Hiring a personal injury lawyer should end with a clear written agreement and a shared understanding of what happens next. A referral or advertisement can help you find a candidate, but it does not replace reviewing the engagement.

Build and assess a short list

Referrals from trusted people, other attorneys, or a bar referral service can be starting points. Look for relevant experience and ask which lawyer would handle your matter. Do not use an arbitrary years-in-practice cutoff as the sole measure of competence.

The firm-comparison guide addresses experience, staffing, and communication. Use the consultation questions to compare answers consistently rather than repeating the same search from scratch.

Clarify scope and financial terms

Read the proposed agreement before signing. Identify which claims are included, who is represented, how fees are calculated, and responsibility for expenses. Ask how referrals, co-counsel, changes in representation, or unresolved costs would be handled.

If you already have counsel, obtain advice about that relationship and the consequences of a change. Do not assume signing another agreement automatically ends the first or resolves any fee issue.

Transfer records securely

  • Provide policies, reports, photographs, insurer letters, and court documents through the agreed method.
  • Keep originals and a list of material supplied.
  • Identify upcoming appointments, deadlines, and scheduled insurer examinations.
  • Tell the firm about prior statements, offers, authorizations, and agreements, including unfavorable information.

Confirm the first actions

Ask who will notify insurers, obtain missing records, preserve evidence, and update you. Confirm how to report new treatment, coverage changes, or settlement contacts. Representation works best when responsibilities are understood at the start.

See fees and case expenses for cost-specific questions. To discuss representation by Logeman & Iafrate, request a consultation.

Talk with Logeman & Iafrate

Request a free consultation or call (734) 994-0200 to discuss your situation with our Ann Arbor office. Bring the relevant records and any insurer correspondence. Advice about your claim depends on the facts, coverage, and applicable deadlines.

General information only; this article is not legal advice for an individual case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a referral guarantee the firm is right for me?

No. Confirm relevant experience, responsibility, communication, and written terms.

Should I keep originals after sending records?

Yes. Preserve originals and track what you supplied.

‍This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney at Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. for advice regarding your individual situation.