The Paradox of Choice
If you have been injured, you are likely overwhelmed by choices. Turn on the TV, and there is a lawyer screaming at you. Drive down I-75, and billboards promise you millions of dollars. Google "injury lawyer near me," and you will get thousands of results.
It is tempting to just pick the first name you see or the one with the catchiest jingle. But choosing an attorney is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make. The difference between a "settlement mill" lawyer and a true trial attorney can be the difference between a quick $5,000 check and a life-changing recovery that secures your future.
So, how do you spot the difference? Here is what you need to look for when interviewing a potential attorney.
1. Do They Specialize in Personal Injury?
Law is like medicine. You wouldn't go to a dentist for heart surgery, and you shouldn't go to a general practitioner for a serious accident claim. Many lawyers try to do it all, divorces on Monday, wills on Tuesday, and car accidents on Wednesday. This is a red flag.
Personal Injury law, especially in Michigan with our complex No-Fault system, is highly specialized. It changes constantly. You need a firm that focuses exclusively or primarily on injury law. At Shiraz Law Firm, we don't dabble. We focus on injury cases because that is where we have the expertise to win.
2. Are They Willing to Go to Trial?
This is the secret the legal industry doesn't tell you: Insurance companies keep score. They know exactly which lawyers will actually take a case to a jury trial and which lawyers are afraid of the courtroom.
If you hire a "settlement mill", a firm that relies on high volume and quick turnover, the insurance adjuster knows it. They know that lawyer will take the first lowball offer just to close the file and move on to the next one. They will offer you pennies on the dollar.
However, if you hire an attorney known for litigating and winning in court, the insurance company gets scared. They know if they don't offer a fair settlement, we will drag them in front of a jury. You want a lawyer who prepares every case as if it is going to trial.
3. Who Will You Actually Talk To?
At many of the massive "billboard firms," you meet the famous lawyer once (if you're lucky) to sign the contract, and then you never hear from them again. Your case is handed off to a junior associate, a paralegal, or a "case manager" who isn't even a lawyer.
Ask this question in your consultation: "Will I have your direct cell phone number?"
You deserve personal attention. You deserve to speak to the attorney who is actually handling your strategy. At our firm, we pride ourselves on being accessible. We know that your anxiety is high, and you need updates from the person who is actually fighting for you, not a call center.
4. Check the Reviews (and Read Between the Lines)
Marketing budgets can buy billboards, but they can't buy genuine gratitude. Look at the firm's Google reviews. Don't just look at the star rating; read the stories.
Do the reviews talk about how the lawyer "fought for them"? Do they mention the lawyer by name? Or are they generic? Look for past clients who mention communication, honesty, and results in difficult situations. A lawyer who is willing to take a tough case and turn it around is worth their weight in gold.
5. Do You Trust Your Gut?
Finally, trust your intuition. When you sit down for your free consultation, pay attention to how you are treated.
Does the lawyer listen to you, or do they interrupt?
Do they explain things in plain English, or do they hide behind legal jargon?
Do they make realistic promises, or does it sound too good to be true?
Your relationship with your lawyer might last months or even years. You need to feel comfortable, respected, and heard. If you get a bad "vibe" during the first meeting, walk away. There are plenty of other lawyers.
Make the Right Call
Choosing a lawyer is about more than just finding someone to file paperwork. It is about finding a partner who will stand between you and a massive insurance corporation.
At Shiraz Law Firm, we invite you to interview us. Ask us the hard questions. Ask about our trial experience. Ask for our direct line. We are confident that once you see the difference between a volume firm and a boutique litigation firm, the choice will be clear.
