How to Find a Reputable Personal Injury Attorney

Because not all lawyers are the same

Sam & Ash Injury Law

When you are in an accident, things get overwhelming fast. Whether it’s a car or motorcycle wreck, a slip and fall, or some other incident that injures you, the scene can be chaotic, and your emotions and adrenaline are running high.

At that moment, you might be reviewing a reel in your head of all the personal injury lawyer ads you have seen or heard in Las Vegas or Southern California. All those loud radio and TV commercials, those cover-model billboards, those improbable low-fee, high-return promises. If a photo says a thousand words (or the ad screams a few dozen), what these lawyer ads say is, “This is all about me.”

But when you are in an accident, you need a lawyer who is all about YOU. A lawyer who doesn’t rely on outrageous claims, obnoxious advertising, and an overbearing presence to gain your business. 

What you want is a lawyer who earns your trust. An experienced, ethical attorney whose practice provides a sense of calm, control, and confidence. One who communicates clearly and directly with you, rather than shuffling you off to a junior associate or paralegal. One who is realistic and transparent about their fees, and about the results you can likely expect when you hire them.

Finding this kind of legal representation in personal injury law is not a matter of calling the loudest lawyer, or the best looking, or the one promising the lowest fee. It’s about doing some homework and making some informed decisions. There are reputable, results-oriented lawyers in Las Vegas and Southern California. Here is a guide to what to look for when trying to find one:

• Reputable personal injury lawyers do not engage in “capping.” Capping is shortened industry lingo for “capturing,” which itself is short for capturing (i.e., soliciting) clients in an unethical — and illegal — manner. Disreputable injury attorneys often engage with third parties (think tow truck drivers, apparently good Samaritans, or purported witnesses, even hospital employees) and pay them a fee to capture your business at a vulnerable moment. That can be at the scene of the accident, the tow yard, in the hospital, or even at your home.

Such practices are considered unethical and illegal because they blatantly exploit the stress and chaos being experienced by the injury victim, thus undermining public trust in the legal system and in lawyers in general. Because of this, capping is a violation of both the formal codes of professional conduct (administered by state and federal bar associations) and a criminal violation. Code violations can result in lawyers being sanctioned, fined, or losing their license to practice law, while in both California and Nevada, conviction on criminal charges associated with capping can result in hefty fines, jail time, and even escalation to felony charges. This means that not only can you end up with a lawyer who is not acting in your best interest, but you could also be dealing with legal consequences yourself.

Notable cases include Wilkinson vs State Bar (NV Supreme Court, 1969) in which the violating attorney was disbarred for improper solicitation, as well as splitting fees with non-attorney hired cappers in injury cases, and Hutchins vs Municipal Court (CA Court of Appeal, 1976), which determined that lawyers can be held criminally liable for working with cappers. Capping is a deplorable practice and, unfortunately, one that too many attorneys are engaging in.

• Reputable lawyers communicate clearly, quickly, and transparently. They are easily reachable. They respond to you within 24 hours. They provide direct, understandable answers to your every question. They proudly tell you about their clean state bar disciplinary record, rather than trying to hide a questionable one.

• Reputable personal injury lawyers have transparent fees and realistic timelines. You should know from the start what to expect from your injury lawyer, how long your case might take, and how much it is going to cost, which is likely stated as a percentage of any amount recovered. This is why lawyers who promise “low fees” or “quick settlements” are often the type who will push your case through the fastest and easiest (translation: lowest) settlement possible. They want that cash, fast, even if it means putting in more time to get better results. “You get what you pay for” is no more true than when hiring a lawyer. The good news is that no matter how much it is, you don’t pay it out of your pocket. 

• The best injury attorneys are experienced local specialists. They live and work in the areas they practice, giving them direct experience and a working relationship with local courts and local judges, mediators, and arbitrators. This local expertise can be invaluable in your case, as they are reputable, responsible, and relentless in their practice, both respected and feared by insurance companies. And they limit their practice to what they do best — injury law — which allows them to build deep experience, connections, and results. Choosing a local specialist means you’re not just getting a lawyer, you’re getting a team that knows the ins and outs of your local legal system and can provide the best possible representation.

• Reputable injury lawyers treat their clients like family, ensuring they feel valued, respected, and cared for throughout the legal process. That means taking the time to understand your specific situation, rather than throwing your file into the “car accident” or “slip and fall” pile. They treat you with dignity, respect, concern, and compassion — all while taking your case seriously and fiercely fighting for you and your rights. You are not a number or a dollar sign to a reputable injury law firm. You are someone who needs trustworthy legal expertise and fierce advocacy to get What’s Right for you and your unique situation.

What it comes down to is this: When you are in an accident, don’t let chaos and emotion control one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Act quickly, yes. But not without a moment of thought, research, and clarity. Take the time to find a reputable lawyer who will put your needs first and provide you with the best possible representation. This decision could have a significant impact on your case and your future, so it’s important to make it wisely.

At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we strongly believe in doing things the right way. We believe that our clients deserve honest and transparent representation. We build relationships based on trust, taking time to get to know you, understand your needs, and provide you with the best possible representation. We’ll never put our own interests ahead of yours, and we’ll always deliver by doing What’s Right.

Read our reviews, browse the resources on our website, and then give us a call and get to know us. We’re here 24/7 to give free legal advice, consultations, and any help we can offer. So reach out to Sam & Ash today. One simple phone call is all we need to get started on your case today. 

Sam & Ash Injury Law – Because You Deserve What’s Right.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What should I look for when hiring a personal injury attorney?

When hiring a personal injury attorney, look for their experience in similar cases, communication skills, track record of success, and transparency about fees. It’s important to ensure they specialize in personal injury law and have positive client testimonials.

2. How much do personal injury attorneys charge?

Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Their fees typically range from 25% to 40% of your settlement. Be sure to clarify this during your initial consultation.

3. How do I know if an attorney is reputable?

You can determine an attorney’s reputation by checking online reviews, asking for client testimonials, reviewing their track record in similar cases, and confirming their credentials and memberships in legal organizations.

4. What questions should I ask during a consultation with a personal injury attorney?

Key questions to ask include:

• How many similar cases have you handled?
• What is your strategy for my case?
• How often will you update me about my case?
• What is your fee structure?

5. Can I switch attorneys if I’m not satisfied?

Yes, you can switch attorneys if you are not satisfied with their performance or communication. However, ensure to review your agreement and consult with the new attorney about any ongoing cases.

6. How long do personal injury cases typically take?

The duration of personal injury cases varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of parties to settle, and court schedules. It is best to discuss timelines with your attorney during your consultation.