Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

All about when to hire a lawyer, how to find one, how to pay, and how to manage your personal injury attorney.

 

Whenever a personal injury case involves moderate to serious injuries, has long-lasting effects, or tricky legal/liability issues, it's best to hire an attorney for legal representation, settlement negotiation, and if necessary, litigation. In this section you'll find everything you need to know about how personal injury attorneys work, what you should expect, how they are paid, and how to handle your case.

Introduction & Overview

Start with the basics.

• Do You Need a Lawyer?

  Do you need a personal injury lawyer? Not every personal injury case requires an attorney, but you may benefit from hiring one.
• When to Handle Your Own Accident Claim

  For car accidents or simple personal injury claims with only modest injuries, it may make economic sense to handle it without hiring an attorney.
• "Tort" Law and "Tort" Lawyers

  Tort is just a weird way of saying personal injury, but sometimes there is no physical injury. Do you still hire an "injury" lawyer?
• Should You Handle Your Own Personal Injury Claim or Hire a Lawyer?

  Not everyone hires a lawyer. If you're up for taking on your own case, it may be a good idea - or not.

Finding and Choosing the Right Attorney

There are many ways to find a personal injury lawyer. Be sure to talk to more than one before settling on the person who'll be handling your case.

• Where to Start When You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

  This three part series covers deciding to engage a lawyer, how to find good ones, and how to choose the best for you.
• Interviewing Lawyers

  Know what to ask, and get the answers you need.

Managing Lawyers' Fees and Legal Expenses

Just because a lawyer is paid out of your settlement doesn't mean you should ignore legal fees.

• Lawyers' Fees in Your Personal Injury Case

  Personal injury lawyers usually work on a contingency fee basis, sometimes referred to as "no win, no fee". Here's an introduction.
• Negotiating Lawyer Fees

  Sometimes you can negotiate a reduced contingency percentage, or an alternative fee agreement.
• Managing Lawyer Costs & Expenses in a Personal Injury Case

  Learn about the costs associated with hiring a lawyer to handle your personal injury case - and how to keep on top of it.

Browse Local Personal Injury Lawyers

Want to search for lawyers? Start here.

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Types of Cases That May Need an Attorney

Some common cases that may or may not require a professional.

• Elements a Lawyer Looks For in a Personal Injury Case

  How a lawyer determines if you're standing on solid legal ground.
• Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

  Car accidents are so common, when can an attorney make a difference?
• Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Slip and Fall Injury Case?

  When liability is unclear for a personal injury claim -- as it often is in slip and fall cases -- a lawyer may be worth the cost.
• If You're Suing a Doctor, You Need a Specialist

  Not all lawyers are the same when it comes to medical malpractice. Here's why you need a specialist.
• Do You Need a Lawyer to Write an Injury Demand Letter?

  If you know what you want, do you need a lawyer for the paperwork?

As Your Case Progresses

What to expect.

• What Will Your Lawyer Do First?

  You've found a lawyer to handle you car accident or personal injury case, and you've signed a fee agreement - what happens now?
• How a Lawyer Settles a Personal Injury Lawsuit

  Once a lawyer gets involved, the settlement process may get a little more complicated. He or she uses a lot of legal tools - and experience - to negotiate the best possible resolution.
• Working With Your Personal Injury Lawyer

  An overview of working with a lawyer at different steps in the case - and how to decide to file a lawsuit.

Problems That May Come Up

What if you run into problems with your attorney?

• Why a Lawyer Would Turn Down Your Personal Injury Case

  What if a lawyer won't take your case? Does that mean you don't have one?
• Problems Paying a Lawyer's Contingency Fee

  Your lawyer's fee will come out of your injury settlement or jury verdict. Here's what might go wrong.
• When Might You Fire Your Lawyer?

  There are many reasons a client might choose to fire their personal injury lawyer. Here are some of the most common.
• Considerations When Firing a Personal Injury Lawyer

  Depending on where you are in the case, firing your attorney could create complications.