How to pick a personal injury lawyer

How to pick a personal injury lawyer

by | Jul 25, 2016 | Blog

Choosing a personal injury attorney that will obtain the best results for you is very important! I will explain how to pick a personal injury lawyer in cases like car accidents, slip and falls, dog attacks, and all other personal injury situations.

How to pick a personal injury lawyer

Specialty

You want to choose an attorney who specializes in personal injury law. For example, I only work in the area of personal injury law. When you have an attorney who limits his work to personal injury, that attorney is least likely to make mistakes in your case and more likely to keep up with the continuing and confusing area of law that may surround many different accident situations. It is very important that personal injury attorneys keep up with the changing case and statutory law that develops each year in Colorado. An attorney who also practices real estate or drafts Wills, for example, just does not have the time to keep up with the many changes in personal injury law. So, always pick an attorney who specializes only in personal injury law and car accidents. You would not ask your family doctor to operate on your brain, so do not ask your real estate lawyer to handle your car accident!

Experience

You should choose a personal injury attorney who has many years of experience dealing only in personal injury cases. For example, I used to practice insurance defense which is an attorney who defends the insurance company in personal injury cases. As you can imagine, I became very experienced in personal injury by seeing the inside workings of the insurance claims departments and just how insurance adjusters evaluate claims and the attorneys on the other side. So, years of experience and experience on the insurance side is an added plus. You never want to go to those huge firms who let junior/young attorneys get experience by handling your case. Just like you want an experienced doctor performing your surgery, and not a young, inexperienced doctor, you want the same in your lawyer!

How to pick a personal injury lawyer - A personal injury attorney in Colorado Springs explains

Choosing a personal injury attorney is important. Ryan Malnar has represented personal injury & car accident victims in Colorado Springs for 10 years./span>

Contingency Fees

You should only choose an attorney who will handle your case on a contingency basis. In other words, if the attorney wins or settles your case, then he gets a percentage of the gross settlement or recovery. This is standard in handling personal injury cases as most people do not want or cannot pay an attorney by the hour to handle their case. Contingency fees were developed so the average person could afford to hire a good attorney. If an attorney loses your case or is not able to settle your case, then that attorney should not charge you anything. I do not charge any attorneys fees unless I win or settle your case.

Initial Meeting

It is important to meet with an attorney as soon as you possibly can, after your accident or injury. You can lose many valuable legal rights and even lose your right to make a claim completely if you do not see an attorney as soon as possible! An attorney should never charge you for this initial meeting. If an attorney does try to charge you for an initial meeting, do not walk but run away! The initial meeting serves as a way for you to become comfortable with your attorney and knowledgeable about your case and your rights. If you do not feel comfortable with your attorney or are not able to communicate with this attorney, then seek out another attorney.

What to expect from your attorney

Your attorney works on your behalf to get you the greatest settlement he can possibly obtain. If your attorney does not return your emails or phone calls, then he does not care too much about you or your case. Make sure that your attorney treats you as priority number 1 and always communicates with you throughout your case. You and your attorney need to work together to achieve success in your case so please listen closely to your attorney’s advice and make sure you attend all your doctor’s appointments. You want to choose the right attorney from the very beginning because time is of the essence in prosecuting personal injury cases and dealing with the insurance companies from a position of strength.

Why choose Ryan Malnar as your personal injury attorney?

  • Talk to an experienced lawyer, not a paralegal or junior lawyer.
  • I pledge to you that I will personally handle your case from start to finish.
  • I promise to always fight for you and your family.
  • I care about my clients just like family and you can always personally talk to me anytime day or night.
  • I can come to your home, office or hospital with no obligations.
  • I don’t get paid unless I recover money for you. If I don’t win your case, you don’t owe me a dime.
  • I promise to listen to your story and stand by you.

Testimonials for Malnar Law, P.C., the Colorado Springs personal injury attorney

Includes reviews for the Allen Law Firm, now part of Malnar Law, P.C. Doug Allen is an “of counsel” attorney for Malnar Law, P.C. as of 2018.

I recommend Malnar Law for your legal problems. Ryan has advised me on several different issues I have been facing. He is very prompt and doesn’t waste your time. If I am ever in a car accident, I will call Ryan Malnar.

Sheldon Stagman 2017-07-19

Ryan is a dedicated hard working lawyer, who truly cares about his clientele. any questions or concerns I had he immediately was able to provide accurate answers, he’s the guy I want in my corner!

Tony Patalano 2017-07-19

Honest, insightful, and caring. This is the lawyer for you.

Chip Odell 2017-07-19

The financial cost of a car wreck adds to the pain and suffering that follows. My car was total loss and the financial expenses were greater than I could have ever expected they would be.

Immediately after my car accident, and for several weeks afterwards, I was in shock. I was in emotional distress and feeling afraid. Dealing with my insurance company was exacerbating my stress level. Seeking help from Mr. Malnar is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. His knowledge and determination minimized my worries. Thanks to his expert advice I am on the road to recovery & I was timely compensated for the property damage.

ROSANNY DEL CARMEN 2017-07-19

Mr Malnar was amazing! Excellent in his practice, he is friendly, professional and extremely proficient. Prompt at responding in every time of need. Couldn’t have chose a better attorney to represent me! Cannot stress enough how pleased I am with this practice.

Sonya Yslas 2017-09-15

(Translated by Google) It is very good lawyer and Spanish Abla

Es muy buen abogado y español Abla

Javier Dominguez 2017-10-15

Ryan was very helpful on evaluating our injury/ auto accident case thoroughly. I would recommend for any future injury cases.

Carl Webb 2017-12-15

Ryan works hard. Discusses options. Is available for questions. He met and went beyond expectations.

Rek Lee 2017-12-19

I was went to car accident last of year of October 29 2016,
and I call ryan to help me in my car accident, ive been suffer in couple months because of pain, but ryan did everything to help me to get better, ryan is the best to call when it comes to accident because, he will do everything to get you better.

jhie broqueza 2017-12-19

5 stars!

Elijah Hopkins 2018-01-19

Although my case wasn’t a personal injury claim, Mr. Malnar agreed to represent me on another matter and I was very impressed with the professionalism of Mr. Malnar and his firm. From the ease of uploading documents important to my case on the firm website, the prompt communication from Mr. Malnar regarding my questions, and the representation in court, I was glad Malnar Law was on my team. I was also very impressed with the promptness of the billing and the fairness of the expenses. I didn’t feel as if I over-billed or nickeled and dimed for every phone call and email. I would certainly consider having Malnar Law represent me again in the future (if needed).

Richard Riddle 2018-02-19

5 stars!

Allan Milemon 2018-03-19

I was involved in a automobile accident in March 2017. While stopped in traffic waiting for the light to turn green I was rear ended at full speed by a distracted driver. A friend recommended Ryan Malnar to me to take care of things. From my first meeting until the last, Ryan and his team have thoroughly impressed me with their compassion and willingness to work to get me exceptional results. Ryan will work to get you the maximum amount possible. My case was resolved in 12 months. I would definitely recommend Ryan Malnar to my friends and family! V. Fox

Jeff Fox 2018-03-19

This law firm was the best decision I made to assist me in one of the hardest times of my life. I was in a rollover car accident with my daughters and was the scariest experience I had ever been in. They represented all three of us and took care to every detail, from the legalities and the injuries.The kindness and grace they showed me throughout the entire process turned a horrible situation onto the best possible outcome!!! I would highly recommend anyone needing help during an accident to absolutely seek this firm out.!!!

Janelle Pinson 2018-04-19

5 stars!

ehorizons Designs 2018-07-04

Had never used an attorney before Mr Allen was beyond helpful and made the outcome phenomenal.

Ginny Rucker 2018-04-12

Very satisfied with the service! Doug took care of everything, and even came to our house – which makes it so much easier when you have a broken leg.. Recovered the maximum amount within a month! Answered all of our calls and emails in a timely manner. I definitely recommend this attorney.

Vlad S. 2018-01-31

5 stars!

Francia Boguero 2018-03-08

Doug has done a great job with my case. He is extremely responsive and he actually cares about you and your case. He got me a very fair settlement.

Chet Rickerman 2018-02-07

Mr. Allen took my case from a place of disadvantage to positive outcome. From the first moment, my story and condition were advocated to the highest standard of legal professionalism. Frustrations, uncertainty, and possibilities were evaluated and capitalized upon to provide me the best possible settlement in my auto injury case. I’m really glad I’ve had the opportunity to befriend the area’s foremost accident and injury attorney. Thanks Doug!

James Wolford 2018-01-25

Got hit head on East of Springs and it banged me up pretty badly. Chose Doug and he was at my house the day after I was released from the hospital. Even drove me to one of my ortho appointments. He gave me a no BS assessment of what my legal options were. Every phone call, text and visit was with Doug personally, not a paralegal pre-law student. That meant every stupid question I had was for the guy who has been doing this for years, not an administrative aid. The settlement came in pretty quickly, but admittedly my case was pretty cut and dry. His fee was right on line with what the industry standard is, but there were no little extra fees that I’ve heard horror stories about. Even after paying his retainer I walked away with lot more than had I not called him at all and just took what they handed me. Getting hit head-on at highway speed could never be called a positive experience, but I’m glad I called Doug and I’d recommend him to anyone. I’m a real reviewer, so feel free to contact me through my username and verify. I’d recommend him to anyone. Hopefully, I won’t need an injury attorney again anytime soon, but he’ll be the guy if I ever do.

Vincent King 2017-01-26

Doug is an amazing attorney. He recovered what he said he could. Don’t go with any one other than Doug Allen Jr. for personal injury.

Chalaine Heyer 2017-04-26

I have found Mr. Allen to be professional, honest and of high integrity. He is a an excellent personal injury attorney.

Chad Abercrombie 2017-04-23

Recently we used the services of Mr. Doug Allen. We were so pleased with his personal attention that made it easier to get thru the process. His work ethic is superb…offering advise, gathering information, filing the paperwork in a timely manner and getting RESULTS QUICKLY. Doug is personable and friendly; he puts one at ease the whole time. He even traveled from Colorado Springs to Pueblo several times working on the case. Call Doug Allen. You will be happy you did!

Gregoria Vallejo 2017-03-12

Doug is a great attorney! Definitely worked hard to make sure I was taken care and was accessible whenever needed. Got me a nice settlement!

Tiffany Jones 2017-03-16

I highly recommend Doug Allen as a Personal Injury Lawyer in Colorado Springs. Why? I was rear ended at a red light; the other person was ticketed and had an obscure form of insurance from another country despite being American (I am guessing he couldn’t get insured here). I needed to talk to a lawyer and I didn’t know any lawyers, most of my friends didn’t know any lawyers either. I then had 2 choices; go with lawyers recommended from a tv commercial or one recommended on the web. Turns out if you look on the web, the ones from the tv commercials have really low ratings which is probably why they need the commercials, so I went with the web recommendations. Within a year of the accident I tried a web lawyer from a large law firm and called for an appointment with said lawyer. Who walks in? Not the guy from the web, some lower level associate, I didn’t even meet the lawyer to whom I had requested the appointment. The associate who I did meet told me I had to complete medical treatment before seeking a lawyer as I was still being treated. He also said I had 3 years from the accident to obtain a lawyer. My lesson was this was not the law firm for me. After my medical treatments were completed about a year and a half later I went to a lawyer recommended by a friend who now advertises via tv commercials. She told me international polices were notoriously small, as did the previous lawyer. Then she said she would review all my medical records and then talk to me. Instead, I received a letter telling me she wasn’t interested in my case. When I retrieved my medical records she didn’t even have 1/3 of them. Again wrong lawyer. So I was back to the drawing board again. I started again with the list from the web, and I spoke to lawyer after lawyer explaining everything including that the insurance company the other person had was from outside the US. They each pushed me off onto another lawyer, then another, etc. saying they were too busy and I wasn’t giving them enough lead time. I finally called Doug Allen, as he was one the previous lawyer recommended and he immediately offered me help. Doug Allen was the ONLY one to offer me help. He had me see a doctor to get a medical opinion from someone he trusted who could review my records and told me he was sorry I hadn’t called him first. He prefers to help people right after an accident, making sure they get the right medical treatment throughout, but is willing to help anyone at any stage. Doug also told me as did the first 2 that insurance policies from outside the US rarely have large values. Despite the short time frame, and the insurance company from another country, and potentially not making a lot since the international polices were low; He took my case. Without going to court, he worked with the other company who paid out to the full amount of the small policy that person had. I am grateful for his help in closing my case quickly, out of court and for the full amount.

Karen Ollerman 2017-03-28

My teenage daughter was involved in a serious auto accident. We contacted Doug Allen after seeing his positive reviews. To my surprise he was the one that answered the phone. From that moment forward he was very responsive and helpful. He visited my daughter in the hospital that same day. He subsequently settled her case with the insurance company in a very timely manner. I would highly recommend him.

Paul Martinez 2017-02-25

Excellent personal injury attorney. Doug Allen handled my car accident case when other local attorneys told me that my case was too small. Doug did get me a very fair settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company and I was very happy. Doug is honest, trustworthy and you can call and talk to him everyday if you want. I talked to Doug about 8 times per week and each time he was always courteous and explained things in a way that I could understand what was going on in my case. Do not trust the TV lawyers as they have paralegals doing all their work. Doug Allen personally handles each and every case himself!!!!

John Richards 2017-02-10

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Claudia Allen 2017-02-10

Doug got me the full policy limits which I did not expect. I highly recommend him!!

Damond Hull 2017-03-08

I found Doug’s information via Google search and found all of these 5-star positive reviews and in my experience so far, he has fully lived up to the perfect reputation. He walked me through the processes every step of the way and explained everything very clearly. No empty promises, no boasting of previous cases, no runaround; just straightforward, honest, helpful representation. I definitely could not have worked my way through this case without Doug’s help!

Vince Vergara 2017-01-23

Doug is very professional to work with. He took care of everything in my insurance case so I could focus on healing. He answered all my question and kept me informed of my case. I recommend his service to anyone.

L B 2017-01-23

Doug was out of the country when I first contacted him about my accident. His response and communication with me was fast and informative. Hopefully I will never need another injury lawyer but if I do I will be using Doug again.

Alex Harroun 2017-01-23

Doug Allen has helped my boyfriend and I in the process of after our accident. He recommended us to one of the best chiropractors. He is dedicated and determined to help us in any way possible. Any questions or concerns we have, he is right there to answer. I sincerely recommend him.

Delacia Tibayan 2017-01-22

I had an auto accident on 2 September 2016. The CSPD deemed it a hit and run case. I wasn’t quite sure who to call being that it was my first accident. Everyone knows dealing with insurance companies can be nerve-racking. I searched for a Personal Injury Attorney in Colorado Springs and ran across Doug’s webpage. What caught my eye were the outstanding reviews this man had received. I decided to give him a shot. In turn, I received a free in-depth professional consultation from him. This man has been to all my first time medical appointments with my Chiropractor, Pain Management Specialist, and Orthopedic Surgeon. He is quick to respond to any of my questions and has helped every step of the way with my case. If you are looking to find a TOP-notch experienced personal injury and accident lawyer, then look no further. Not only do I consider Doug an OUTSTANDING personal injury lawyer who strives in providing top quality legal advice, but also a friend.

Andi D 2016-11-30

Doug Allen helped me with my car accident. Sent me to the best doctors. Easy to talk to, honest, dedicated. He is the best attorney in CO. He will answer all the questions. I definitely recommend him.

Aslan Gigolaev 2017-01-21

We hired Doug after being disappointed with one of those high profile, heavily advertised attorneys. Doug’s service has been like night and day. He visits us, emails and calls personally. He picked up the case and is running with it. We are happy with his personal attention.

D Ellis 2016-10-31

Doug Allen is an excellent lawyer and he helped me get a great recovery from the at fault driver’s insurance company

Andres Gutierrez 2016-11-01

Doug is wonderful! He was so helpful throughout the entire process. I definitely recommend him!

Charlotte Erickson 2016-11-01

Very helpful with everything. Easy to talk to. Great at listening to all of my concerns. Very polite and honest. Thank you for everything

Collette Schwab 2016-10-28

This guy knows his stuff! Great reputation in Florida, and on his way to being a force here in CO. Gets to work right away and stays involved in the whole case.

Miiyu Yumii 2016-10-31

Doug Allen is great to work with. Great person and the Lawyer. I recommend him to everybody who needs his services.

Martin Prosek 2016-10-28

experienced, dedicated, motivated. Have and will continue to recommend Doug to people in need of a good competent personal injury attorney. Ron Schreiber

Stephanie Lee 2016-10-28

Doug is outstanding with detail, quick to respond and very well qualified to help with your personal injury need! He listens and works hard for the best outcome possible in ALL his cases. A five star professional and who I want on my team!

Tory Hoefar 2016-10-10

Doug Allen is great to work with. Great person and the Lawyer. I recommend him to everybody who needs his services.

Martin Prosek 2016-10-28

Douglas Allen es un muy buen abogado. Ha estado muy pendiente de mi caso y me ha ayudado en mi proceso con mi lesión personal. El es muy amable, me escribe y llama siempre. Yo agradezco mucho su servicio. La verdad lo recomiendo mucho, si usted tiene un accidente no dude en llamarlo ademas porque habla español.

Hector Ortiz Lopez 2016-09-06

Good attorney!

Joseph Gutierrez 2016-10-08

Great attorney; Helped us with our case and acted quickly. He was also up to date with us. He got us more money then we thought we could get. A±±

Kevin Balbuena 2016-09-27

As a concussion management specialist, I appreciate Doug’s simplistic, clean approach to personal injury cases. The legal aspect of cases involving motor vehicle accidents can be overwhelming for patients. Doug has the experience and skill sets to take the worry away!

Brad Gulla 2016-08-25

Thanks Doug – I appreciate your way of explaining legal concepts easily and clearly!

Jed Bradshaw 2016-08-28

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ronald Salvaggione 2016-08-24

Mr. Allen helped me recover a huge settlement in my personal injury case. You can always reach him on his cell phone and he will call you back at 10 pm if he needs too. Doug also helped me get to the doctors and found me excellent medical care. He is the best attorney that I have ever seen and wish him all the best!

Billy Pascalli 2016-08-2

Best attorney out there!! Can’t get better than this guy. He’ll 100% win your case.

Natasha-Sushi Allen

Mr. Allen is very smart when it comes to handling personal injury cases. I know that he has more than 20 years handling personal injury cases, car accidents, slip and falls and dog attacks, among many other cases against insurance companies. I would highly recommend Doug for your personal injury case and since he is licensed in Colorado, Florida and Hawaii, he also has a lot of experience fighting the insurance companies.

Brad Temple 2016-08-3

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jonathan Fleecs 2016-08-3

Doug Allen handled my car accident case and he is the best and most honest attorney that I have ever seen. He is also my father and I have seen him work so hard for more than 20 years, doing personal injury cases and honestly getting the highest settlements for each and every client. If you want a hard working, honest and caring attorney, this is the one!

Natasha Allen 2016-08-1

Doug was extremely kind and very knowledgeable. I’m very happy with hiring him.

Kellie Allen 2016-07-31

I have known Doug for about 10 months. If and when I need a Personal Injury Attorney I would be calling Doug!

Frank Dearden 2016-08-17

Excellent attorney and he settled my case when 2 other attorneys could not do it, i recommend him for all your personal injury cases

Donna Kimberling 2016-12-02

Mr. Allen is professional, polite and went beyond my expectations for our case.

Antoinette Harris 2016-11-01

Excellent service and prompt results. Not expecting the outcome, we were very glad after the case was final with the result.

Ms. Miriam Cota 2016-11-01

Doug’s help was amazing.. I felt totally confortable with having Doug on board my case.. Thank you Doug for your excellent and professional help you provided… Larry

Larry Collins 2017-06-07

5 stars!

Gregory French 2017-07-13

Five stars out of five stars.

Devon Delapeza 2017-07-29

Five stars out of five stars.

Matt Wellbrock 2017-08-02

My father and I were referred to Doug Allen by another attorney that I was very familiar. Doug has been very personable and easy to get in touch with via email or phone on a daily basis. The settlement was processed in a very speedy manner.

Barb Hagar

Had it not been for Doug I would not have been able to pay for my medical to recover from my accident. He got me a fair settlement and all I had to do was worry about getting better!

Ashley Albers