First, do not hire a lawyer who is actively looking for your business. If, without your consent, lawyer or someone acting on his behalf to communicate with you in person or over the phone and ask you to employ him in connection with your accident, this is known as “ambulance chasing” and contrary to the Legal Rules of Professional Conduct. This article will help you with deciding on the right type of lawyer that you are locating in your area.

If the lawyer will break the rules to get your business, this is probably not the kind of lawyers who want to represent your lawyer. Make sure you are aware of what you pay for. All fee systems are different. Explore if your lawyer will request fees “off the top” or only after all of the expenses are calculated.

Insist on getting this information in writing and in clear, concise language that you feel comfortable with. The cost will include court fees, court reporter and a copy of the transcript, expert witness fees, private investigators, postage, telephone, courier, and photocopying services, legal research, out of town air or car, and hotel and meal costs.

Learn how you can fire a lawyer. Some contracts specify that even if you fire the lawyer, the lawyer still derives a large percentage of any future settlement you may receive. Make sure that you know how to fire your attorney before you hire them. Check the records of your attorney.

Inquire through your state bar association if the lawyer has ever been the subject of ethics complaints. Realizing your attorney has a pattern of questionable behaviour can alert you to potential problems, saving money and time.