If you did a quick Google search for “personal injury lawyer near me” right now. In that case, you’d quickly realize that there are many options, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on how strategic you are when choosing an attorney to represent you. Today’s article seeks to make the job easier for you by listing the key questions you should ask your potential attorney once you meet with them. The goal is to make the search easier for you. Keep reading below for more insights.
What Areas of Personal Injury Do You Practice?
If you didn’t already know, personal injury law is broad, covering a wide range of accidents, from road crashes to medical malpractice, animal attacks, slips and falls, and many more. Each of these cases has specific nuances that set them apart, which is why you should always choose a lawyer who has taken on similar cases to your present matter.
What Is Your Success Rate?
Once you confirm that they’ve handled similar cases before, ask about their success rate. How often do they secure favorable settlements for their clients? This information can give you a glimpse into their experience and even reputation in the legal space. “A lawyer’s reputation precedes them. If they have a track record of winning, they may be perceived as more credible,” says personal injury attorney Max Paderewski of Lone Star Injury Attorneys, PLLC.
Do You Take Cases to Trial?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of the court, with the defendant agreeing to pay the plaintiff a settlement. But sometimes, negotiations don’t always work out. The defendant may refuse to cooperate. When that happens, you need a lawyer ready to take your case to the next stage—a trial. So, ask your lawyer how many cases they have taken to trial and the outcome of those cases.
Will You Be the One Taking on My Claim?
You also need to confirm whether the person you are talking to will be the one to pursue your case. You don’t want any surprises, such as your case being passed on to another lawyer after you’ve already worked with the current one.
What Fees Do You Require?
You should never sign any agreement without understanding how you’ll be paying for the service. On a positive note, contingency-based arrangements are popular for personal injury representation. This means your lawyer gets paid when you win the case. Ask them how out-of-pocket expenses will be covered. Will they be deducted from your settlement? If so, will it be before or after? Also, who pays for it all if the case falls through?
How Do You Intend to Provide Updates About the Case?
You definitely don’t want to be left in the dark once a lawyer takes on your claim. Ask them how they’ll communicate. How frequently should you expect updates? And through what channels? Should you expect a call, an email, or another means?
How Much Time Will You Dedicate to My Claim?
It’s common practice for personal injury lawyers to handle multiple cases simultaneously. But you want your lawyer to prioritize your case. Therefore, be sure to inquire about the amount of time and resources they will dedicate to pursuing your claim.
Conclusion
These questions are designed to assist in the process of selecting a personal injury lawyer. By asking the right questions, it will be easier to find a professional who ticks the right boxes. Most initial consultations are free of charge, so there’s no harm in scheduling multiple meetings. That way, you have a better chance of finding the right attorney. Remember, trust your gut. Choose a professional with whom you feel comfortable and have a good rapport. Their role might eventually extend beyond mere legal representation, as they can be a shoulder to lean on when the journey becomes difficult.
