What Is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
A personal injury lawyer represents individuals harmed by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. They can help with cases such as:
Auto and vehicle accidents
Slip-and-falls and premises liability
Medical malpractice
Construction or workplace injuries
Defective products
Dog bites, wrongful death
Defamation and libel, in some cases
Reddit
Key Criteria When Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney
1. Specialization & Relevant Experience
Choose a lawyer who specializes in personal injury—not a generalist. Even better if they have experience with cases similar to yours (e.g., vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, etc.)
lawsuitprocess.comAttorney at Law | Hire a LawyerPhillips Law Offices
2. Track Record of Success
Review the lawyer’s history of successful verdicts or settlements. Ask for concrete examples—compensation amounts, trial wins, and similar case studies
Blakeley Law Firm, P.A.Kermani LLP - Personal Injury LawyersHalt Law Directory
3. Willingness to Go to Trial
Even if most cases settle, choose an attorney willing and able to go to trial when needed. That willingness often leads to better offers from insurers
trumanlaw.comRedditZinda Law Group, PLLC
4. Transparency in Fees
Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis—they only get paid if you win. Common rates range from 33% to 40%, depending on the jurisdiction and case type
Scher, Bassett & HamesHalt Law DirectoryWikipedia
5. Communication & Accessibility
Look for clear, prompt communication. They should explain legal terms in plain language and update you regularly
lawsuitprocess.comAllen and Allennationlaw.comScher, Bassett & Hames
6. Reputation & Professional Recognition
Check client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Google, Yelp. Also look for peer recognition—Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell AV ratings, and bar association memberships
Zinda Law Group, PLLCAllen and AllenWikipedialorenzandlorenz.comBlakeley Law Firm, P.A.
7. Resources & Access to Experts
Personal injury cases often require medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, etc. Large or well-resourced firms may better manage complex cases
Zinda Law Group, PLLCHalt Law Directory
8. Empathy & Personal Fit
Trust your gut. A compassionate, respectful lawyer who listens and treats you like a person—not a case number—is invaluable
lorenzandlorenz.comAllen and AllenBlakeley Law Firm, P.A.
9. Ethical Reputation / Avoid Ambulance Chasers
Be cautious of lawyers who aggressively solicit clients (commonly called “ambulance chasing”)—this is often seen as unprofessional
Zinda Law Group, PLLCWikipedia
Real-World Advice from Others
“Avoid billboard lawyers—they take on so many cases that you barely talk to an actual attorney.”
“A lawyer who is accessible, personable, and open-minded is far more likely to approach your case the right way.”
Quick Startup Checklist
Get a shortlist: Use local bar associations, peer recommendations, and legal directories.
Do your homework: Review credentials, verdicts, and client feedback.
Schedule consultations: Most are free. Bring documents (e.g., accident reports, medical records, photos).
Ask key questions:
Have you handled cases like mine before?
What's your approach—would my case go to trial if needed?
What’s your track record?
How do you charge? (Fee percentage, other costs)
How will I stay informed?
Assess fit: Were they clear? Empathetic? Organized?
Make your choice: Prioritize trust, experience, and clear communication.
Top-Tier Personal Injury Attorney Spotlight
Benjamin Crump, based in Florida, is a nationally recognized personal injury and civil rights lawyer known for high-profile wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases (e.g., George Floyd, Trayvon Martin)
Wikipedia
Car insurance in the UK and the USA share some similarities but also have key differences in terms of requirements, types of coverage, cost, and providers. Here’s a comparison of both:
🚗 Car Insurance in the UK
✅ Legal Requirement
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Minimum legal requirement: Third-party insurance (covers others, not you).
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Driving without insurance is illegal and results in fines, points on your license, or even disqualification.
🔒 Types of Coverage
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Third Party (minimum legal)
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Covers injury or damage to other people and their property.
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Third Party, Fire and Theft
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Includes third-party cover, plus fire damage and theft of your car.
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Comprehensive
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Includes all the above, plus damage to your own vehicle.
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💷 Cost Factors
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Age, location, vehicle type, driving history, annual mileage, etc.
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Young drivers (under 25) pay much higher premiums.
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Use of black box/telematics can lower premiums.
🔄 Renewal
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Usually annually, but monthly options exist.
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No Claims Bonus (NCB) rewards safe drivers with discounts.
🏢 Major Insurers
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Admiral, Direct Line, Aviva, Churchill, Hastings Direct, AXA.
🚙 Car Insurance in the USA
✅ Legal Requirement
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Varies by state. Most states require minimum liability insurance.
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Some states also require Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage.
🔒 Types of Coverage
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Liability (mandatory in most states)
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Covers damage to others (bodily injury & property damage).
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Collision
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Covers your car if you hit something or someone hits you.
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Comprehensive
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Covers non-collision damage (theft, fire, weather).
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PIP/MedPay
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Covers medical expenses regardless of fault (state-specific).
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
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Covers you if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance.
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💵 Cost Factors
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Age, ZIP code, driving record, type of vehicle, credit score (important!).
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USA uses credit-based insurance scores, which the UK does not.
🔄 Renewal
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Every 6 or 12 months.
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Discounts for bundling (e.g., home + auto), safe driving, good students.
🏢 Major Insurers
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State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, USAA (for military), Liberty Mutual.
🇺🇸 Top Finance Companies in the USA
These include big banks, investment banks, asset managers etc:
| Institution | Type / Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JPMorgan Chase & Co. | Universal banking, investment banking, asset management | Largest bank in US by assets. Wikipedia+2WOWA+2 |
| Bank of America | Retail & commercial banking, wealth management, credit cards | One of the largest. WOWA+2The Motley Fool+2 |
| Citigroup | Investment banking, consumer banking, global operations | WOWA+2The Motley Fool+2 |
| Wells Fargo & Company | Retail/consumer banking, mortgages, finance services | Wikipedia+2WOWA+2 |
| Goldman Sachs | Investment banking, trading, asset management | WOWA+2The Motley Fool+2 |
| Morgan Stanley | Wealth management, investment banking, institutional services | Wikipedia+2WOWA+2 |
🇨🇦 Top Finance Companies in Canada
Canada’s system is a bit more concentrated. These are some of the major players:
| Institution | Type / Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) | Universal banking, wealth management, insurance; large international operations | Canada’s largest by market cap and among top by assets. Wikipedia+2WOWA+2 |
| Toronto‑Dominion Bank (TD Bank) | Retail & commercial banking, strong presence in both Canada & US | One of the Big Five. WOWA+2WOWA+2 |
| Bank of Montreal (BMO) | Banking, wealth, investment services | Big traditional bank. Wikipedia+1 |
| Scotiabank (Bank of Nova Scotia) | Banking, wealth, trade finance, international operations (Latin America etc.) | Wikipedia+1 |
| Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) | Retail & commercial banking, investment banking | Also part of Big Five. WOWA+1 |
⚙️ Some Comparative Insights
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In the USA, there are many more very large players, including specialized investment banks and asset managers.
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In Canada, a smaller number of large universal banks dominate most of the market; more concentrated.
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Many Canadian banks have operations in the USA (e.g. TD, RBC, BMO), so they cross‑border. WOWA+1
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The largest USA banks have trillions of dollars in assets. For example, JPMorgan Chase has over US$4‑5 trillion in assets. WOWA+1
In the USA, there are many more very large players, including specialized investment banks and asset managers.
In Canada, a smaller number of large universal banks dominate most of the market; more concentrated.
Many Canadian banks have operations in the USA (e.g. TD, RBC, BMO), so they cross‑border. WOWA+1
The largest USA banks have trillions of dollars in assets. For example, JPMorgan Chase has over US$4‑5 trillion in assets. WOWA+1
If you tell me what specific “finance companies” you meant (banks, credit institutions, fintech lenders, investment firms) and whether you want size, market cap, or a list in a specific city, I can prepare a targeted list for you.
