How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been in a car accident and are dealing with injuries, you may be wondering whether you need a personal injury attorney. With countless billboards and ads promising “free settlements,” choosing the right legal representation can feel overwhelming.

At MovementX, we’ve worked with hundreds of personal injury attorneys and thousands of patients navigating the legal and medical system after a car accident. Here’s what you need to know to find the right attorney for your case.

5 Key Qualities of a Good Personal Injury Attorney

Not all attorneys are created equal and ending up with an attorney that isn’t a true partner in your case can cause more harm than good. Here’s what to look for when selecting legal representation:

1. Strong Communication

Your attorney should be highly responsive to emails and phone calls. Dealing with insurance companies is already frustrating; the last thing you need is an attorney who delays responses or leaves you in the dark. A good lawyer will keep you updated on your personal injury claim, car accident settlement progress, and medical expenses.

2. Transparent Fee Structure

Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis—meaning they only get paid if you win your case. However, before signing any agreement, clarify their percentage and ensure you understand how much of your settlement will go to legal fees, medical providers, and other expenses.

3. Willingness to Collaborate with Healthcare Providers

A good attorney works alongside your medical team to ensure you receive proper treatment and fair compensation. Some attorneys attempt to cut medical costs significantly after settlement, leaving healthcare providers unpaid or underpaid. At MovementX, we only collaborate with attorneys who prioritize both their clients’ health and fair provider compensation.

4. Specialization in Personal Injury and Auto Claims

Car accident claims are complex and require an in-depth understanding of insurance laws. Hiring a general lawyer—such as a friend or neighbor without personal injury experience—could lead to unnecessary delays or missed compensation opportunities. Instead, look for an attorney with a proven track record in auto injury claims, back injury settlements, and motor accident claim cases.

5. Knowledge of Local Laws

Every state has unique regulations regarding car accident claims. Some states operate on a “fault” system, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance covers damages, while others follow a “no-fault” policy, requiring each driver to use their own PIP coverage. A local attorney with experience in your state’s laws ensures your case is handled correctly.

Common Car Accident Injuries and Settlements

Injuries from car accidents vary widely, impacting settlement amounts. Here are some common injuries and related settlements:

• Head trauma car accident & TBI car accident settlements – Severe head injuries require long-term care and high compensation.
• Knee surgery after a car accident – Injuries like meniscus tears or ligament damage can lead to arthroscopic knee surgery settlements.
• Hip bursitis car accident settlement – Chronic hip pain after an accident can impact mobility and quality of life.
• Back pain after car accident settlement – Spinal injuries, including bulging discs, often require long-term therapy or surgery.
• Broken sternum car accident settlement & clavicle fracture settlements – Chest and collarbone injuries can result in prolonged recovery times.

When Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney?

Navigating a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with medical treatments, insurance adjusters, and legal complexities. Many individuals wonder if they truly need a personal injury attorney or if they can handle their auto claim independently. Here are key scenarios where hiring an attorney is in your best interest:

1. Severe Injuries or Long-Term Disabilities

If your injury requires extensive medical care, rehabilitation, or results in long-term disability, an attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation.

Cases involving head injury compensation claims, back injury settlements, or surgery after a car accident settlement often involve significant medical expenses and lost wages, making legal representation crucial.

2. Disputed Liability in the Accident

Insurance companies often deny claims or shift blame, especially in cases involving minor injuries. If there is any dispute about who caused the accident, hiring an attorney ensures that evidence is collected properly and that you are not unfairly held responsible.

3. Pre-Existing Injuries Aggravated by the Accident

If you had a pre-existing condition that was worsened by the accident, insurance companies might try to deny your claim. A lawyer and physical therapy team experienced in car accident aggravated pre-existing condition settlements can help prove that the accident caused additional harm.

4. Complicated Insurance Policies and PIP Claims

In states with Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, insurance policies can be complex. Understanding PIP compensation amounts and whether you qualify for additional damages requires legal expertise.

5. Unfair Settlement Offers

Insurance adjusters aim to settle claims for as little as possible. If you receive a low settlement that does not cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, an attorney can negotiate for a better outcome. Many attorneys work on contingency, meaning you only pay if they win your case.

6. Medical Costs Exceed Insurance Coverage

If your medical expenses exceed the limits of your auto insurance policy, you may need to file a personal injury claim. This often happens with claims involving head trauma after a car accident, rotator cuff tear car accident settlements, or sciatica car accident settlements.

7. Insurance Company Denies Your Claim

If your insurance company denies your claim outright or delays payment, an attorney can fight on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

How can Physical Therapy help your Auto Claim?

When you’ve been involved in a car accident, physical therapy plays a crucial role in both your recovery and your auto insurance claim.

Physical therapists are specifically trained to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries commonly sustained in car accidents, such as whiplash, back pain, and soft tissue injuries. Seeking timely physical therapy can not only improve your health but also strengthen your personal injury claim.

Learn more about how here.

What to Do If You’re Injured in an Auto Accident

First – read our blog regarding the 7 Steps to Take After You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident. Make sure you seek high quality physical therapy care as soon as possible – which will not only improve your chances at a fair claim but will also improve your quality of life and get you back to doing the things you love.

If you’re unsure whether you need an attorney or who to work with, MovementX can help. Our physical therapists assess your injuries and determine whether additional care is necessary. We also maintain a network of trusted attorneys across all our locations who can assist with personal injury claims, car accident settlements, and navigating medical expenses.

For more information, check out our additional blog articles on pain and suffering auto accident claims, accident therapy near me, and settlement amounts for various injuries.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to MovementX for guidance on both medical care and legal next steps.