional
- Missing deadlines
- Not caring about clients
They Lack Specific Experience
A good family law lawyer doesn’t automatically make a good personal injury lawyer. Make sure the lawyer you pick has real experience with cases like yours.
They Pressure You to Sign Right Away
A good lawyer will give you time to think and meet with other lawyers. If someone pushes you to sign immediately or makes you feel bad for wanting to think about it, that’s a bad sign.
Their Office is a Mess
This might seem small, but if a lawyer’s office is chaotic and disorganized, their work might be too. Missing deadlines or losing important papers can destroy your case.
They Handle Too Many Cases
Some lawyers take on hundreds of cases at once. This means they can’t give each case the attention it needs. Your case becomes just another file in a stack.
Of the over 1.3 million lawyers in the United States, over 135,000 are personal injury lawyers. With so many lawyers out there, you can find one who has time for you.
Understanding Different Types of Personal Injury Cases
Car Accidents
Car accidents are the most common type of personal injury case. The success rate for car accident injury claims is about 61%. These cases often involve dealing with insurance companies, proving who was at fault, and showing what injuries you suffered.
A good car accident lawyer knows how to handle insurance companies and can spot when they’re trying to pay you less than you deserve.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are more complicated than regular car accidents. Trucks are bigger and cause more serious injuries. These cases often involve:
- Multiple insurance companies
- Federal trucking laws
- Company records and driver logs
- Mechanical inspections
You need a lawyer who understands all these extra pieces.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries. Insurance companies sometimes try to blame motorcycle riders even when it wasn’t their fault. You need a lawyer who will fight against this unfair treatment.
Slip and Fall Accidents
If you were hurt falling at a store, restaurant, or someone’s property, you have what’s called a slip and fall case. These cases require proving that the property owner knew (or should have known) about the dangerous condition.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one is the hardest thing you can go through. Wrongful death cases are especially difficult because they involve both grief and legal issues. You need a lawyer who will treat your family with compassion while fighting to hold the responsible party accountable.
What Happens After You Hire a Lawyer
The First Steps
Once you hire a lawyer, they will:
- Sign a contract with you that explains everything
- Start gathering evidence right away
- Get your medical records
- Talk to witnesses
- Take photos of the accident scene if possible
- Contact the insurance company to let them know you have a lawyer
Investigation Phase
Your lawyer will spend time building your case. This might include:
- Hiring experts to prove what happened
- Getting police reports
- Reviewing video footage if it exists
- Documenting all your injuries and treatments
- Calculating how much money you’ve lost
While this is happening, you should focus on following your doctor’s orders and getting better. Keep all your medical appointments and tell your lawyer about any new problems or treatments.
Settlement Talks
After your lawyer finishes investigating, they’ll usually try to settle your case without going to court. Your lawyer will:
- Send a demand letter explaining why the insurance company should pay
- Negotiate back and forth to get the best offer
- Keep you updated on all offers
- Advise you on whether to accept or keep pushing
Remember: you make the final decision on whether to accept a settlement. A good lawyer will explain your options and give honest advice, but you’re in charge.
Going to Trial
If the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount, your lawyer might recommend filing a lawsuit. Don’t worry – this doesn’t mean you have to go to trial. Many cases settle even after a lawsuit is filed.
If your case does go to trial, your lawyer will:
- Prepare all the legal paperwork
- Get witnesses ready to testify
- Present evidence to the jury
- Argue your case in court
- Handle all the legal rules and procedures
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, personal injury lawsuit outcome statistics include a majority (90 to 95 percent) settled before trial. But if you do go to trial, having a lawyer with courtroom experience is critical.
How Long Will Your Case Take?
Every case is different, but most personal injury cases take several months to a year or more. The timeline depends on:
- How badly you were hurt
- How long your medical treatment lasts
- Whether the other side admits fault
- How quickly the insurance company responds
- If you need to file a lawsuit
Don’t rush your case just to get money quickly. 70% of people who held out for a better deal received settlements that were $30,700 higher compared to those who accepted the insurance company’s first offer. Your lawyer will help you decide when the time is right to settle.
Working With Your Lawyer
Your Job in the Case
While your lawyer does most of the work, you have responsibilities too:
- Be honest about everything, including past injuries
- Keep all your medical appointments
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
- Save all bills and receipts
- Don’t talk about your case on social media
- Tell your lawyer about any changes in your condition
- Respond to your lawyer’s questions quickly
Staying in Touch
Good communication works both ways. You should:
- Return your lawyer’s calls
- Ask questions if you don’t understand something
- Share concerns before they become big problems
- Trust your lawyer’s advice (you hired them for a reason)
- Be patient (good cases take time)
What If You’re Not Happy?
If you’re having problems with your lawyer, talk to them first. Sometimes issues come from simple misunderstandings. If talking doesn’t help and you truly believe your lawyer isn’t doing their job, you can:
- File a complaint with your state bar association
- Hire a new lawyer (you have this right)
- Ask to see your file (it belongs to you)
But switching lawyers in the middle of a case can cause delays and complications, so try to solve problems first.
Special Considerations for Colorado Personal Injury Cases
If you live in Colorado, there are some things specific to your state you should know:
Time Limits
In Colorado, you typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline and you lose your right to sue. There are some exceptions, so talk to a Colorado personal injury lawyer right away.
Comparative Fault
Colorado uses a rule called “comparative negligence.” This means if you were partly at fault for the accident, your payment gets reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% responsible, your payment is cut by 20%.
A good lawyer knows how to fight against insurance companies that try to blame you to reduce what they have to pay.
Local Expertise
A lawyer familiar with Colorado courts, judges, and local procedures has advantages. They might know:
- How local juries typically decide cases
- Which judges are fair to injury victims
- Local insurance company tactics
- Colorado-specific laws that could help your case
Making Your Final Decision
After meeting with several lawyers and asking your questions, it’s time to decide. Trust your gut, but also think about:
- Who has the most experience with your type of case?
- Who communicated the best?
- Who seemed to care about you as a person?
- Who has the resources to handle your case?
- Who do you feel most comfortable with?
The “best” lawyer isn’t always the one with the biggest office or the most TV commercials. It’s the one who will work hard for you, keep you informed, and fight to get you what you deserve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer
Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget things. Security camera footage gets erased. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better they can protect your rights.
Talking to the Insurance Company Alone
Insurance companies are businesses. Their job is to pay you as little as possible. Don’t give a recorded statement or sign anything without talking to a lawyer first.
Posting on Social Media
Anything you post online can be used against you. Insurance companies check social media. Even innocent posts (like pictures of you smiling at a birthday party) can make it look like you’re not really hurt.
Not Following Medical Advice
If you miss appointments or don’t follow your treatment plan, insurance companies will say you must not be that hurt. See your doctors regularly and do what they tell you.
Accepting the First Offer
The first offer is almost never the best offer. Insurance companies expect you to negotiate. Don’t accept without having a lawyer review the offer.
Choosing a Lawyer Based Only on Ads
The lawyer with the catchiest commercial isn’t necessarily the best lawyer. Do your research and meet with lawyers before deciding.
Resources and Next Steps
Where to Learn More
- American Bar Association – Information about lawyers and legal rights
- Your state bar association – Check lawyer credentials and see if they have complaints
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Information about car accidents and safety
Taking Action
If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait. Here’s what to do right now:
- Get medical care for your injuries
- Write down everything you remember about the accident
- Take photos if you can
- Get contact information from any witnesses
- Call a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. This means you can meet with them, ask questions, and get advice without paying anything. Take advantage of this. Meet with at least two or three lawyers before making your choice.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Before your first lawyer meeting, think about:
- What matters most to me in a lawyer?
- Am I looking for quick settlement or maximum compensation?
- Do I prefer a small firm where I get personal attention or a large firm with more resources?
- How involved do I want to be in my case?
Your answers will help you pick the right lawyer for you.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after getting hurt. The right lawyer can change your life by getting you the money you need to pay bills, replace lost wages, and move forward. The wrong lawyer can leave you struggling.
Remember these key points:
- Look for experience with cases like yours
- Make sure they work on contingency (no money unless you win)
- Check their track record and reviews
- Pick someone who communicates well and cares about you
- Watch out for red flags like guarantees or pressure
- Trust your instincts
You’ve been through something difficult. You deserve a lawyer who will fight for you and treat you with respect. Don’t settle for less.
The lawyers at CO Trial Lawyers have over 10 years of experience helping injury victims in Denver and throughout Colorado. We work on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We take on a limited number of cases so we can give each client the personal attention they deserve.
If you’ve been hurt, call us at 303-390-0799 for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. There’s no risk and no pressure – just honest advice from lawyers who care.
Your recovery is our priority. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on getting better. You’ve already been through enough. Now it’s time to get the help and compensation you deserve.