The best personal injury lawyer in North Carolina may look different to you than another injured person. The ideal attorney for your case depends on your unique needs, such as the type of accident, the extent of your injuries and your settlement goals. Learn more with Shipman Wright & Moore, LLP about how to choose the right lawyer by identifying the traits best suited for your individual circumstances and priorities.
Why Is Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer Important in North Carolina?
You should always be selective in your choice of attorney, as a lot could be at stake for you and your family in the aftermath of an accident. However, it is especially important to be deliberate in choosing a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina due to the state’s strict contributory negligence rule.
If you are allocated any amount of fault – even 1 percent – you become ineligible for financial compensation under North Carolina law. A lawyer may be necessary to prove your case and preserve your financial recovery if you are being blamed for a car accident, slip and fall, or another incident.
What to Look for in Your Personal Injury Attorney
There are both general and specific things you should look for when choosing the best personal injury lawyer for you. You need to verify that the attorney is properly established in the field, as well as equipped to handle your individual type of case.
Practical Experience
Check to see that the attorney has at least several years of experience in the right field of law. A law firm that focuses on personal injury law will have the resources and personnel to correctly handle your situation. Review the attorney’s practice areas to see if your type of case is one that he or she accepts.
Positive Case Outcomes
It can give you greater confidence in a personal injury attorney to see that he or she has a long track record of achieving successful case results. Settlements and jury verdicts in the law firm’s history mean greater leverage when negotiating with insurance companies. Look for positive client testimonials, as well, to see what working with the attorney is really like.
Good Communication
When you first reach out to a prospective personal injury lawyer, pay attention to how your phone calls or messages are received. How long does it take someone from the law firm to get back to you? Do you feel heard and seen? Ask the attorney about his or her communication policies and how many case updates you can expect to receive.
Questions to Ask During Your Free Consultation
Before you hire a personal injury attorney or sign a contract, arrange a free initial case review. This is offered by most lawyers, and is your chance to speak with an attorney over the phone or in person to get to know him or her better.
Bring this list of questions with you to your meeting to help ensure that you make the right choice:
- How much experience do you have with my type of case?
- What is your success rate?
- How long do you estimate my case will take?
- Who will be handling my case?
- Do you think my case will have to go to trial?
- What is your communication style?
- How much do you charge for your services?
The best personal injury lawyer for you will have the resources, support staff, experience and credentials to back him or her up. You should feel good about moving forward with your claim with help and guidance from the attorney.
Start Today And Arrange a Free Case Review at Shipman Wright & Moore, LLP
If you’re ready to start the process of finding the ideal personal injury attorney in North Carolina for you and your case, contact us at (910) 762-1990 to arrange a free consultation with our local lawyers in Wilmington.