- May 27, 2025
Whether you’re just beginning your search or you've already hired someone who seems to be dropping the ball, knowing what to look out for when hiring or working with a Detroit personal injury lawyer can save you a lot of grief. This article lays out the warning signs, step by step, to help you protect your claim and your peace of mind.
Why the Right Lawyer Makes a Difference
A personal injury claim isn't just about filing paperwork—it's about holding someone accountable for the harm they caused. After an accident, your ability to recover damages depends heavily on how well your lawyer builds your case, negotiates with the insurance company, and prepares for trial if necessary. When the stakes include missed income, medical costs, ongoing treatment, and reduced quality of life, you can’t afford to be stuck with someone who isn’t up to the task. Choose the right personal injury lawyer—someone with proven experience, strong communication skills, and a track record of standing up to insurers when it counts.A capable lawyer doesn’t just show up with legal knowledge. They keep your case moving, communicate consistently, anticipate tactics from the opposing side, and make sure no deadlines slip through the cracks. They work with medical professionals to fully document your injuries. They consult with economists or vocational experts when necessary to calculate the long-term effects of your injury. In Michigan, they also need to understand the state’s unique no-fault insurance laws and how they impact your rights, especially in motor vehicle cases.
The wrong lawyer, on the other hand, might miss key evidence. They might let the insurance company delay things indefinitely. They might undervalue your claim—or worse, pressure you into taking a settlement that doesn’t come close to covering your needs. That kind of representation doesn’t just cost you money—it costs you peace of mind and possibly the justice you deserve.
Choosing the right attorney can mean the difference between getting what you're owed and walking away with far less. That's why who you hire matters—because your future may depend on it. Why you need a lawyer isn’t just about legal know-how; it’s about advocacy, strategy, and making sure no one takes advantage of your situation while you’re trying to recover.
Spotting Red Flags Saves Time and Money
A lawsuit or injury claim isn’t something you want to drag out for years, especially when medical bills and missed work are draining your resources. Every delay, mistake, or misstep from your Detroit personal injury lawyer adds pressure to an already tough situation. Spotting warning signs before they cause lasting damage helps you avoid wasted time, unnecessary costs, and a disappointing result.
Warning Signs Related to Communication
Clear, consistent communication forms the backbone of a solid attorney-client relationship. When that breaks down, it sends everything else into a tailspin.
1. Consistently Poor or Delayed Responsiveness
If you're leaving messages and emails that never get answered—or only get a reply days later—that’s a bad sign. A lawyer doesn’t have to be on call 24/7, but basic updates and responses shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth.
2. Inability to Explain Legal Concepts Clearly
Legal terms can get complicated, but it’s your lawyer’s job to translate them into plain English. If they confuse you more than they clarify things, they may not fully understand the law—or they may not care whether you do.
3. Vague Answers to Direct Questions
You ask, “How’s my case going?” and hear, “We’re working on it.” You ask, “What happens next?” and get a shrug. That kind of evasion isn’t harmless—it can point to a lack of preparation or deeper issues behind the scenes.
4. Never Available for Meetings or Consultations
You should be able to schedule time with your lawyer to talk about your case. If they’re always too busy, constantly rescheduling, or pawn you off to staff every time, you’re not getting personal attention, and your case could suffer for it.
Warning Signs Related to Experience and Knowledge
Even a well-meaning attorney won’t help you much if they don’t know how to handle personal injury claims or haven’t handled many before.
1. Limited or No Experience with Personal Injury Cases
Not every attorney deals with injury claims regularly. If they normally handle divorces, contracts, or criminal cases, they may not have the track record to represent you effectively.
2. Inability to Discuss Similar Cases They’ve Handled
Ask your Detroit personal injury lawyer about cases like yours. If they can’t give clear examples or avoid the question entirely, that’s a sign they’re not confident—or haven’t handled many injury cases at all.
3. Lack of Knowledge About State Laws and Precedents
In Michigan, for example, laws like no-fault insurance rules and damage caps on certain claims affect case strategy. If your lawyer can’t explain how local laws impact your case, that’s a red flag.
4. No Focus in Personal Injury Law
A generalist might not be up to speed on the tactics insurance companies use or the medical evidence that strengthens your claim. Lawyers who primarily handle injury cases tend to have a deeper bench when it comes to resources and insight.
Warning Signs Related to Office Management
Poor office management can bleed into case management fast.
1. Disorganized Office Environment
If papers are piled on desks, client files are scattered, or the receptionist can’t find your paperwork, don’t expect better behind the scenes. Disorganization can lead to missed deadlines and critical errors.
2. Frequent Staff Turnover
A revolving door of assistants or paralegals often points to bigger problems. It might mean the lawyer doesn’t treat their team well—or can’t keep things running smoothly.
3. Missing Deadlines or Filing Extensions Regularly
If your lawyer keeps asking for extensions, that doesn’t buy you more time—it sets your case back. In some situations, it could even get your claim dismissed.
4. Losing or Misplacing Important Documents
Lost medical records or missing correspondence can sabotage your claim. If you find yourself having to resend the same files over and over, something’s wrong.
Warning Signs Related to Professional Ethics
Ethical missteps aren't just shady—they can put your entire case at risk.
1. Guaranteeing Specific Outcomes or Settlement Amounts
No honest lawyer promises a specific result. Too many factors influence the outcome—making guarantees is irresponsible and dishonest.
2. Pressuring You to Accept Settlements Quickly
If your lawyer urges you to settle fast without a good explanation, they may be more interested in collecting a fee than getting you a fair amount.
3. Unexplained or Changing Fee Structures
Watch for unclear or shifting billing practices. You should know up front what the fees are, how they're calculated, and when they’ll be deducted.
4. Engaging in Unethical Practices or Suggesting Dishonesty
If your lawyer suggests exaggerating injuries or hiding information, walk away. That kind of conduct can destroy your case and your credibility.
Warning Signs Related to Legal Strategy
Every case should have a game plan. If yours doesn’t, something’s off.
1. No Clear Strategy for Your Case
You deserve to know the plan. If your lawyer can’t lay out steps, timing, and likely paths forward, your claim may be drifting without direction.
2. Unwillingness to Consider Alternative Approaches
Not every claim follows the same formula. If your lawyer resists new ideas or different approaches, they might not be thinking creatively—or thinking at all.
3. Making Important Decisions Without Consulting You
You’re the client. Your lawyer should be advising you, not making choices behind your back. If you’re left out of the loop on key decisions, that’s unacceptable.
4. Inability to Identify Strengths and Weaknesses of Your Case
A good lawyer should know what makes your case strong—and where it might run into trouble. If they can't or won’t discuss this, they may not have thought things through. Accident lawyers in Michigan can help you understand both the strengths and challenges in your case from the outset, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect and how best to move forward.
Warning Signs During Initial Consultations
The first meeting reveals a lot—if you know what to watch for.
1. More Interested in Fees Than Understanding Your Case
If the lawyer zeroes in on payment before asking about your injuries or the incident, you’re a paycheck, not a person.
2. Dismissive of Your Concerns or Questions
No question is too small when it comes to your case. If you feel brushed off or talked down to, you’re not being respected, and you won’t be in the future.
3. Unable to Provide References or Testimonials
Most lawyers can share reviews, references, or even case outcomes (without revealing private details). If yours can’t or won’t, that’s a red flag.
4. Excessive Promises That Seem Too Good to Be True
Anyone promising quick money or easy wins is probably exaggerating. Real cases take time, effort, and strategy—not magic.
How to Verify a Lawyer's Credentials
You don’t need a law degree to check someone’s background. A few quick steps can confirm whether a lawyer is worth your trust.1. Check Bar Association Standing
Every licensed attorney in Michigan appears on the State Bar’s website. You can confirm they're active and in good standing.
2. Research Disciplinary History
Look for past complaints, sanctions, or license suspensions. A pattern of trouble suggests deeper issues.
3. Read Client Reviews and Testimonials
Don’t just skim the star rating. Read what former clients say about communication, professionalism, and results.
4. Speak With Past Clients if Possible
If you know someone who worked with the lawyer, ask about their experience. First-hand accounts are hard to beat.
When to Consider Switching Lawyers
Don’t stick with someone who’s not working out, especially if your case is suffering.
1. Timeline Considerations for Changing Representation
Switching lawyers takes time, so make the move as early as possible. Waiting too long could complicate your case.
2. How to Transition Your Case to a New Attorney
Your new lawyer can request your file and pick up where the last one left off. Don’t worry—your case doesn’t restart from scratch.
3. Understanding the Implications for Your Case
In most cases, your previous lawyer may still receive a portion of the fee, but that won’t affect your total compensation. The new attorney handles that behind the scenes.
Why You Need a Lawyer from Goodman Acker PC to Help Set Things Right
When something as serious as a personal injury claim goes off track, you can’t afford to waste more time hoping your current attorney will suddenly turn things around. You need a law firm that knows how to step in, assess the damage, and get your case back on solid ground. That’s where Goodman Acker PC comes in.
We’ve helped many clients who came to us after a disappointing experience with another lawyer. Some had cases that stalled out with no explanation. Others were pushed to accept lowball settlement offers without a real breakdown of their claim’s value. In every situation, our job wasn’t just to take over—it was to fix what had been neglected and fight for the full compensation the client deserved. Should I get a lawyer is a question many people ask too late. The truth is, getting the right legal support early on can prevent delays, protect your rights, and ensure your case gets the attention it needs from day one.
Our team doesn’t treat you like a case number. We take the time to understand what you’ve been through, what you’re still dealing with, and what it’ll take to make things right. We know Michigan’s injury laws inside and out, including how to handle disputes with insurance companies that stall, deny, or downplay legitimate claims. We also keep you in the loop every step of the way, so you're never left wondering what’s happening or why.
If your current lawyer isn’t giving your case the attention it needs—or worse, if their mistakes are putting your outcome at risk—don’t wait. Let Goodman Acker PC take the pressure off your shoulders. We’ll review what’s already been done, explain where things stand, and take action to move your case forward. When your health, your recovery, and your financial future are on the line, you deserve a legal team that’s ready to fight for you the right way.
Contact Our Skilled and Ethical Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
Trust matters—especially when you're counting on a lawyer to fight for what you’ve lost because someone else didn’t act responsibly. If you’ve noticed any of the red flags listed above, don’t ignore them. Listen to your gut.
Contact the ethical and trusted Michigan personal injury lawyers at Goodman Acker PC today for a free case evaluation. We’ll assess your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step with confidence.