How to Actually Choose a Car Accident Lawyer | Scorecard

High-volume personal injury firms, sometimes called settlement mills, process hundreds or thousands of cases per year. They tend to settle cases quickly and often for lower amounts because their business model depends on volume and speed. They may have strong marketing and name recognition, but individual case attention can be minimal. Your case may be primarily handled by a paralegal with limited attorney oversight. These firms work well for straightforward, low-value claims where the main goal is a quick resolution.

Boutique or mid-size personal injury firms typically handle fewer cases with more individual attention. They may be more willing to take a case to trial, which gives them stronger negotiating leverage with insurance companies. Adjusters know which firms actually file lawsuits and which ones always settle, and they adjust their offers accordingly. A firm with a reputation for going to trial when necessary often gets better settlement offers without ever stepping into a courtroom.

The questions you ask during a consultation tell you more than any advertisement. Ask: "How many cases like mine have you handled in the past two years?" This reveals relevant experience. Ask: "Who will be my primary point of contact, and can I meet them today?" This reveals the actual case team. Ask: "What is your communication policy?" This reveals whether they have a system or make it up as they go. Ask: "What do you think my case is worth and why?" An honest attorney will give you a range and explain the variables, not a single impressive number designed to get you to sign.

Watch for red flags during the consultation. If the attorney guarantees a specific dollar amount, that is dishonest because no one can guarantee outcomes. If they pressure you to sign immediately, they are more interested in locking you in than earning your trust. If they cannot clearly explain their fee structure in writing, walk away. If the consultation is entirely with a marketing representative or intake coordinator and you never speak with an attorney, that tells you something about how the firm prioritizes client relationships.

Research and industry data suggest several factors that correlate with better client outcomes: trial experience (even if most cases settle, the willingness and ability to try a case strengthens all negotiations), focused practice area (a firm that handles only personal injury will generally outperform a general practice firm), manageable caseload per attorney (under 60 active cases allows for meaningful attention to each), and a structured communication system (firms with defined update schedules tend to have more satisfied clients and catch issues earlier).

The size of the firm matters less than the quality of the team handling your specific case. A large firm may assign your case to a talented junior associate who gives it excellent attention, or they may assign it to an overwhelmed paralegal. A solo practitioner may give your case personal attention, or they may be stretched too thin. The key is understanding who will actually work on your case and what their track record looks like for cases similar to yours.