You were injured in an accident in Philadelphia and have sustained considerable losses. If the other party owed you a “Duty of Care” but acted negligently, you could file a personal injury lawsuit. Winning a lawsuit requires experience, expertise, and a complete understanding of laws. In your best interests, you should consider seeking legal advice and counsel from a reliable attorney. If you are confused about hiring Philadelphia, PA personal injury attorneys, below are some red flags you need to avoid.
- Making unusual promises. Overpromising is undoubtedly a red flag. While attorneys have the expertise to offer an overview of what you can expect from the case, they cannot promise an exact outcome. Lawyers have complete control over how they approach their cases, but the results are dependent on several factors. Watch out for attorneys who promise great things before the case starts.
- Not having enough experience. Most personal injury cases in Pennsylvania are settled outside of court as a trial is an expensive alternative to negotiations. That is true for every party involved in the case. While your attorney should have the experience of handling cases through negotiations, they must also have the capabilities to take the matter to trial when needed. You can ask one simple question – “How often do you go to court for personal injury cases?”
- Being inaccessible. No matter the situation, the communication lines between a client and the lawyer should be open. If your lawyer is always too busy to take your calls or answer your questions, or if you have a hard time reaching their office for an appointment, it is indeed a clear red flag.
- Asking for an upfront payment. Personal injury lawyers don’t work like criminal or family lawyers. There is no payment or fee until a settlement is reached. This is also known as the contingency arrangement, where the lawyer only gets paid if the client gets a settlement from the other side. If a lawyer asks for payments before that, you should look for other options.
- Exaggerating injuries. If the attorney has been overstating your injuries or inflating the worth of your compensation, that is a red flag. People often don’t understand personal injury frauds, and it is wise to read the reviews before selecting a lawyer.
If you are looking for accident attorneys near you in Philadelphia, the internet is absolutely your best friend. Meet an attorney before you make a decision.
