You’ve seen the commercials advertising big-name personal injury lawyers, usually with 1-800 numbers and stuffy scripts. Most of those offices actually use a large referral system of dozens of lawyers spread out across the region. They may have impressive advertising, but when it comes down to the finer details of your case, these attorneys are often too far away to be consistently reliable.
Your community offers local options across every industry. Beyond the basic reasoning for shopping local – stimulating local economy, creates jobs, etc. – specifically hiring a local personal injury attorney offer unique and all but necessary advantages.
Familiarity with Local Courts
An attorney from your community will be better suited to handle your case because they have a history and established relationships with the Judiciary, court personnel, and fellow lawyers. Not only are local lawyers familiar with the judges’ histories and preferences, but they also know what makes them tick, how they like to communicate, and other personality quirks that out-of-town attorneys simply don’t know.
Local attorneys are also accustomed to courtroom culture. They know which arguments are persuasive because they’ve argued in front of the judges before. Even knowing such minute details as where to stand in the courtroom and when and in what tone to speak can be very important. Due to this familiarity, they can also better gauge what potential outcomes your case may have.
Relationship with Medical Personnel
When you’re pursuing a personal injury settlement, it is important that all medical staff and personnel who took part in your treatment are contacted and interviewed. Local attorneys know these community members and have known them for years. As neighbors in the same town, your local lawyer and medical team members may have gone to high school together or may attend the same church – they have a bond. Other big firm lawyers do not have that connection.
Connected to the Community
The outcome of your case depends on not only your attorney’s ability in the courtroom, but also their reputation in the community and the relationships that they have developed over the years of practice. If the judge assigned to your case knows your attorney and his upright, ethical past when defending clients, it speaks volumes. Otherwise, your lawyer is one of dozens from an out-of-area firm who the judge doesn’t recognize or trust.
In addition to their experience and reputation, local attorneys will be better equipped to handle the investigative aspects of working on your case. If you were injured in a car accident on 6th and Wyatt, they’ll know where that is, what it’s near, whether it’s a high-traffic area prone to accidents and much more. That background knowledge is invaluable to the success of your case.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash or other accident, get in touch with a lawyer immediately. Before you call that 1-800 number, dial someone local. Their experience and community savvy could be the difference between getting a favorable result and missing your chance.
Kenneth Hoopes is an attorney with Ladas and Hoopes Law Offices. He has been practicing in Muskegon for over 20 years, specializing in personal injury, Social Security disability, and other areas of law. His commitment to justice has led to several positive outcomes for his clients throughout West Michigan. When he’s not in the office or in court, Ken enjoys spending time with his wife and their two daughters.
You can get in touch with Ken by calling (231) 744-6218.
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