If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, then hiring a personal injury attorney is the most important thing you need to do to receive compensation for your recovery. It is a challenge to navigate the legal system without support. Not only can the paperwork and negotiations be confusing for someone without experience, but it’s common for people who take a DIY approach to settle for less than they deserve.
There’s no question that the right attorney makes a big difference in the overall outcome of your negotiations and settlement. You deserve to have an injury lawyer who understands how to navigate the industry, advocate on your behalf, and negotiate a fair amount for your personal injury compensation.
The ideal solution for choosing an attorney you can trust is to reach out to several local providers. Schedule consultations so you can get a feel for their personalities and approach. Asking questions can be a great way to learn more about the services and specialties that they offer, making it easier when you are choosing a personal injury lawyer.
Here are a few questions to help you know what topics you should be discussing in the consultations:
Best Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney
Knowing what questions to ask during a personal injury consultation can make a big difference in the information you will receive during this meeting. It’s helpful to organize your questions by subtopic so you can ask multiple questions for clarification if needed:
- Experience and Industry Specialization
- How long have you been a personal injury attorney? What is the most common type of personal injury case you prefer to work on? What percentage of your cases are focused on personal injury?
- Do you have experience handling other cases similar to mine?
- Track Record
- What is your success rate with other similar cases? What challenges do you anticipate in my case, and how will we address these problems?
- What is your measurement of success in the outcome of a personal injury case?
- Availability and Communication
- How do you prefer to communicate with your clients? Who will be my primary point of contact? How often will I receive updates about the case? What is the best way to reach you if I have questions?
- Will you be handling my case, or will it be assigned to someone else in the law firm?
- Outcome and Expectations
- Do you think I have a strong case? How much compensation is possible for my personal injury damages? How do you handle negotiations to maximize insurance payouts?
- Are you willing and able to take my case to trial (if necessary)?
- Out of Pocket Costs and Fees
- Do you work on a contingency basis? What percentage do you charge? Are there any other expenses that I will need to pay? How much money do I need for out-of-pocket fees? If I don’t win the case, how are fees handled?
- Will I receive a written fee agreement?
Evaluating Your Attorney’s Communication and Personality
When you are gathering questions to ask a personal injury lawyer, keep in mind that these questions give you an opportunity to learn more about the team you are choosing to hire. Your goal is to make sure that your personal injury attorney not only has the necessary experience, but is also a good fit for your preferences and personality style.
Since you will be working with the lawyer for many months (or even a year or more), make sure that you are working with someone you can trust. You deserve to have a legal representative who is proactively advocating on your behalf, helping you achieve an ideal outcome from your case.
As you are evaluating their responses to your questions, pay attention to how transparent and honest they are – is the lawyer forthcoming with information and open about everything?
Also, do they seem confident and competent in personal injury law? You want to be working with someone who understands the legal processes and brings years of experience with other similar cases. This confidence and real-world experience make a big difference in the outcomes that you can achieve.
A Few Other Tips When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal recommendations can be a great way to find local attorneys who you can trust. Reach out to friends and family who have used the services of a personal injury attorney in the past. Also, consider asking business contacts or attorneys with other specialties if they have any industry connections.
It can be helpful to read online testimonials and reviews from other clients who have worked with this attorney in the past. Read both the positive and negative reviews to get a clear picture of the attorney’s history.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of trusting your gut. While it’s important to research any lawyer you plan to hire, gut impression should also play a role in this important decision.
FAQ
What to look for in a personal injury lawyer?
Not only do you need a personal injury lawyer with lots of experience in the industry, but make sure you are hiring someone who has a strong track record with other cases similar to yours. Find someone who is transparent and open with their communication, and make sure it is a good personality fit for you.
How to choose a personal injury legal team?
If you are wondering how to find a personal injury attorney near me, then the first step is to explore your options and put together a shortlist of law firms. Search online, ask people for referrals, and research the companies you are considering. Then, schedule a consultation with each personal injury attorney as you are finalizing your decision.
Call a Personal Injury Attorney You Can Trust
If you need to hire a personal injury attorney, then Wormington & Bollinger is the team to call. We invite you to contact us at your convenience to book a no-obligation consultation and learn more about available services.