How Can You Tell a Good Personal Injury Attorney from a Bad One?

A Good Attorney Doesn’t Chase You – You Call Them

In Georgia, it’s illegal for lawyers to contact potential clients directly. Yet, some still do. As Montlick attorney Alyssa White warns, “If you’re in an accident and somebody calls you, that’s a huge red flag because lawyers, according to the State Bar of Georgia and the rules that we are governed by, we cannot solicit clients…. It’s unethical. It’s criminal behavior.”

Good attorneys respect your privacy and your situation. Instead of making unsolicited calls or promises of instant settlements, they educate you, listen, and invite you to reach out when you are ready.

And Montlick attorney Jason Saltzman adds, “And why would you want to hire an attorney who is willing to break the law to try to retain you as a client? If you have a lawyer that’s willing to do something like that, that’s illegal, then that lawyer is probably not going to treat you in an ethical way either.”

A Good Attorney Actually Talks to You

One sign of a quality firm is direct access to your attorney. At many large firms, clients talk only to “case managers” or non-lawyer intake teams. That’s not the Montlick way.

“When you call for that consultation, you get to talk to me or Jason or another attorney at our firm,” says Montlick attorney Alyssa White. “We’re going to go through your case and evaluate it and tell you what to expect…. You are going to get a very detailed attorney consultation when you call our firm.”

A good attorney communicates clearly and consistently. They do not make guarantees about results or compensation, but instead provide realistic expectations about the process and clearly outline their fee structure in writing.

You should never feel left in the dark about your case. At Montlick Injury Attorneys, every client has direct access to a licensed attorney – never just an intake staffer or case manager. Your lawyer should:

• Return calls promptly
• Explain legal options in plain language
• Keep you updated on your case’s progress

If your attorney avoids communication or makes you feel like an inconvenience, it’s time to re-evaluate that relationship.

A Good Attorney Has Experience and a Track Record of Success

Experience matters, especially in complex areas like personal injury law. A reputable attorney will have documented experience and a history of successful settlements and verdicts – while always clarifying that results vary by case and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Recognition by Super Lawyers or the Million Dollar Advocates Forum can reflect credibility and professional achievement.

A good lawyer will focus less on boasting and more on explaining how their experience benefits your case – for example, in navigating insurance negotiations or understanding Georgia’s legal statutes.

A Good Attorney Treats You Like Family

Perhaps the most defining trait of a good attorney is genuine care and compassion. Quality lawyers take time to understand your injuries, your concerns, and your goals. They communicate clearly, offering guidance and support through every step of your case.

At Montlick, clients often describe their lawyers as compassionate advocates who treat them like family – taking time to listen, explain, and help rebuild their lives after traumatic events. In contrast, a bad attorney treats cases like transactions; a good one treats clients as people, not numbers.

What are the Warning Signs of a Bad Personal Injury Attorney?

There are a few clear warning signs that an attorney may not be the right fit for you. Look out for the following red flags:

• Unreturned calls or long response times
• Missed deadlines or vague answers
• Lack of clear explanations about your legal options
• Unprofessional or disorganized office environment
• Guarantees of specific payouts or asking for upfront payments. Most personal injury lawyers, including Montlick, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win.
• An attorney quoting a value for your case without first understanding your injuries, your care or reviewing your records. As Montlick attorney Mark Molina points out in the Lawyers in the House podcast, “If a lawyer [tells you] a number and they don’t even know your case, they don’t know your injury, they haven’t seen any medical records, they don’t know anything about you, how you’re recovering, or even spoken to the doctor, seen medical records, how can they give a fair and reasonable evaluation, or a realistic evaluation of your case? They can’t.”

Finally, take a look at client reviews. A pattern of poor feedback or unresolved complaints can reveal a lot about how a lawyer handles their cases. Trust your instincts and choose someone who makes you feel supported, respected, and confident about your case.

Practical Steps for Evaluating Attorneys

• Check online reviews of their services on Google and other sites.​
• During your consultation, observe their communication styles – do they answer your questions and explain legal concepts clearly?
• Notice your interactions with staff – are they helpful and respectful?
• Ask about their experience with cases similar to your own.
• Check bar association records for ethical complaints or disciplinary issues.​

Making Sure Your Attorney Meets Your Needs

A bad lawyer cuts corners, hides behind staff, and treats you like a number. A good lawyer keeps you informed, fights for your recovery, and treats you with respect and care.

If you’re ever unsure whether you’ve found the right personal injury attorney, ask yourself: Do I feel heard, respected, and informed? At Montlick, our attorneys are committed to delivering that level of support. Call 1-800-LAW-NEED or visit Montlick.com/contact for your free consultation with a Montlick attorney today.