Many people make crucial errors when choosing a personal injury lawyer. No doubt this is in some ways due to unrealistic expectations of what a personal injury lawyer does. However, it is easy to choose the right personal injury attorney if you know the mistakes to avoid.

1. Do not be lured by flashing advertising. Many personal injury attorneys advertise, but those who go out of the way to advertise with show are often the ones who do not take as much personal time with your case.
2. Beware the "personal injury mill." If a lawyer takes too many clients, he or she cannot give your case the requisite amount of attention it deserves. The fact that an attorney has successful closed many cases is a good recommendation; the fact that he has 150 open cases is not necessarily a good reference.
3. Do not deal with an attorney who will not answer your questions. Choosing the right personal injury attorney is a very important step. You should be able to ask any questions and receive reasonable answers.
4. Do not deal with an attorney with whom you do not feel comfortable. Closely related to #3 is the caution that you should feel comfortable with your attorney. Not only should you be able to ask questions, you should not feel uncomfortable with anything your attorney asks you to do.
5. Do not deal with an attorney without a written fee agreement. You should get a fee agreement in writing which both you and the attorney sign. Keep your copy for reference, and read it thoroughly; it outlines what you will pay your attorney for his or her services.
6. Do not sign your fee agreement without understanding which fees are your responsibility. Your lawyer may ask you to pay for some items in advance; be sure you understand which ones are your responsibility.
7. Do not expect a huge settlement for a small case. One of the most important conversations you can have with your attorney is on the subject of target settlement amount. Listen carefully and ask questions; do not expect more for your case than it is worth.
8. Do not settle for a small amount simply to get the case closed. This is truly the hallmark of a poor personal injury lawyer: one who wants to get the case settled too quickly simply to collect a fee.
9. Do not contact your attorney constantly for updates. This behavior is understandable; you are nervous about your case. However, it does not advance your case and takes time which your attorney could be using to work on your settlement.
10. Do not be afraid to voice your opinion concerning your case. While you should not "pester," it is your right and your responsibility to give your input on the case. Your attorney wants to know where you stand, and your opinion is valuable.