Last updated on March 27th, 2026 at 12:05 pm
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Portland, one of the first—and most important—decisions you’ll make is hiring the right attorney. But how do you know who to trust? What should you look for in a lawyer? And how can you make sure your case is in good hands?
At Hardy Wolf & Downing, we’ve been helping Mainers through the aftermath of serious car crashes for over 40 years. Here’s our step-by-step guide to hiring a personal injury attorney in Portland who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Guide to Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in Portland
Step 1: Look for Local Experience in Portland and Southern Maine
Maine’s laws are different from those in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. And Portland’s roadways come with unique traffic patterns and accident risks.
Hiring a local attorney who knows how personal injury cases are handled in Portland means you’ll have someone who understands:
- Local courts and judges
- Maine-specific insurance rules
- The most common causes of Portland car crashes
- Local medical providers and crash investigators
Hardy Wolf & Downing has offices in both Portland and Lewiston, and we’ve represented thousands of injured Mainers in cities and towns across Cumberland County.
Step 2: Check Credentials and Client Reviews
Look for an attorney with:
- A proven track record in car accident cases
- Trial experience, in case your claim doesn’t settle
- Clear communication and compassion
- Strong Google reviews and client testimonials
A quality attorney should also offer free consultations—so you can ask questions and get clarity before signing anything.
📝 Tip: You can view some of our real client reviews right here.
Step 3: Ask the Right Questions
When you meet with an attorney, here are a few things to ask:
- How many car accident cases like mine have you handled?
- Will I work directly with you or your team?
- What are the next steps in the process?
- How are your fees structured?
Most personal injury lawyers, including Hardy Wolf & Downing, work on a contingency fee basis—which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
Step 4: Don’t Wait Too Long to Act
In Maine, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally 6 years, but acting quickly is critical. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can become harder to track down, and insurance companies will be working to minimize their responsibility from day one.
Why Hardy Wolf & Downing?
We’ve helped thousands of Mainers recover after serious car crashes caused by:
- Distracted or drunk drivers
- Speeding and reckless behavior
- Rear-end and intersection collisions
- Dangerous road conditions in Portland and surrounding areas
Our job is to handle the legal battle so you can focus on recovery. We’ll help you get compensated for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Ongoing care needs
Ready to Talk? Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and need legal help, don’t wait. Call Hardy Wolf & Downing or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and let you know how we can help.
You’ve got enough to worry about—let us take care of the rest.
