Essential Questions to Ask When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Severe injuries can cost thousands – or even millions of dollars – for medical treatment and loss of income. That is why you need an attorney who will fight for the compensation you deserve. Be sure to ask how long a lawyer has worked on personal injury cases and whether they have taken any to trial. The more experience, the better.
How much will your fee be?
When seeking the assistance of a Fresno personal injury attorney, it is crucial to ensure that they are transparent about the estimated value of your case, the expected timeline for resolution, and the expenses involved.
It is essential to exercise caution when dealing with lawyers who make promises of quick settlements, as this may not be a realistic expectation. By choosing an attorney who is honest and upfront about the details of your case, you can make informed decisions and feel confident in the legal representation you receive.
How long have you been practicing?
How long an attorney has been practicing can give you an idea of their experience level. However, remember that years of practice do not necessarily equal skill or ability. Ask about the attorney’s approach to handling a personal injury case and their history of successful results. An experienced lawyer can provide you with an estimate of the value of your claim based on their past settlements and jury verdicts.
Most personal injury cases settle outside of court, but you should ensure your attorney has adequate trial experience if your case needs to go to trial. Please inquire about the attorney’s process for preparing cases and whether they use paralegals to assist with legal proceedings. This will help ensure that your case is given the attention and expertise it deserves.
Do you specialize in my type of case?
Most personal injury lawyers specialize in one or more areas of the law, which helps them better understand specific injuries and cases. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, working with an attorney specializing in personal injury law and who has experience handling similar claims is essential. You also want to know if they have successfully handled cases with your type of injury and how many went to trial.
You can find this information on their website or through your initial consultation. Ask what role you will play in your case, whether hands-on, active involvement or a more passive relationship. Communicate clearly with your attorney so you are on the same page about what to expect.
How often do you take cases to trial?
The majority of personal injury cases are settled outside of court. However, if needed, it’s essential to have an experienced attorney who can take cases to trial to ensure maximum compensation. Insurance companies are more likely to offer a fair settlement if they know an attorney is willing to go to trial.
How do you communicate with your clients?
Personal injury lawyers need to have excellent client communication skills. They should be willing to answer client questions promptly and make themselves available if clients have any additional questions. Attorneys should also be transparent about how long they think it will take to resolve a case.
While many factors can influence this, setting realistic client expectations is essential. Lastly, personal injury attorneys should be able to explain their fee structure. Most work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t charge any upfront attorney’s fees and only get paid if they successfully settle the case. However, some attorneys may charge a retainer or hourly rate. This can be a red flag and is something that should be avoided.
