Here are the steps to follow if you want to find a good Georgia injury attorney to handle a personal injury claim.
1
Internet Research
Make a list of five lawyers that look promising under these criteria
a) Undergraduate and Law School: Are they respectable schools?
b) Experience: More than 10 years is mandatory for important cases;
c) Experience in insurance defense prior to representing plaintiffs;
d) Positive client reviews on Google.com;
e) They must specialize in personal injury and not be a “jack of all trades”;
f) Are they recognized by the media as experts?
g) Are they published authors or speakers?
The internet has revolutionized the attorney selection process and starting on Avvo is obviously a great way to begin. Be sure to also use a Google local search by typing in "Atlanta injury lawyer" or something similar. This will pull up a map with a list of law firms. Click on "more" next to the firm name. This will show you the customer reviews for the firm.
2
Call the Lawyers and Ask to Meet in Person
If your lawyer does not have time to meet with you in person in the beginning of the case, they definitely won't at the end! Here are some questions to ask:
1. What types of law do you handle? Beware the lawyer that is a “jack of all trades.”
2. How many cases have you tried?
3. Have you ever worked in insurance defense for the insurance companies?
4. How many people will be working with me on the case?
5. Can I have your cell phone number?
6. How often will you update me on the case status?
7. How many cases are you handling?
8. How long will my case take? If they promise you it will only be a few months, then you know they are either a liar or a lawyer that does not go to court.
9. What is your strategy for my case?
10. What is the biggest problem you see with my case?
11. May I speak with some of your former clients?
3
Make a Decision
After going through these steps, go with your gut feeling. The perfect lawyer is different for each person and you should look for the blend of competency and a personality that meshes with yours. Do not settle for the first person you meet. You will be sharing intimate information with a lawyer and trusting them with tens of thousands of dollars so invest the same time that you would in choosing a doctor.
Good Luck
Copyright © 2009 by Christopher M. Simon, All Rights Reserved
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