If you’re pursuing compensation for injuries suffered in a car accident or another serious incident, you have a lot on the line. To ensure your case reaches a positive result, you’ll want to hire an experienced attorney you can trust.
At Morelli Law, we aim to provide you with the information you need to make smart legal decisions. The most important legal decision you’ll make is choosing an attorney to represent you. Learning about the signs of an incompetent lawyer can help you avoid working with inexperienced attorneys and allow you to find the perfect advocate for your claim.
Lacks Energy and Enthusiasm
Personal injury attorneys often handle multiple cases at once, so you’ll want a lawyer with the energy and focus necessary to add another case to their plate. If you find that your current attorney is unenergetic and unenthusiastic, it may be a sign that they’re an incompetent lawyer.
Having a lawyer who is passionate about your case can also help at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. If you have an attorney who isn’t confident about your case, why should the insurance company or a judge feel strongly about awarding you compensation?
Hiring an energetic and enthusiastic representative is a great way to show other parties that your claim is legitimate. It also ensures that your attorney will go above and beyond to ensure you receive a fair case result.
No Track Record of Positive Case Results
Experienced attorneys will have a page on their website where you can read about their past case results and the settlements they’ve won for previous clients. A lawyer who doesn’t have a good track record might choose not to publish their past results on the internet.
An easy way to find out whether your lawyer has a solid history of success is to ask them about cases they’ve managed in the past that are similar to yours. For example, if you were in a car accident, ask your lawyer about the verdicts and settlements they’ve delivered for previous collision victims.
A skilled lawyer can provide detailed information about their past case results, including how much compensation they won for their client. It may be a sign of an incompetent lawyer if your representative can’t speak about their past cases.
Poor Communication Skills
Your claim’s outcome may significantly impact your life, financial status, and health. That means you’ll want frequent updates regarding your claim’s progress. An attorney who doesn’t keep you in the loop could be delaying your claim and focusing on other cases.
Another sign of incompetence in a lawyer is when they give unclear answers to your questions. If you can’t understand an email or text message from your attorney, they might not have a solid enough understanding of personal injury law to deliver the results you’re looking for.
Lying
If you catch your attorney telling a lie or hear from a past client that they had a habit of bending the truth, you’ll want to look for a different representative.
The success of your claim is crucial to your financial and physical recovery. Working with an honest and reliable attorney can give you peace of mind that your best interests are being looked after.
Illegal or Inappropriate Conduct
Incompetent lawyers may show signs of inappropriate behavior and might even engage in illegal activities to help your case. If you feel that your attorney’s behavior violates acceptable social norms or the law, we strongly advise you to part ways with them.
If you have a legitimate claim, your lawyer shouldn’t have to break the rules to win your case. An experienced attorney can demand the compensation you’re owed without breaking the law.
If you believe your attorney has violated the rules of professional conduct for lawyers, you can file a complaint. Complaints must be filed with the attorney grievance committee that has jurisdiction over the county where the attorney’s firm is located.
Dishonest or Inaccurate Billing
A reliable attorney will always be upfront about the fees they charge. If your lawyer has sent you an unclear legal bill that includes unexpected fees, it’s not only a sign of incompetence but also incredible dishonesty.
You’ll always know what you’re paying for when working with a professional attorney. Most lawyers will explain their fees before starting your case, so you can decide if they’re the right choice.
Additional Signs That Your Lawyer Might Be Incompetent
Determining whether an attorney is reliable can be extremely difficult. There are a number of signs that tell you if a lawyer is incompetent, and remembering them all can be hard, especially if you’re focused on recovering from an injury.
To make finding an attorney a bit easier, make sure you avoid representatives who engage in the following practices:
- Failing to meet important deadlines
- Unfamiliar with the statute of limitations that applies to your case
- Showing up late to your meetings and consultations
- Making important decisions without your input
- Behaving rudely towards you and other clients
- Failing to return your calls and messages
How to Find the Right Attorney for Your Case
Now that you’ve learned about the signs of an unreliable attorney, you might be wondering what you can do to ensure you find a competent lawyer. The first step you can take is to research an attorney online. Most lawyers will have reviews from independent websites and previous clients.
If a lawyer has stellar online reviews, recognitions from publications, and awards from credible organizations, they’ll be a good fit for your case. It can also be helpful to prepare a list of questions to ask an attorney when you first meet with them. Consider asking a potential representative the following questions before hiring them:
- How long have you practiced personal injury law?
- Where did you get your law degree?
- What types of cases do you usually take on?
- Can you talk about the results you’ve delivered for claims similar to mine?
- Can I resolve my case without a lawsuit?
- What fees do you charge?
- How often will you update me on the status of my case?
If you are satisfied with an attorney’s answers to the questions listed above, there’s a good chance that they’re a reliable advocate.
Contact Our Firm to Speak With a Reliable and Trustworthy Attorney
At Morelli Law, our attorneys are passionate about delivering the settlements and verdicts that clients need, and it shows in our impressive track record of successful case results. Our lawyers will never engage in dishonest practices and will always keep you updated on your claim.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. They’ll answer any questions about our contingency-fee policy and your legal rights after an accident. If we agree to take on your case, our honest attorneys will work hard to obtain the compensation you deserve.