1. Referrals from Other Attorneys
Attorneys will normally know other attorneys who have successfully represented accident victims in your community. You could also try to obtain recommendations from the local Bar Association.

2. Specialization
Make sure to hire an attorney who specializes in handling personal injury cases. You would not want an attorney who specializes in divorce cases handling your personal injury case.

3. Experience
It is critical that your attorney has practiced as a personal injury attorney for at least ten years and has trial experience with personal injury cases. If not, the attorney likely does not have adequate experience to deal with the complexity involved in winning such cases. Further, if the defense attorneys and insurance companies believe that an attorney will not be willing to take a case to trial, they will make low-ball offers.

4. Reputation
The reputation of an attorney matters the most when it comes to legal representation. A good reputation in previous dealings in the court and with insurance companies assures a higher recovery. You can review their client's testimonials to assess their reputation or talk to other attorneys in the legal community if possible.

5. Meet Your Attorney
You need to meet the attorney in person to make sure that you get along and have confidence in his/her ability to represent you in the case. Make sure that the attorney will not send your case to a different law firm or have an associate handle the case.

6. Contingency Fee
An attorney doesn't collect a contingency fee or legal fee from the client unless the attorney recovers money for the client, either through a settlement or a trial. The attorney generally takes a percentage or share of the settlement amount, usually 33% of the total settlement. The contingency fee is generally charged for personal injury cases.

Contact Our Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm

Logeman, Iafrate, & Logeman, P.C., is an experienced personal injury law firm practicing in the State of Michigan for more than 45 years. We are dedicated to providing outstanding client service and skilled legal advocacy in every case. If you've been injured in an accident, schedule a Free Consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage do personal injury attorneys typically charge?

Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, charging around 33% of the total settlement amount. This means you don't pay any legal fees unless the attorney successfully recovers money for you through settlement or trial.

How much experience should a personal injury attorney have?

Your personal injury attorney should have at least ten years of experience practicing personal injury law and should have trial experience with personal injury cases. This ensures they have adequate expertise to handle the complexity of your case and negotiate effectively with insurance companies.

Why is specialization important when hiring a personal injury attorney?

Specialization is crucial because personal injury law is complex and requires specific expertise. An attorney who specializes in personal injury cases will have in-depth knowledge of relevant laws, procedures, and negotiation tactics that attorneys in other practice areas may not possess.

How can I verify a personal injury attorney's reputation?

You can verify an attorney's reputation by reviewing client testimonials, checking their track record of successful cases, speaking with other attorneys in the legal community, and researching their standing with the local Bar Association. A good reputation with courts and insurance companies often leads to higher recoveries.

Should I meet with a personal injury attorney before hiring them?

Yes, meeting your attorney in person is essential. This allows you to assess whether you feel comfortable working with them, gauge their confidence and communication style, and confirm that they will personally handle your case rather than delegating it to an associate or another firm.