Choosing the right personal injury attorney is important. You want to pick one with experience in cases similar to yours. You also want them to keep you updated on your case and to be a good communicator. To help you find the right one, we’ve gathered the top questions to ask a personal injury lawyer.
Can You Handle My Case?
One of the first things you want to know is whether your chosen injury attorney feels comfortable and has the time to handle your case.
This is a two-part question. You want to confirm that the attorney is willing to take your case. You also want to make sure that they have enough resources including time to dedicate to your case. If your attorney already has too many other cases, your case may not get enough attention.
Do You Think I Have a Strong Case?
Next, ask the lawyer specifically about your case. You want to find out whether the personal injury attorney thinks that you have a solid case. This approach lets you take advantage of the lawyer’s expertise and objectivity.
Ideally, you want to work with a lawyer who is optimistic yet realistic about your case. The best lawyers will be honest with you and not just take say what you want to hear.
This question is essential, as it gives you an idea of what to expect. You will have a better idea of whether you should even pursue the case. You will also have a more accurate view of the expected compensation and your overall chances.
Have You Had Previous Cases Like Mine?
When you hire a personal injury attorney, you want to ask whether they have handled cases like yours before. This fact is important, as the more experience they have with similar situations, the better able they will be to handle your case. They will have a better idea of what arguments work well. They will also be familiar with case-specific processes.
As a follow-up, ask about the outcome of those similar cases. While previous successes don’t guarantee success for your case, they do increase the chances.
What Is Your Experience with Personal Injury Law?
Depending on your case, it may be hard to find a lawyer who has handled cases like it before. You can overcome this issue by asking about their overall personal injury law experience.
Generally, having more experience will improve your chances of success. If you cannot find a lawyer with expertise in your particular situation, then one with a range of experience will be the next best thing.
What Are Your Fees?
In personal injury law, many lawyers charge contingency fees. This means that you will only pay for their services if you win. If you do, you will have to pay a percentage of your settlement. Some lawyers may instead charge an hourly fee. Your goal is to get a clear idea of what you will pay.
Do I Pay for Advanced Costs?
Part of the contingency agreement for many personal injury attorneys covers the advanced costs. These are fees for retrieving medical records, expert witnesses, filing, and more. You should always expect to reimburse these costs if you win the case. Whether you pay them if you lose, however, depends on the lawyer. Some will have you cover them, while others will not.
When Will My Case Reach Trial?
There are also questions to ask a personal injury lawyer about a potential trial. Most importantly, ask whether they think your case will go to trial and how long that would take. Based on their experience, your lawyer can predict whether your lawsuit will be settled out of court or require a trial. To give you an estimate of the timeline for the trial, they will have to be familiar with your local courthouse and rules.
How Long Will My Case Take to Resolve?
While your lawyer will not know precisely how long your case should take to resolve, they should have an estimate. Knowing the answer will help you plan better.
Who Will Handle My Case?
Once you find a personal injury attorney, you should confirm that they will be the one to handle your case. If not, ask about the lawyer who will handle your case. This is a crucial question in larger law firms. You want to know the experience level and contact information of the lawyer you will work with.
How Often Will I Be in Contact with my injury attorney (or staff member) regarding my case?
Asking this question helps ensure that your lawyer will keep you up to date on the progress of your case. It also gives you the reassurance that you can reach your injury attorney if you have any questions or concerns throughout the process.
