Finding the Right Car Accident Lawyer in Ontario

Finding the Right Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you probably have a lot to cope with. You may be struggling to deal with pain caused by the injuries, working hard with a physiotherapist and occupational therapist, worrying about the impact of your injury on family relationships and your ability to work, and under financial stress. During this difficult time, you will need to make one of the most important decisions about your future that you will ever make: you will need to choose a personal injury lawyer. In Ontario there are a number of well-known personal injury law firms, and it can be overwhelming to think about how to choose the person who will fight on your behalf. However, choosing a good lawyer can help to make your future much brighter, and there are a few guidelines that can help.

Narrowing the Choices

One of the benefits of hiring a lawyer who works in the area of personal injury law is that these lawyers understand that they’ll be meeting you at one of your life’s low points. These professionals recognize that finances can be a particular problem for their clients, and they do not charge in the same way as other lawyers do. Instead of charging by the hour, personal injury lawyers receive a percentage of any settlement you get; this means that you can get the help you need when you need it, without adding more financial strain to your household. In addition, most personal injury firms offer a free initial consultation. This will allow you to meet with a lawyer and to assess how well you work together.

You can use the internet to narrow down the choice of firm. Look at websites and Facebook pages for law firms that serve your area. You should be able to get a good idea of what values the firm emphasizes and the level of experience of their personnel. Once you’ve found some firms that look promising, book some free consultations.

What to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer

Here are a few aspects to consider during these initial meetings:

• Communication Style. Communication is key to any good relationship, and it’s no different with the lawyer-client relationship. During your initial meeting with a personal injury lawyer, assess how well you “click.” Do you understand what the lawyer is telling you? Does the lawyer understand what you mean? Do you share a similar sense of how the case might unfold? Do you feel at ease and able to talk freely with the lawyer? If you prefer to communicate in a language other than English, look for a law firm that offers service in multiple languages.
  
  In addition, ask the lawyer how they maintain communication with clients. Lawyers are busy professionals, and the better ones have a system in place for staying in touch with clients, whether that is a weekly email update, or a regularly scheduled call. Assess how well their communication style meshes with your own.
  
  
• Fee Structure. Make sure you understand the firm’s fee structure and what you will be responsible for. While it may not be possible for a lawyer to place a dollar figure on your case during this initial meeting, you should be able to ask questions about what percentage of the settlement will go to the law firm, and about what expenses you might also be charged for. Talking about money can be difficult for some of us, but it’s important to go into a partnership with a clear understanding of the financial terms.

   

• Experience. Ask you lawyer about their experience. How long have they been practicing? Have they had success with other cases like yours? While the majority of personal injury cases are settled before they reach court, find out whether the lawyer has courtroom experience. Unlike most legal professionals, personal injury lawyers need to know more than the law: they must also be knowledgeable about the insurance industry and the medical system. Ask questions that will help you assess the lawyer’s experience with and knowledge of these sectors, too.
  
  
• Client Care. If you’re meeting the lawyer at their office, take notice of how you’re treated, from the moment you walk in the door. Do the firm’s employees demonstrate care and consideration for you? Is the atmosphere friendly and welcoming? If you’re unable to go to the law firm’s office, will a lawyer come to the hospital or rehabilitation centre? Does the lawyer include your family in conversations and show consideration toward them, too? Is your lawyer energetic and interested in the details of your case?

After you’ve met with a few lawyers, you’ll understand more about the process, and about what you prefer; you’ll be able to choose the legal professional who best matches your communication style and needs. Contact a personal injury law firm today and find the lawyer who’s right for your situation.