Five Tips for Finding the Best Accident Lawyer in New Jersey
According to recent research, New Jersey ranks third in the nation for states with the highest rates of personal injury cases per capita. With approximately 30 personal injury cases reported per 100,000 residents, it’s crucial that accident victims in the Garden State work with the best possible representation while navigating a highly saturated legal landscape.
In the days, weeks and months following a serious accident, it is not uncommon for injured victims to feel overwhelmed by seemingly conflicting financial, physical, emotional and legal demands. By working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, however, plaintiffs can give themselves the best possible chance at recovering physically and financially while offloading the bulk of their legal demands. But how do you find a lawyer you can count on to handle the hard stuff? Here are five practical tips to help you find the best accident lawyer in New Jersey so you can focus less on your case and more on your healing journey.
How to find the best accident lawyers in New Jersey
With so many personal injury cases being filed in New Jersey every year, there’s certainly no shortage of lawyers claiming to fight for the best interests of accident victims across the state. In reality, however, not all personal injury lawyers will be the right fit for you. Here are five tips for narrowing down the crowded field of possible contenders in order to find the legal representation that’s right for you:
1. Look for lawyers with relevant experience
Not all lawyers handle personal injury cases, and even fewer have meaningful experience fighting and winning in cases like yours. Whether you were injured in a car crash, slip and fall incident or trucking accident, it’s important to work with someone who has a proven track record of handling and winning similar cases in the past.
While it might be tempting to ask a lawyer friend or family member to take a look at your case, if they lack relevant experience in the field of personal injury litigation, they may not be up to the task of advocating for your rights. Similarly, just because a lawyer claims to have many years – or even decades – of experience, it doesn’t mean that they know how to handle your unique case. Conducting detailed research during your attorney search can help you narrow down a list of individuals who might be qualified to support you in your legal battle and set you up for more productive consultations down the line.
2. Pay attention to communication styles
Legal matters can be stressful and tedious. You want an attorney who explains things clearly, returns your calls and keeps you informed without overwhelming you. If a lawyer seems too busy, distracted or dismissive during your consultation, that may be a red flag. Similarly, if you reach out to an attorney and it takes them several days or even weeks to respond to your inquiry, it may be a clear sign that they are not in the position to offer the responsive care you need during this difficult time. We all get busy sometimes, and that’s okay. But if you haven’t even begun working with someone yet, and you’re already pulling your hair out while attempting to communicate, it’s fair to say they may not be the right person for the job.
Many plaintiffs in personal injury cases have already been let down by individuals, businesses and even local governments – the last thing they need is to feel like they can’t count on their own legal teams. An experienced, compassionate personal injury lawyer will prioritize showing up for their clients and giving them the attention, knowledge and support they need to make confident, informed decisions throughout the litigation process.
3. Ask about trial experience
Most accident cases settle before they go to trial, but not all. If your case becomes complicated or an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, you’ll want to make sure you’re working with an attorney who is ready, willing and able to take your case to court. During your initial consultation, you should make it a point to ask the lawyer you’re meeting with how often they try cases and how they intend to support you should your claim go to trial.
If the lawyer hesitates to give you clear answers about their trial experience, it may serve as an indicator that they are ill-suited to go the distance should your case require it. Attorneys who lack trial experience may end up pressuring their clients into accepting low-ball settlement offers purely as an attempt to avoid the “hassle” of litigation. You deserve a lawyer who is prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure you secure the best possible case outcome – even if that means representing you in court.
4. Read client reviews and testimonials
Online reviews can offer keen insight into how a lawyer treats their clients and what kind of service you can expect should you choose to move forward with them. While no firm will have a perfect track record, obvious patterns in feedback can be revealing, whether that feedback is positive or negative. If you stumble across a firm with a high ratio of negative reviews or a low rating on Google, Yelp or other platforms, it may be worth it for you to move on to the next firm on your list.
On the other hand, if a potential firm has overwhelmingly positive client feedback with reviews that specifically call out things like compassion, responsiveness and results, it might be a good idea to give them a call. Client experiences and case outcomes are often the strongest indicators of an attorney’s performance, so firsthand reviews can be an incredibly valuable way for prospective clients to gauge what working with a firm may actually be like.
5. Choose a lawyer who offers free consultations
Most reputable personal injury firms in New Jersey offer free consultations. This initial meeting gives you the chance to ask questions, learn about your rights and see whether the lawyer feels like the right fit for you, your family and your case. Think of the consultation as a first date – it’s an opportunity for you and the attorney to get to know one another and determine whether you might make a good team.
It’s critical that you find an attorney who is willing to meet with you for free, otherwise you may open yourself up to scams or misleading agreements with people who may not have your best interest at heart. Additionally, a consultation should always be conducted with no strings attached. Attending a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney does not, in any way, mean that you are legally required to work with them. If they make you believe otherwise before, during, or after your consultation, that’s a bad sign.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right accident lawyer isn’t about flashy ads or big promises. It’s about finding someone who listens, understands your needs and knows exactly how to advocate for you throughout every step of the legal process. With experienced, empathetic legal support, you can navigate your recovery with less stress and more certainty.
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of another party’s negligence, recklessness or malice, the trusted team at Ferrara & Gable, LLC is here to help. We don’t just talk a big game – we bring receipts. While prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, we’re proud of our record of successes:
- Over 50 years experience supporting plaintiffs in personal injury cases
- Dozens of 5-star reviews from satisfied clients
- Free, no-obligation consultations
- Active, engaged support for clients in Cherry Hill and the surrounding areas
Give us a call today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation and take the next steps in your fight for justice. We’re known for helping people, and we can help you, too.