Personal injuries are not something you take lightly. It is a serious matter and it only makes sense that you put in effort when choosing who to work with for legal representation. It is common for victims of an accident to shop around till they find the right professional. You should always interview the attorney before you commit to working with them professionally. It will ensure you have a smooth experience from the first day. Here are some questions you must ask before hiring a personal injury attorney.
1. What are the charges?
A lot of personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis which means you do not have to pay anything till you recover the monetary damages in the lawsuit. When there is a contingency fee agreement, you do not have to pay legal fees upfront but the lawyer will take a fixed percentage of the money you are awarded at the end of the case. Hence, make sure to ask the percentage they charge.
2. What is your experience?
It is important to know the experience of the attorney in practicing personal injury law. You need to make sure that you choose an experienced attorney who has many years of experience in a case like yours. Consider the legal experience and ask them about the number of years they have been in the industry. Do not choose a generalist for your case because you need someone with the right knowledge and experience. A specialist will give you the best service. Whenever you talk to a personal injury attorney, always be direct and learn about the cases they have dealt with. Also, ask about the success rate.
3. Did their previous cases go on trial?
You must keep in mind that just because the attorney has experience in the field does not make them a successful lawyer. You need someone who has dealt with cases smilier to yours and has won them. Understand the type of settlements they have secured previously. A lot of cases are settled before they go to trial. An expert Summerville personal injury attorney at Steinberg Law Firm states that you must check if he has enough trial experience if the case is taken to the court. Do not have the misconception that attorneys know how to handle a case in a court of law and always ask this question upfront.
4. How can I contact you for my case?
Effective communication with the attorney is crucial and you need to check with them about the different ways you can contact them. Will they have someone take your calls or do you have to email them? Not all clients like to be involved at every step of the case but it is okay to ask this. You will have to contact the attorney occasionally. Whichever you prefer, getting clarity on the best way to communicate is ideal.
5. Can I see testimonials from past clients?
Just as you would see proof of results and relevance, you should see the previous experience of the clients who have worked with the attorney. Most attorneys have client testimonials available on their website and if they don't, you ask. They also share referrals from other attorneys with different specialties. You can also consider speaking to a past clients for more information.
6. What if I lose? Will there be any costs?
This is a question you must never miss out on. It impacts your financial situation and should always be asked. There are litigation costs in every case and the longer the case goes, the higher the costs. You need to ask the lawyer about these costs. Irrespective of whether you win or lose, there will be costs and the attorney will charge you for them. Hence, you need to make sure what you will have to pay, win or lose.
7. What is your availability?
In the case of a serious injury, you should have a legal representative handle the case with all the time and attention. There will be times when the initial consultation is with a senior attorney but they do not manage the case. This may not serve your purpose. Hence, when you are asking questions, you need to find out who will handle the case. If someone other than the attorney will be handling it, ask about their experience and qualifications.
8. How long will the resolution take?
Negotiations can take a while if the client has suffered damages and injuries. The attorney will be able to give a rough idea of the time frame for the case. An accurate one might not be possible but the rough timeline can help.
These questions will help make a decision about the personal injury attorney you are planning to hire. Choose an attorney who has the maximum knowledge of the type of case you have and can help resolve it.
