10 Questions To Ask Your Personal Injury Lawyer
Seeking legal counsel after an injury is one of the most crucial things to do following such an unfortunate event. Choosing an attorney to handle your case is not so simple. You must ensure that the person you choose has the necessary qualifications and that you will be comfortable working with them.
That is why, before hiring an attorney, it is best to interview at least three different candidates and ask them about their expertise and methods. Their responses will most likely provide you with a better understanding of how they work and whether they are appropriate for you.
Here are 10 important questions to ask your personal injury attorneys:
1. What problems or challenges do you perceive in my case?
Because each type of case is unique, you and your lawyer will face a variety of challenges along the way. Some of these challenges are predictable, while others are not. After providing all of the case data to an experienced attorney, they should have a good notion of the challenges they will encounter to win the case. They should also provide you with several remedies to these problems.
2. What is my personal injury case worth?
It is difficult to determine the value of your case at first glance. However, with the initial evidence and documentation that you present to the attorney, they should be able to provide you with a rough estimate of the value of your case. If the attorney you are working with has previous experience handling cases similar to yours, their knowledge will assist them in determining the value of your case.
3. What information do you require before and during my case?
Keep in mind that the attorney will not be able to win the case without your assistance. Winning a case requires you and your attorney to work together as a team. One of the most crucial tasks of the client is to give any documents, bills, and other proof that the attorney may request in order to build a good case.
Fortunately, your attorney should be able to assist you in acquiring documentation and proof, such as police reports or medical reports. It is critical to maintain open lines of contact with your attorney; to ensure that your schedule coincides with their time availability. You will then be able to give them everything they require as soon as feasible.
4. What is your preferred method of communication?
A good working relationship with your attorney will help both you and the attorney win the case. You will also want to get updates on your case on a regular basis. Inquiring with your lawyer about the best approach to reach them will make communication much easier.
Some lawyers prefer phone calls, while others prefer email, and still, others prefer a combination of the two. Some people even desire to visit the attorney’s office on occasion. If you deal with a large law firm, your initial contact maybe with one of the senior lawyers, but this does not guarantee that they will handle your case directly.
It is very likely that another attorney will be in charge of your case. If this is true, inquire as to how you might establish direct contact with this person.
5. Are you willing to go to trial, if necessary?
Most cases are settled out of court rather than going to trial. However, if you and the insurance company are unable to reach an arrangement, your only choice for recovering adequate compensation for your damages is to file a personal injury claim.
As a result, it is critical that you ask your attorney if they are willing to go to trial if no settlement offer is reached. If they say yes, ask them if their fees will change. If the matter proceeds to court, some attorneys charge a greater percentage of the payout for the legal representation.
6. How often will you update me on my case?
As previously stated, communication plays a crucial role in hiring a personal injury lawyer. Some people like to be updated on the progress of their case very often, while others prefer to step away and be notified less frequently. Just like every client is different, every attorney is different as well.
Make sure that you and your attorney are on the same page when it comes to communicating updates. Your attorney may not have daily updates so it does not make sense if you call them every day. Similarly, some clients do not want to receive calls from their attorney every day if it is not something important about their personal injury lawsuit.
7. What are your fees and how will they be calculated?
When it comes to personal injury law, the majority of attorneys in this field are on a “contingency basis” and “contingency fee”. This means that they will take a share of the money recovered. Typically, this number ranges between 20 and 40%. For example, if you win the case and recover $50,000 in damages, and you agreed to pay the attorney 30% of the amount recovered, they will receive $15,000.
8. What happens if the case is lost?
Working with an attorney increases your chances of collecting compensation for your losses, but it does not ensure that you will win the case. A lot of people are concerned about what may happen if they lose the case.
Since most attorneys work on a contingency basis, they get a percentage of the money recovered. That means that if nothing is recovered, nothing is paid to them. Nonetheless, use caution and thoroughly review the contract you sign with the attorney. Check for hidden costs and make sure you understand all terms and conditions.
9. Do I have to cover the upfront costs if we lose?
Even if the attorney you hired works on a contingency basis and does not get paid for their legal fees, they may still charge for other legal costs incurred. If the case is lost, the agreement between the attorney and you should specify who is accountable for these costs.
10. How many client cases do you handle at a time?
Attorneys typically work with multiple clients at the same time. Make sure to inquire about how many other clients they work with simultaneously. A competent attorney should be aware of their limitations; if they take on more clients than they can handle, they will be unable to work on each case adequately. If you believe your current attorney is not giving your case the attention it deserves, you should consider hiring someone else.
Our Personal Injury Lawyer Answers Common Questions
Greenberg & Stein P.C. is one of New York’s most prestigious law firms. Some of the greatest attorneys in the state can be found here. Please contact us if you desire to pursue legal action following an accident.
Our legal experts will address any queries you may have regarding using our legal services. Contact us at 212-681-2535 to schedule a free initial consultation to review your case and answer any questions you may have.