Anywhere you turn today, our world appears to be inundated with injury law firm or attorney photos. From billboards to pop-up ads, firms find a way to reach the public from every angle possible.

Typically, larger firms with the means to market themselves on a large scale dominate the landscape. Many of these ads can lead people to think they are choosing the best representation when, quite possibly, it is far from meeting their needs. In this culture of mass marketing and billboard law, knowing the reasons for choosing the right lawyer when seeking justice or compensation, particularly in the event of an accident or injury, is critical.

After someone is involved in an accident where another party is at fault, they have much to consider. This is especially true when they begin to seek the services of an attorney. Before making a choice based on size or a large marketing campaign, consider these factors:

First is the overall caseload of a firm. This has a direct impact on the ability to communicate with the client. Sometimes, a client may never meet or speak with their attorney throughout the claim. This should be unacceptable to the accident victim. Not only should an attorney readily meet with their clients as needed and keep clients informed about their case status, but a good firm will have a policy that keeps communication lines between the client and the firm open and active.

Is this attorney dealing with many cases while working on yours? If so, they may also lack the time necessary to achieve the highest settlement possible. Smaller firms generally have a better ability to meet with the client and to work much more personally and aggressively on each case in the office. What a wonderful advantage when you have suffered due to someone else’s negligence!

Also, the attorney’s willingness and readiness to go to trial is paramount. Do not rely on an advertisement portraying an attorney in a courtroom or showing a single settlement figure. To determine if your lawyer is prepared to fight in trial to obtain the best settlement possible, ask if they are a Board Certified Trial Lawyer. If they aren’t, ask why. Often, a case will be settled for much less than it is worth due to scared or lazy representation. A Board Certification indicates an attorney’s ability and desire to succeed at trial when the opponents refuse to cooperate fairly.

Lastly, communication and credentials matter, but does your attorney consider what is best for you? Many times, on the surface, a case seems cut and dry. Elements of personal injury law can be muddled, but when concepts like liability and damages are in your favor, the work seems to do itself. Easy settlements happen daily, but is an easy settlement the best settlement? A wise attorney will explore all potential avenues of recovery and fully discuss settlement options with you. Your concerns should be heard and considered before a settlement is reached.

In conclusion, remember to ask questions before hiring a lawyer. Communication, credentials, and consideration are important factors to consider before hiring an attorney. The best representation will be capable of taking on any defendant in trial, no matter how big. They will also have the time to meet and talk with their clients as needed. To get a good idea of the services you may employ, do not forget to ask if your lawyer is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer. Don’t make a decision based on mass marketing and legal advertisements alone; know if you are choosing an attorney prepared to take every measure needed to get the compensation you are entitled to.