If you were in an accident because of another party’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for the damages. Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the accused party can be a chaotic legal process.

Unfortunately, only some lawyers can devote their time and effort to handling a personal injury case. It is better to hire a personal injury lawyer to handle the legal processes involved in your case to remove the burden from you.

There are several qualities that a competent personal injury lawyer should possess. They include:

1. Specialization in Personal Injury Law

The practice field of law is quite broad, and most lawyers focus on a specific area. There is an enormous difference between criminal defense, commercial litigation, and personal injury cases. The lawyer you choose to handle your lawsuit should primarily focus on personal injury. Though some law firms have a general practice dealing with different areas of the law, you will have a better chance with an attorney specializing in personal injury law.

2. Have a Solid Settlement Record

A winning history of a personal injury lawyer is a testament to their competency. You will need a lawyer with a solid record of successful settlements and judgment from previous clients. If you know someone who experienced an injury similar to yours, reach out for a recommendation.

The best way to know if a lawyer has a good settlement record for personal injury cases is by asking for testimonials. Any competent personal injury lawyer will be eager to provide details supporting their claims.

3. Work on a Contingency Fee Arrangement

The contingency fee model is great for clients as they will not have to pay an attorney a dime unless they win a case. Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, which means they will have to take a cut off the settlement they won or nothing. This ensures you do not incur any upfront fees or costs while filing your case.

4. Have Knowledge of the Medical Issues Affecting Your Case

Achieving a successful outcome for a personal injury lawsuit involves more than proving the negligence of the accused party. It is essential to have an attorney who understands medical issues related to your injuries. A personal injury lawyer has a network of medical experts will be an added advantage to you.

5. Understands State and Federal Laws Associated With Your Case

There are numerous laws governing various personal injury lawsuits. The personal injury laws from car accidents or medical malpractice can differ in every state. With each state having a different statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, it is better to have a lawyer familiar with them.

Federal and state laws can impact filing deadlines or procedural aspects of your case. During your consultation with a prospective lawyer, ask if there are laws that can influence your ability to get compensation. Knowing their knowledge of laws affecting your case will go a long way.

6. Have Strong Communication Skills

When you hire a personal injury lawyer, you need to have confidence in their ability to communicate with you and other parties throughout the case’s legal process. If you feel the lawyer has not adequately explained your legal option during a consultation, they may not fit you. 

The following communication skills from a competent attorney will assist in different aspects of your lawsuit:

• The negotiation process with the liable party
• An attorney’s ability to update you on your case’s progress
• Their ability to connect with judge or jury when showing the impact of your injury on your life

A Competent Personal Injury Lawyer Is Out There for You

After a personal injury resulting from an accident, finding a competent lawyer to represent your lawsuit can be tough. Personal injury cases are complex, and there can be multiple factors that will affect the outcome of a case. Hire a personal injury lawyer with experience so that you can be able to get a fair settlement.