Getting injured in an accident is bad enough. Between the pain, paperwork, and panic, the last thing you need is a personal injury attorney who adds more stress to the mix. Your injury case is your chance to recover what you’ve lost—physically, emotionally, and financially. But if your lawyer isn’t up to the task (or worse, is making things worse), your shot at justice might slip away.

How do you know if a personal injury lawyer is the wrong fit for your case? Below, we break down the top red flags to watch for before you sign on the dotted line. Choosing the right attorney could make or break your case—so let’s get it right from the start.

 

Red Flag #1: They Ask for Money Upfront

If your prospective lawyer asks for payment before lifting a finger, sound the alarm. One of the most telling signs that a personal injury lawyer isn’t right for you is a demand for upfront payment. Why? Because a quality personal injury attorney works on a contingency fee basis—meaning they don’t get paid unless you do.

You’ve already suffered enough—physically, emotionally, and financially. Adding legal bills to the mix before your case even begins? That’s a hard pass.

What the Right Lawyer Does:

  • Offers a free initial consultation.
  • Works on contingency, taking a reasonable percentage only after a successful settlement or verdict.
  • Assumes financial risk, just like you are.

So if someone’s holding your bank account hostage before helping with your broken leg—run.

 

Red Flag #2: They Promise the Moon, the Stars, and a Guaranteed Win

If your lawyer is sounding more like a late-night infomercial than a legal professional, beware.

Statements like:

  • “We’ll definitely win your case!”
  • “You’re guaranteed at least $100,000!”
  • “This case is a slam dunk!”

…are not only unrealistic—they’re unethical. No lawyer, no matter how experienced, can predict exactly what a judge, jury, or insurance adjuster will do. Legal outcomes depend on facts, evidence, and about a hundred moving parts that even seasoned attorneys can’t guarantee.

What the Right Lawyer Does:

  • Talks in terms of likelihood, not certainty.
  • Discusses possible ranges of compensation based on past cases and your unique situation.
  • Keeps expectations grounded in law, not hype.

If your lawyer is overpromising, you might be underrepresented when it really matters.

 

Red Flag #3: They Don’t Call You Back…Ever

Let’s be clear: Communication is everything in a personal injury case. If your lawyer is ghosting your calls, ignoring your emails, or always “in a meeting,” you’re not getting the attention your case deserves.

A lack of responsiveness may mean they’re overwhelmed, disorganized, or just don’t prioritize you—and none of those are good signs.

What the Right Lawyer Does:

  • Returns your calls or emails within a reasonable time.
  • Sends regular updates about your case status.
  • Makes you feel like a real client, not just a case number.

Pro tip: Small, local law firms in Kansas City like The Pottenger Law Firm often provide better, more personalized service than mega-firms juggling hundreds of files at once.

 

What a Great Personal Injury Lawyer Should Actually Do

Now that we’ve aired the red flags, let’s talk about green lights—the signs you’ve found a lawyer who knows their stuff and has your back.

A top-notch personal injury attorney should:

  • Communicate with the insurance company (so you don’t have to).
  • Gather strong evidence: medical records, expert witnesses, police reports, video footage—you name it.
  • Value your claim accurately, including future medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering.
  • Negotiate hard for a fair settlement—and if needed, file a lawsuit and go to trial.
  • Guide you through every step of the legal process, translating legalese into plain English.
  • File paperwork properly and on time (because no one wants a case dismissed over a form).

Your Recovery Depends on the Right Lawyer—Choose Wisely

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, slip and fall, workplace injury, or any other type of incident caused by someone else’s negligence, your personal injury case may be the most important financial lifeline you have.

You don’t just need a lawyer—you need the right one. Someone who:

  • Cares about your recovery,
  • Communicates consistently,
  • Doesn’t overpromise, and
  • Fights to win, ethically and effectively.

That’s exactly what we do at The Pottenger Law Firm. We serve injury victims throughout Kansas City, Missouri, with compassion, honesty, and determination. And we don’t get paid until you do.

 

Get a Free Consultation Today

If any of the red flags above sound familiar—or you just want legal advice from someone who actually picks up the phone—call The Pottenger Law Firm today.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, so you can get the answers you need from a Kansas City personal injury lawyer you can trust.

Let’s get your life back on track—together.