Why Your Personal Injury Law Firm Should Text Clients

Traditional law firm communication methods include phone calls, physical letters, and perhaps emails. Today, many of those methods are still popular. But there is another important form of client communication becoming more prevalent: texting.

American consumers have come to expect convenience, and texting is convenient for most people. Personal injury law firms are particularly consumer-facing and have much to gain by offering clients an easy way to keep in touch.

Four Reasons to Text Clients at your Law Firm

In order to respond to clients’ changing needs, personal injury attorneys need to adapt. If you’re not texting your clients yet, it’s time to consider it.

1. Many Personal Injury Clients Prefer Texting

According to research, 32 percent of people of all ages prefer texting to calling. If you give clients the option of texting or calling, you may be surprised at how many would rather be texted. Many working clients may prefer a text instead of a call during business hours.

It goes without saying, clients will respond more quickly when they are reached with their preferred method of communication.

Texting is also a much easier way for clients to send photos of the accident scene and injuries. Chances are, a client already has photos sitting on their phone. Texting a series of photos is often easier than emailing. Obtaining photographs quickly is key for properly evaluating and working your personal injury claims.

2. A Way to Reach Unresponsive Clients

Virtually every personal injury attorney has struggled to reach a client at some point in their career. An AWOL client can be particularly frustrating when you have money sitting in a client trust pending disbursement, or need a client to sign a release. Why not try texting?

Studies show 90 percent of texts are read within the first three minutes of being sent. It is not surprising that many unresponsive clients will answer text messages. One CASEpeer user recounted texting a client who had not returned voice messages for months, and getting a text back right away.

3. Texting Saves Attorneys and Staff Time

Not only is texting more convenient for most clients, it is also more convenient for attorneys and staff. Simple messages are more easily communicated via texts, such as reminding a client about her doctor’s appointment or asking about her pain level.

More texts mean less time spent on the phone. Over time, those minutes add up, freeing up time to work on other important matters.

4. Texting Provides a Record of Communication

Keeping an accurate record of client communication is key to consistent customer service. If you text clients from a case management software like CASEpeer, the communication is tracked. If you and your team are using personal cell phones, there is no accountability for what is being sent or received.

You Don’t Have to Give Clients Your Phone Number with CASEpeer

Many law firms avoid texting clients because they do not want clients contacting staff on their personal cell phones. This is understandable.

Tools like CASEpeer legal software allow attorneys and staff to text clients right from the application – no cell phone needed. This protects your team’s privacy, and preserves a record of the communication.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start exploring texting to communicate with personal injury clients. You may be surprised at how well it works for your firm.

About CASEpeer

CASEpeer is secure practice management software designed for personal injury attorneys. From intake to settlement, our robust features help law firms become more proactive and powerful. Our goal is to help your law firm grow. For more law practice management tips, visit our blog.