How does attorney experience affect case results?

Choosing an attorney can be challenging. Advertisements are everywhere urging you to “Call Now.” You might feel that with so many attorneys out there, the lawyer you choose to represent you in your case isn’t that important. The reality, however, is that nothing could be further from the truth.

Selecting an attorney with experience can have a huge impact on the outcome of a legal action, especially in a case that has long lasting effects, such as a car accident or motorcycle crash. For example, when an accident victim represents himself, the insurance company knows that they are dealing with someone with limited resources, expertise in the law, and knowledge of the true value of the case. They will often cause deliberate delays in settling claims, and offer amounts that are much lower than they would have offered with an attorney.

On the other hand, insurance companies almost universally handle cases very differently when dealing with an experienced attorney with a proven track record. According to a 1999 study by the Insurance Research Counsel (IRC), people who hired attorneys received settlement offers that were on average 3.5 times (i.e. 350%) more than those who went at it alone. At the upper end of those settlement offers were those who utilized a well-trained and experienced lawyer. Experienced attorneys have dealt with many similar cases, and draw on that prior experience when handling your case. They have streamlined and efficient processes for each of the many stages of a personal injury claim. They also have much to draw from when evaluating your claim and estimating its worth. They can therefore better advise you on settlement offers from the insurance company.

There are several ways to find an experienced attorney. For example, checking an attorney’s rating on Martindale-Hubbell (1-5 scale) or their AVVO rating (1-10 scale) are both good ways to verify an attorney’s experience. Additionally, using a good attorney matching service such as AttorneyClientMatch.com can also be a valuable resource in your search for an attorney.

If you have been injured and are seeking to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering from an insurance company, contact the legal team at Attorneyclientmatch.com. We will help you find the attorney that is in the best position to handle your case.

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