Derek Rolo | October 28, 2025 | Personal Injury
When you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, choosing the right personal injury lawyer matters a great deal. The right attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your claim.
The process of choosing an attorney can be overwhelming, but having a plan in place ahead of time can help alleviate some of the stress of the situation. Below are five key tips, explained in plain language, to help you pick a lawyer who is both competent and a comfortable fit.
Look for Relevant Experience and Specialization
Personal injury law encompasses a wide range of cases, including car accidents, slip and fall incidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, and other similar matters. Not every lawyer handles all types of cases. For example, some personal injury attorneys may not accept medical malpractice cases, or they may specialize only in car accident cases.
When you choose a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law and has worked on situations similar to yours, you increase the chance that your case will be handled wisely. A lawyer who knows the laws in New York and how insurance companies respond is better positioned to protect your rights.
Evaluate Their Reputation and Results
You want a lawyer who has earned trust, communicates effectively, and delivers results. How past clients talk about a lawyer, and how often they have achieved good settlements or verdicts, gives you insight into how well they might perform for you. Reputation also refers to how well they are regarded in the legal community and whether they have been disciplined or not.
Understand the Fee Structure and Costs
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you get paid. But there may still be costs or obligations you need to understand. You do not want to incur unexpected charges or encounter confusing terms later. Clarity about fees is essential for good service and informed decision-making.
Communication and Service
You will often feel vulnerable after being injured. A lawyer who listens, explains things clearly, and keeps you informed will help you feel more comfortable and secure. If you cannot easily obtain answers or feel lost in the process, that adds stress you don’t need.
Trial Readiness and Resources
Even if many personal injury cases settle without going to court, you want a lawyer who is prepared to go to trial if needed. Insurance companies often offer better settlements when they know the lawyer has trial experience. Also, you want a lawyer backed by good resources (investigators, experts, staff) to properly build your case.
Ask whether the lawyer has gone to trial and how frequently. Ask about their team: do they work with investigators, medical experts, and other professionals? Find out whether they can handle a full case from start to finish without getting overwhelmed. If they say they will take your case but immediately pass you to someone inexperienced, that may be a red flag.
Contact Our Middletown Personal Injury Lawyers at Rolo Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Choosing a Middletown personal injury lawyer is an individual decision as much as it is a professional one. You want someone with experience and a record of success who’s ready to handle your case through trial if necessary. It’s also important that they are transparent about their fees and can communicate effectively.
Take the time to meet with more than one lawyer, ask questions, and compare your comfort level with each one. Trust your instincts too: if you feel uneasy for any reason, keep looking.
If you’ve been injured and need reliable legal guidance, reach out to the experienced team at Rolo Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We proudly serve clients in Middletown, Orange County, and the surrounding areas in New York.
Rolo Personal Injury Lawyers
265 NY-211 Suite 106B, Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 383-7790