Choosing a personal injury lawyer isn’t something most people plan for. It’s usually something you’re trying to figure out while dealing with pain, insurance adjusters, missed work, and a whole lot of uncertainty. And that makes the decision feel even heavier.
Here’s the good news. You don’t need to know everything about the legal system to make a smart call on who should represent you. But you do need to ask the right questions. Let’s start with the most basic one.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Not every injury case needs a lawyer, but if you’re even asking the question, it’s probably smart to at least speak to one. Here’s when it’s time to pick up the phone.
If your injuries required medical treatment, you’re looking at ongoing care, or you’ve missed more than a couple days of work. Chances are your case is serious enough to benefit from legal help. Insurance companies may seem friendly at first, but their goal is to pay as little as possible. The more money your case is worth, the harder they push back.
A lawyer can level the playing field. They can help protect your rights, gather strong evidence, and fight for the compensation you’re actually owed. Not just what the insurance company decides to offer.
If you’re dealing with minor bumps and bruises, and everything’s already been paid for, you might not need legal help. But if you’re dealing with real medical bills, real pain, and real disruption to your life, having a lawyer on your side can make a massive difference.
How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer
Finding a lawyer isn’t hard. Google can spit out a dozen names in five seconds. The real challenge is figuring out which one is going to treat your case with care and actually get results. This part of the process matters more than most people realize. Here’s what to look for.
Are they Local to Your Case?
It’s tempting to go with a big-name firm from out of state. They’ve got slick ads, maybe a well-known spokesperson, and promises that sound good on the surface.
But personal injury cases aren’t one-size-fits-all. They depend on local laws, judges, and even the personalities of opposing lawyers.
If you’re in Wyoming, you want a Wyoming personal injury lawyer who understands how personal injury cases go in your area, who knows the local court system, and can meet with you in person if needed.
A lawyer who regularly practices in your town or county is going to be more familiar with the unique challenges (and opportunities) of cases filed nearby.
Local also usually means more accountability. You’re not just a file in a national system. You’re a real person in their community.
What Experience Do They Have?
Experience doesn’t just mean how many years someone has had a law license. You want to know how much of their experience is focused on personal injury law.
Ask how many personal injury cases they’ve handled, what types of injuries they’ve worked with, and whether they’ve handled cases similar to yours.
A lawyer who’s handled car accidents or wrongful death claims is going to bring a very different perspective than someone who mostly does slip and falls at grocery stores. Both can be serious cases, but they require different strategies and knowledge.
You don’t need someone who’s been practicing for 40 years. But you do need someone who knows what they’re doing in your kind of case.
What Are Their Fees?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything up front, and the lawyer only gets paid if they recover money for you. Typically, the fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, often around one-third.
But not every firm structures fees the same way. Some increase the percentage if the case goes to trial. Others may charge for expenses separately. Always ask exactly how the fees work and what happens if you lose. A good lawyer will be upfront and clear about it, without making you feel awkward for asking.
If a lawyer is vague about fees or won’t put the agreement in writing, keep looking.
What Do Their Reviews Say?
Online reviews aren’t everything, but they can give you a pretty good sense of how a lawyer treats their clients. Look for patterns, not just star ratings. Are people saying they felt heard and taken care of? Did the firm explain things clearly? Were they responsive?
On the flip side, watch for complaints about communication, lack of updates, or cases being handed off without warning. You want a lawyer who is accessible and makes you feel like your case matters.
You can also ask for past client references, though not every firm will share them due to confidentiality. Still, a good lawyer should be able to point you to examples of successful outcomes in cases like yours.
Who Will Be Your Point of Contact?
At some firms, the lawyer you meet with during your consultation is the same one who will handle your case. At others, you might be handed off to a junior associate or case manager you’ve never met.
Neither approach is automatically bad, but it’s important to know what to expect. Ask who will be handling your case day to day and who you should call if you have a question. You deserve to know who’s in your corner and how involved your actual attorney will be.
Communication can make or break the attorney-client relationship. The best lawyers know this and take it seriously.
Do They Offer a Free Consultation?
Most personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation. If they don’t, that’s a red flag. This first meeting is a chance for both of you to get a feel for whether it’s a good fit. You can share what happened, ask your questions, and get a sense of their approach without any pressure or commitment.
Use this time wisely. Don’t just ask about legal outcomes. Pay attention to how they treat you, how clearly they explain things, and whether they actually listen. A good lawyer won’t talk over you or give canned answers. They’ll take the time to understand your situation and offer honest thoughts about your options.
Do They Try Lawsuits in Court?
A lot of injury cases settle before trial. That’s normal. But some firms avoid court at all costs, and insurance companies know who they are. If a lawyer never steps foot in a courtroom, the insurance company might lowball your case, knowing there’s little risk of a lawsuit.
Ask the lawyer how often they take cases to trial and what their results have been. You don’t need a lawyer who promises to sue no matter what. But you do need one who’s not afraid of the courtroom if that’s what it takes to get fair compensation.
Trial experience gives your case weight, even if it never goes that far. It shows the insurance company you’re serious.
Choose the Personal Injury Attorney Who Feels Right
You don’t need to hire the first lawyer you call. Take your time. Ask questions. Trust your gut. There are more than a million lawyers in the U.S. alone. A personal injury case can shape your health, your finances, and your future. The right lawyer can make that road a whole lot smoother.
And if you’re in Wyoming, don’t assume good legal help only exists in the big cities. Plenty of small-town lawyers have gone toe-to-toe with big insurance and won. You just need to know what to look for.