However, the reality is that the negligent actions of another party might cause you injury as you go about your day. In 2021 alone, the U.S. experienced 62 million injuries.

According to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, there were approximately 31,000 reported injury crashes in Connecticut in 2019, which resulted in over 47,000 injuries. While you can't prepare for an accident, you can control the steps you take after. Hiring a personal injury attorney is the best way to recover physical, mental, and financial damages and prepare for an uncertain future.

But how do you know the best legal team for your interests with so many options? For instance, Connecticut has over 21,000 lawyers, leaving residents confused about who to work with. If you live in Connecticut and have sustained personal injuries, you must contact experienced and reliable lawyers. When narrowing down Connecticut personal injury lawyers, you must prioritize the factors below to achieve the best outcome.

1. Speciality Area

Personal injury law is a broad field of law, and the common types of cases include:

• Auto Accident
• Medical malpractice
• Dog bites
• Slip and fall accidents
• Nursing home abuse
• Defective medication
• Premises liability

You should consult a personal injury lawyer specializing in your particular case because they know all the relevant laws and statutory changes. A specialized attorney has also built up a wealth of skills, passion, and certifications for your type of case.

2. Extensive Experience

The more experience a personal injury attorney has, the better your outcome. However, you don’t necessarily need a lawyer with a lifetime’s worth of experience. The best legal team has dealt with all kinds of cases, including complex situations with considerable injuries.

Keep in mind that 4% to 5% of personal injury cases end up at trial. As such, your lawyer also needs trial experience with skills like jury selection and witness interrogation.

3. Credentials

A lawyer's credentials demonstrate competence and commitment to staying relevant. In Connecticut, the best personal injury lawyers have:

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
• A law degree from an institution approved by the American Bar Association
• Passed the state’s bar exam
• Passed the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
• Pursue continuing education in personal injury litigation

Additionally, look out for lawyers respected in the state's personal injury litigation community through awards or leadership roles in lawyer associations. The best lawyer has a good reputation and working relationships with other attorneys, judges, medical professionals, and auto body shops.

4. Proven Track Record for Success

A personal injury lawyer may have a lot of litigation experience but a poor track record of winning cases or getting high-value settlements. So, you must evaluate the winning history of any potential lawyer.

During your consultation, get as specific as possible, asking about the number of cases the lawyer has settled and how much they have recovered for previous clients. Also, pay attention to the outcomes from similar cases to calculate the probability of receiving full compensation for your damages.

5. Strong Communication Skills

The aftermath of an accident is confusing as you are trying to get back on your feet while grappling with physical injuries and mental anguish. Therefore, you need a compassionate lawyer who breaks through the legal jargon to inform you of your options.

During your consultation, pay attention to the lawyer’s communication skills:

• Do they take time to listen to you?
• Do they ask follow-up questions to understand your case better?
• Do you have a better understanding of your case after talking to them?
• What communication channels will they use to update you?
• How often will you receive updates?

6. Payment Model

Accidents result in medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. As such, you may lack the money to pay a lawyer out-of-pocket. Before you hire a lawyer, ask about their payment model so there are no surprises later.

A lawyer with a free consultation is a great option because you get to build a rapport and assess their commitment. Most personal injury lawyers pick up cases on a contingency basis, deducting their fees from the settlement. This payment model gets you quality representation without straining your budget.

Concluding Thoughts

An experienced and reliable lawyer will be extensively knowledgeable about Connecticut law and fight tooth and nail to fight for your rights. Moreover, they will have experience in dealing with all kinds of personal injuries and representing people injured by the negligence of other parties.

When hiring a suitable lawyer, you must ensure that you look for a passionate, assertive, and reputable legal professional. They will guide you through the Connecticut legal system, go to trial if necessary, and achieve the true value of your case.