Personal injury law is a very common practice type, and one that is relevant in all states. Clients in all 50 states rely on personal injury lawyers to help them protect their rights and get justice after an injury. But for lawyers, not all states are as convenient for personal injury law as others. In our guide below, we take a look at the top five best states to practice personal injury law, and what sets them apart.
No matter what state you choose to practice law in, Legal Conversion Center can help you get the personal injury clients and conversions that you need to grow.
Criteria for Evaluation
There are a few reasons why some states are more convenient for personal injury lawyers than others. Many of those reasons involve the state’s court system. Some of the relevant factors in the court system include:
- State negligence laws
- Damages awarded to defendants
- Judge fairness and competence
In addition to the court system, there are other factors to consider when practicing in different states, such as job growth, housing market, and average salaries. At LCC, our list below is based on all of these factors. We summarize the top five best states to practice personal injury law to help both seasoned lawyers and those looking to hang their first shingle. Here is the count down:
Growth States For Personal Injury Firms
The guide will highlight the states most favorable for personal injury cases. A countdown is below:
5. Illinois
The court system in Illinois is pretty standard when it comes to negligence laws and personal injury cases. But where the state shines for lawyers and law firms is in its healthy economy. The economy in Illinois has improved over the past few years. The average mean income among lawyers is one of the increases that may bring more lawyers into the state. Between 2014 and 2018, the mean income increased by more than 22%
While income has increased in recent years, the overall cost of living in Illinois remains fairly stable and moderate. Compared to many other states, Illinois remains a relatively affordable place to live with reasonable average home prices.
4. Maine
Maine is a great state to practice personal injury law primarily due to their generous legal system. the state is one of only two state (North Dakota being the other) that has a statute of limitation of six (6) years on personal injury claims. That is three times longer than most states. Additionally, this state has more strict auto insurance requirements than other states, which means that drivers who are injured are more likely to get a reasonable settlement if they are injured by someone who is uninsured or underinsured.
3. North Dakota
North Dakota also has a lot going for it in the way of personal injury rules. As we mentioned, it is the only other state in the U.S. to have a six-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Another reason (albeit unfortunate) that North Dakota is a great place for personal injury lawyers to practice is that there are a lot of auto accidents in the state. Per capita, North Dakota has one of the highest rates of fatal auto accidents in the U.S. They are also known for having one of the highest rates of inattentive (i.e. negligent) drivers. While that is certainly unfortunate for drivers and injured victims, it means that there is plenty of business for personal injury lawyers.
2. Florida
Florida is not as well-known for economic growth and legal salaries as other states, but it is a very lawyer-friendly state. In fact, there are around five lawyers for every 1,000 residents in Florida. But don’t let the high density of lawyers deter you – Florida is a state with a high rate of personal injury cases. That is partly due to the vast highway system, and partly due to the influx of holiday tourists.
Coupled with a generous population of drivers on Florida roads at any given time, one reason that Florida is one of the best states to practice personal injury law is because of the state’s lax insurance laws. Florida only requires personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which generally only covers the policyholders injuries. Liability insurance is strictly voluntary, which means a lot of people who cause accidents will not be held financially liable for the injuries and damage they cause. This is when personal injury lawyers are needed most to help clients pursue justice.
1. Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a great state to practice personal injury law if you prefer to settle your cases, rather than take them to trial. This has the lowest percentage of uninsured drivers in the U.S. That means less claims involving uninsured drivers and insurance companies fighting over paying out claims.
Massachusetts also is known for having a high rate of medical malpractice claims each year, which is another plus for personal injury lawyers who are skilled in medical malpractice law. The reason that malpractice rates are so high is due to the state’s innovative and advanced hospital systems, which frequently feature technology and medical equipment to treat patients. There are also high rates of pain and suffering claims in medical malpractice cases, which are more subtle. This is a ripe field for a lawyer skilled in medical torts.
The state also ranks number one on our list because of their healthy economy and low population of lawyers. The state has seen income and employment growth in recent years, but the percentage of law offices remains below three percent. With healthy average incomes for lawyers, Massachusetts is a great place to start out, or take your already thriving law firm to a new level.
Let Us Help Your Firm Grow
Whether you are a new lawyer just starting out, or are a seasoned lawyer looking for a new environment to practice – the top five best states to practice personal injury law we discuss above each offer something enticing. From growing economies to higher-than-average salaries, few insured motorist to high rates of medical malpractice – these states are a great place to practice personal injury law.
At Legal Conversion Center, we help lawyers and law firms grow their firms. By partnering with us, your firm has a stable and consistent intake system and team that is there for you no matter where you choose to set up practice.
Streamline Processes
One of the many benefits of working with LCC is our streamlined processes. Legal intake services are available 24/7/365 to law firms in every state. Intake specialists are trained in matters related to personal injury law, including qualifying leads, HIPAA regulations, empathy, and call control. Our services are also easily integrated into your case and client management systems so you have immediate access to the information you need.
Retain More Clients
At LCC, we know that personal injury cases can be complex and time consuming. With our 24/7/365 services, you will never miss a potential client who calls or emails. What’s more, we have the highest conversion rates among legal call centers. Our team is efficient and effective at retaining more clients and growing your firm.
Know Your Numbers
Want to boost your leads and convert more inquiries into paying clients? That’s what we do at LCC. Our mission is to improve your conversion rate and boost your firm’s return on investment (ROI). With our competitive pricing and innovate process, LCC is the only choice for legal intake that works for your firm. Find out how LCC can grow your firm with a consultation and quote.
