Short answer: Check three things you can actually verify: board certification by the State Bar of Arizona in Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation (roughly 93 attorneys statewide hold it), the fee including what it becomes in litigation, and whether an attorney or a case manager will handle your file.
Verify the credential, ignore the badges
Most "top rated" and "best of" badges are paid placements or unvetted directory listings. Arizona operates a formal specialization programme through the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, and you can check it yourself in the public directory.
Ask whether they try cases
Insurers track which firms actually litigate. A firm that always settles is priced accordingly, and that shows up in offers.
Ask who handles the file
At high-volume advertising firms the attorney you meet is often not the person working your case. Ask directly.
Ask what the fee becomes
Not just the headline percentage — what it becomes in litigation, and whether costs come off before or after. See car accident lawyer fees.
Warning signs
- A settlement figure quoted before anyone has seen your records
- Pressure to sign at the first meeting
- No clear answer on the litigation rate
- You cannot get the handling attorney’s name
Questions people ask
Does advertising volume indicate quality?
It indicates marketing budget. It often correlates with high case volume, which can mean less individual attention.
How do I verify board certification?
Search the State Bar of Arizona’s public directory of certified specialists. It is free and takes a minute.
Should I meet more than one firm?
Yes. Consultations are free. Ask all three questions above and compare the answers.
What should I bring?
Police report, photographs, insurance details for everyone involved, and any medical records so far. Come anyway if you have none — the deadline runs regardless.
Free case review
Board-certified specialist Jack Hirsch. No fee unless you recover — 25% settled without litigation, 30% in litigation, plus costs. 602-535-1900.
