People don’t think they’ll find themselves in a situation where they need an attorney, but serious accidents and injuries happen every day — and when they do, it can feel like the end of the world. If you’ve been hurt or lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.

But how do you know you’ve found the best personal injury attorneys for your case? To help, we spoke with personal injury attorneys from our directory to learn their recommendations for what to look for in an attorney.

First and foremost, check out the attorney’s online reputation. Read reviews from previous clients and other lawyers to get a good sense of their experience, professionalism, and demeanor. If you see consistent themes that come up in the reviews, it may be a good indication that that lawyer is right for your case. You can also ask friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations if you’re not sure where to start. Finally, set up an initial consultation with the attorney or law firm to talk through your specific case and decide if they’re a good fit for you. After all, you’re entrusting them with your legal matters, so it’s important that you feel comfortable working together. The right attorney can make all the difference in a successful case. For example, an attorney who has successfully represented aviation crash victims can use their knowledge of the ins and outs of airline crashes to ensure you’re compensated fairly for your losses.