We are often rushed when making some of the most significant choices in our lives. Who has time to exhaustively research the best possible attorney when you or your loved one has been critically injured? We hope this brief checklist will help to provide you with direction in your time of need.
Integrity is critical. Did an attorney or an agent on his or her behalf approach you at the scene of an accident or did you receive a card from an EMT or emergency room worker? If you did, that Attorney is in violation of the law and the rules the govern attorney conduct. You know all you have to know about that attorney, he or she lacks integrity and you should not trust them. If your Attorney is not obeying the law before they are even representing you, this is a significant red flag.
Track Record. Has the attorney received recognition from peers or legal organizations such as Thomson Reuters – Super Lawyers, Avvo, The Better Business Bureau or others? If the attorney is poorly reviewed online and/or has not received any sort of recognition this is not always a good sign. You would normally read the reviews before
you purchase a product or other service, why wouldn’t you read the reviews of a lawyer
that may represent you or your loved one?
Availability. Does the Attorney you are considering make time to speak and/or meet
with you? Are they available to answer any questions you may have? Or, the opposite, do they have appear to have too much free time? These are important considerations. You do not want an Attorney who is inaccessible due to a large caseload or some other reason. Conversely, you also do not want an Attorney who seems to have little to no caseload!
Qualifications. You want to make sure that the attorney you select is licensed to practice law in the state where your case occurred and that their license is currently active and up-to-date! Attorneys are required to attend continuing legal education courses and in some states, do other things to keep their license active. You certainly want someone representing you that is legally able to do so!
Experience. You should take care to select an Attorney who is experienced in the type of case you have. Take the time to look at the Attorney’s website and make sure that the type of law you need help with is the type of law that the Attorney practices. Ask the Attorney about other cases like yours that they have litigated to get a sense of their level of expertise.
Respect. Does the Attorney show respect when speaking with you or does he or she talk down to you. If the prospective Attorney cannot explain even complicated issues to you in a way you can understand, that Attorney may not really respect you. Do you feel as though you can respect the Attorney?
Instinct and Trust . Never underestimate your own instincts when it comes to deciding whether you can trust someone, including the Attorney you are about to hire.
Call or Text a highly skilled NYC Injury and Accident Attorney today: (646) 217-0749.