7 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
When you're faced with the dilemma of having to file a personal injury case, this can be filled with so much stress and anxiety. There's no other way to put it. Whatever the case is, it's a big turning point in your life. This fact means that the act of filing a personal injury case also shouldn't be taken lightly.
The person who can be your best friend during such an important yet challenging phase is your lawyer. Because they have experience in the field of personal injury, these lawyers know the ins and outs of the law, as well as the things you should and shouldn’t do. But, the success of your personal injury case is also dependent on your choice of personal injury lawyer.
To help you along this line, here’s a list of questions that you should ask a personal injury lawyer before hiring their services:
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What Are Your Fees?
When you’re presented with a wide variety of options, one of the most important considerations for you to make has to do with the fees. Most people think that hiring a lawyer is going to be expensive. Indeed, this can be true for some. So, as you filter out your options for potential personal injury lawyers, ask about the fees first and foremost. That way, you have an early determination as to whether or not the lawyer fits your budget.
The good news with personal injury lawyers, however, is that most charge on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay a fee until you recover a sum of money as your settlement, which is a compensation owed to you by the other party. When there are monetary rewards to you, the lawyer recovers a percentage of this amount as their contingency fee.
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Have You Handled Personal Injury Cases Related to Mine?
Even when you’re dealing with a specialized personal injury lawyer, it’s also worth asking whether or not they’ve handled personal injury cases with the same circumstances as yours. Asking this question can give you an overall idea of whether or not the lawyer is equipped with the right skills to settle your case.
As you ask this question, do take it a step further by asking what the outcome of the cases were. If it isn’t favorable, then, perhaps, that can be considered as a red flag, and the best thing for you to do then is to look for another lawyer instead.
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How Much Time Can You Devote to My Case?
Especially for personal injury lawyers in your locality who are known to have a heavy caseload, you’ve also got to ask how much time they can devote to your case. That way, you know whether or not proper attention can be given. Some lawyers tackle too many cases at once that they’re having a difficult time focusing on one client. Some may even assign your case to an associate in the firm or team. When you’re particular about this certain lawyer handling your case, then you have to make this request clear beforehand, as well.
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What Is the Extent of My Participation in This Case?
One of the most common mistakes committed by those looking to hire lawyers is that they think that the lawyer does all the work. Yes, they may do a majority of the work needed. But, a massive chunk of this effort still lies with you, too. After all, you know the circumstances of the case more than the lawyer does.
For your case to be successful, you should know early on that your participation is highly needed. But, to what extent? This can vary from case to case. Ask your lawyer about this early on, so you both are on the same page as to what to expect from each other.
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How Long Will My Case Be Resolved?
Depending on the circumstances of each case, some are going to run longer than others. What the timeframe is before your lawsuit will be resolved is dependent on your particular circumstances. But, the expertise of the personal injury you’re meeting with can help give you an overall idea as to how long the entire process is going to last.
Asking about the duration is very important so you don’t get pressured or disappointed by a slow time frame. No case gets resolved overnight. But, just so you’ve got an overall idea, ask your lawyer for a rough estimate.
Asking about the duration is very important so you don’t get pressured or disappointed by a slow time frame. No case gets resolved overnight. But, just so you’ve got an overall idea, ask your lawyer for a rough estimate.
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Is There a High Likelihood That My Case Will Go to Trial?
It’s not in all instances that personal injury cases will go to trial. But, this is something that a good lawyer will always prepare for every time that they accept a case. Seasoned attorneys know how to stand their ground in creating the best position for their clients. In most instances, a favorable agreement and settlement can be obtained outside of the courtroom. But, if this isn’t the case, then you’ve got no other choice but to go to trial.
If you wish to try and settle matters first before reaching the courtroom, let this be known to your lawyer. That way, your lawyer can work even harder to ensure a lesser likelihood of bringing your case to the courts.
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Can I Speak to Previous Clients?
Just like how things should be when you’re taking in the services of other professional companies, you’ll want to look at some kind of portfolio. For lawyers, it has to do with talking to previous clients. Your objective should be to get their opinion about the lawyer that they previously worked with and you’re planning to hire. Are they pleased with their professionalism? Did they win the case? Were they accommodating and pleasant?
An excellent personal injury won’t hinder you from talking with previous clients. That way, you also have a reference point as to whether or not a particular lawyer is worth hiring.
Conclusion
Working with the right lawyer can ultimately spell the difference between the success of your case and the failure of it. For any case to prosper, much of the work needed is highly dependent on the personal injury lawyer being hired. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that all lawyers are the same–this is completely false. There are certainly those who are better than the others. Asking the above questions can help lead you to the best personal injury lawyer for your case.
