Guide · Updated
How to choose a personal injury lawyer
There’s no single right lawyer for everyone. These questions help you compare firms on the things that matter to you.
Before the first call
Step 1: Check that the lawyer is licensed
Each state keeps a public list of licensed lawyers.
For how to look up a lawyer and the warning signs to watch for, read checking a lawyer before you hire.
First meeting
Step 2: Questions to ask at the first meeting
Many injury firms offer a free first meeting. Bring your notes and these questions.
- Who will handle my case day to day?Ask who you’ll talk to most: the lawyer you met, another lawyer, or a paralegal (a trained assistant who works for the lawyer).
- Do you handle cases like mine?Ask how much of their work is your type of case, such as car crashes, falls or medical mistakes.
Any time
Step 3: Be careful with promises
No one can know in advance what your case is worth. Be careful if anyone promises a dollar amount or a fast result.
Take your time. You can meet more than one firm before you decide, and you don’t have to sign anything at the first meeting.
When you’re ready
Step 4: Comparing firms on Thereby Guide
We list injury firms in a neutral order, such as A–Z or distance, and show where each fact came from. We don’t rank or recommend firms, so the choice is yours. Before you decide, read how contingency fees work and what you take home from a settlement.
When you’re ready
Find an injury lawyer, on your terms
Search by city and type of case. Every firm’s facts show where they came from and when. We don’t rank firms. Listing is free and doesn’t depend on buying anything.
Find a lawyer near youSources
Where the legal facts on this page come from
- ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5 (fees)Read the source: ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5 (fees)
- ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.4 (communications)Read the source: ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.4 (communications)
- ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2 (scope of representation and allocation of authority)Read the source: ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.2 (scope of representation and allocation of authority)
- Tex. Gov’t Code § 82.065 (contract for legal services)“(a) A contingent fee contract for legal services must be in writing and signed by the attorney and client. (b) Any contract for legal services is voidable by the client if it is procured as a result of conduct violating Section 38.12(a) or (b), Penal Code, or Rule 7.03 of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas, regarding barratry by attorneys or other persons.”Read the source: Tex. Gov’t Code § 82.065 (contract for legal services)
- Tex. Disciplinary R. Prof’l Conduct 1.04 (fees)“(d) A fee may be contingent on the outcome of the matter for which the service is rendered, except in a matter in which a contingent fee is prohibited by paragraph (e) or other law. A contingent fee agreement shall be in writing and shall state the method by which the fee is to be determined. If there is to be a differentiation in the percentage or percentages that shall accrue to the lawyer in the event of settlement, trial or appeal, the percentage for each shall be stated. The agreement shall state the litigation and other expenses to be deducted from the recovery, and whether such expenses are to be deducted before or after the contingent fee is calculated. Upon conclusion of a contingent fee matter, the lawyer shall provide the client with a written statement describing the outcome of the matter and, if there is a recovery, showing the remittance to the client and the method of its determination.”Read the source: Tex. Disciplinary R. Prof’l Conduct 1.04 (fees)
- Tex. Disciplinary R. Prof’l Conduct 1.03 (communication)“(a) A lawyer shall keep a client reasonably informed about the status of a matter and promptly comply with reasonable requests for information. (b) A lawyer shall explain a matter to the extent reasonably necessary to permit the client to make informed decisions regarding the representation.”Read the source: Tex. Disciplinary R. Prof’l Conduct 1.03 (communication)
- Tex. Disciplinary R. Prof’l Conduct 1.02 (scope and objectives of representation)“(a) Subject to paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f), a lawyer shall abide by a clients decisions: (1) concerning the objectives and general methods of representation; (2) whether to accept an offer of settlement of a matter, except as otherwise authorized by law; …”Read the source: Tex. Disciplinary R. Prof’l Conduct 1.02 (scope and objectives of representation)
This is general information, not legal advice.