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What Kind of Attorney Do You Need for Your Personal Injury Claim?

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Posted by Tim Semelroth

Image of personal injury law gavel and book

Over the years, my friends and family have learned that I am not the “right kind” of attorney for many issues. As a personal injury attorney, I don’t draft wills. I don’t do criminal law. I don’t know the first thing about a real estate closing, but if you need help with a personal injury case, a workers’ comp claim, or filing for Social Security Disability benefits in Iowa, I can help you.

I represent injured and disabled people in Iowa. That’s all I do. That’s all my law firm, RSH Legal does.

Iowa Attorneys Focused on Personal Injury and Disability Claims

We keep that laser focus at RSH Legal so we can provide the best-possible representation for people who – through no fault of their own – have been touched by tragedy. Each one of the attorneys at RSH Legal has our own reasons for specializing in personal injury law, but we all can relate to the frustration of dealing with an insurance company after an injury or disability.

Iowa Personal Injury and Disability Law Can Be Complicated

That’s why I cringe when I hear Iowa personal injury victims say, “I’ll just go to the lawyer who handled my divorce.” Hiring the only attorney you happen to know after a personal injury can be a costly mistake. Doing a good job on a divorce case or a drunk driving charge does not necessarily qualify an Iowa lawyer to handle a serious personal injury claim.

Some of the best Iowa personal injury attorneys have highly specialized practices, which means you aren’t likely to find one who also handles family law, criminal law or probate matters.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “jack of all trades – master of none?” Personal injury law is unique, so hiring a divorce lawyer for your personal injury case is like hiring a house painter to do electrical work. It can be disastrous!

Ask for Referrals from Your Hometown Attorney

A lawyer you already know and trust can be a useful resource in finding a qualified Iowa personal injury attorney, but your search should not end there. Ask other people you know have used a personal injury attorney, or have had a workers’ comp claim. They will be able to tell you if they felt their personal injury attorney did a good job for them.

Location should not be your deciding factor

Another statement that makes me cringe is “I’ll just go to the lawyer with the office down the street.” While that may be convenient – what are the chances you live only minutes away from one of the relatively few Iowa attorneys who specialize in helping people with serious personal injury cases?

The sad truth is that most people are willing to drive several hours for a good deal on a new refrigerator, but they do not look beyond their hometown for an attorney. Don’t get me wrong—if you were injured in Iowa, you will likely need a lawyer with an Iowa license. However, many people don’t realize that a personal injury attorney licensed to practice law in Iowa can bring a claim in any county in Iowa. Seeking out a really experienced attorney who specializes in personal injury claims will likely pay off in the long run.

Anybody Can Buy a Phonebook Ad

The final statement that makes me cringe is “I’ll just open my phonebook and see the first lawyer who takes my call.” Calling only one law office or hiring the first lawyer who returns your call is a mistake. Any lawyer can seem qualified or knowledgeable if you have no one to compare them to. I would suggest that you only use the phonebook to  come up with a list of names that can then be carefully investigated, nothing more. In addition, remember that many qualified Iowa personal injury attorneys no longer advertise in the phonebook.

Putting Effort Into Finding a Lawyer Will Pay Off

Personal injury and disability claims are serious matters. You owe it to yourself to put some serious effort into finding the right personal injury attorney to represent you.

You can receive more information about selecting the right attorney for your Iowa car accident claim by using the form on this page to download your copy of The Law Guide to Iowa Car Accident Claims.

Looking for Iowa Legal Help?

Find out how to get treated fairly after an injury or disability in Iowa

For a free, no-obligation case evaluation, call us at (319) 409-6575
or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form to reach us online

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