Facing a personal injury can sometimes be inevitable, which calls for you to find a personal injury attorney to help you out. Making sure that you find the best attorney is a very important step towards securing the compensation that you deserve.
However, this process can be quite confusing since there are so many attorneys to choose from. You are very likely to make a mistake in choosing the right attorney to represent you if you do not ask the right questions. Always remember that the right attorney can make all the difference when it comes to securing compensation. So make sure that you always ask the right questions.
Below are five questions that you should ask a personal injury attorney before you hire one.
What is Your Experience with Cases Similar to Mine?
It’s very important that you ask this question so you can determine if they handled a case that is similar to yours. Knowing that they have will give you assurance that they know what to do and how to best represent you.
Although it might not always follow that a personal injury attorney that has an experience with cases similar to yours will always be the only option, it is always better to have someone who understands what you are going through because they can fight for your rights more meticulously.
For example, a personal injury attorney who has successfully managed cases that involve motorcycle accidents may have a better understanding of the specific challenges that are involved in such cases, as opposed to an attorney who has not had this kind of experience. During your consultation, ask how many cases similar to yours they have handled and what were the outcomes so you can get a grasp of their knowledge, experience, expertise.
How Will You Handle My Case?
Every attorney has a different approach when it comes to handling cases. It’s very important that you ask this question so you will know whether the attorney will handle your case himself or will pass it on to junior associates or paralegals.
Plus, knowing how they plan to handle your case makes for better communication between you and the attorney who will represent you.
What Are Your Fees, and How Are They Structured?
Hiring an attorney can come with a hefty price tag, but it’s all worth it in the end if they help you secure the compensation you deserve. Always ask about their fees and how they are structured so you don’t get surprised down the road when it comes time to pay the bill.
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win the case or secure a settlement for you. This fee is usually a percentage of the final settlement or award. However, the percentage may vary from one attorney to another, so it’s very important to ask upfront how much they charge.
What Is Your Track Record for Settlements and Verdicts?
Of course, an attorney’s success rate can be a strong indicator of how well they can handle your case. Ask about their track record when it comes to securing settlements and winning verdicts. Even though attorneys cannot really guarantee the outcome, understanding their past performance will give you an idea of their effectiveness and skills.
How Long Do You Think My Case Will Take?
The timeline for resolving a case varies on different factors like the complexity of the case, the willingness of the other party to settle, and court schedules. Ask your attorney for an estimated timeline based on their experiences. Knowing the timeline will help you prepare and plan accordingly. Don’t fall for attorneys who promise a quick resolution, since this could mean that they are more interested in settling quickly as opposed to securing the best possible outcome for you.