what questions to ask a personal injury attorney

What kinds of questions should I ask a personal injury attorney?

• How much will it cost to hire you? In New York, personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means you are not charged a legal fee ...
• Why do you think I have a good case? You do not need a comprehensive legal description, but asking for a few reasons why the attorney thinks there is ...
• What are the weaknesses of my case? Better to know this sooner than later. No matter how strong a case is, there is almost always an area of concern ...
• How many cases like mine have you or your firm handled? Do not rule out attorneys who have not had handled a large number of similar cases if they ...

Full Answer

Why you should hire a personal injury attorney?

A personal injury lawyer will not only help you with the paperwork, but he will also represent you in the courtroom. An attorney’s skills are vital in a lawsuit. If you have been injured by an accident, a lawyer can help you receive the maximum compensation possible. By hiring a personal injury lawyer, you’ll be able to obtain a ...

Why should you hire a personal injury attorney?

That’s when the role of an experienced personal injury ... So, you need to be held responsible. To get full compensation and fairness, you have the right to hire an attorney to protect you.

How soon should I contact a personal injury lawyer?

Some of the compensation you may receive includes:

• Payment for a new vehicle (when needed)
• Money for all medical bills including any surgeries and prescription medications
• The cost of the ambulance ride and tow truck
• Repayment for missed time at work
• Pain and suffering

What are good questions to ask an attorney?

Ask the lawyer A number of questions arise: Can you show the tenant’s demand ... Do you know the expression “no good deed goes unpunished”? Bottom line: Consultation with counsel here also is advisable. Is the tenant’s conduct a breach of the ...

What are good questions to ask lawyers?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•

What percentage do most personal injury lawyers take?

33%As a general rule, the personal injury lawyer will receive 33% of the final settlement amount in the case. However, cases that go to trial often incur different costs. The goal of this fee structure is to minimize the client's financial risk in hiring an attorney to represent them.

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•

What should I ask for in a settlement?

The following items will be factored in to a potential settlement:Past and future medical bills.Rehabilitation costs.Pain and suffering.Therapy.Lost wages and/or future income.

How are personal injury settlements paid?

When a settlement amount is agreed upon, you will then pay your lawyer a portion of your entire settlement funds for compensation. Additional Expenses are the other fees and costs that often accrue when filing a personal injury case. These may consist of postages, court filing fees, and/or certified copy fees.

How is settlement value calculated?

Settlement value is essentially based on what a jury would award you for what you went through because of your injury. That number is the sum of your pain, your suffering, your bills, and your lost wages.

How do I talk to my lawyer for the first time?

Tips for Talking to an AttorneyAlways be as honest and candid as possible about the facts of your case. ... Ask questions if you don't understand something that your attorney mentions or explains to you.Approach an attorney about your case as soon as you think you may need one.More items...•

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.

How do you answer a lawyer question?

Give positive, definite answers when at all possible. Avoid saying, “I think”, “I believe”, or “In my opinion” if you can answer positively. If you do know, then say so. You can be positive about important things which you would naturally remember.

How do you ask for more money in a settlement?

Let's look at how to best position your claim for success.Have a Settlement Amount in Mind. ... Do Not Jump at a First Offer. ... Get the Adjuster to Justify a Low Offer. ... Emphasize Emotional Points. ... Put the Settlement in Writing. ... More Information About Negotiating Your Personal Injury Claim.

What is a good settlement?

A good settlement offer works in your favor and puts you back in a position of favor after the settlement is made final. Settlement offers need to consider all of the factors that have touched you in relation to your losses, damages, and personal injuries.

How do you negotiate pain and suffering?

How to Negotiate Pain and Suffering in a Car Accident ClaimPrepare well. ... Learn about pain and suffering. ... Keep your tone with the adjuster professional. ... Explain how the injury affected your life. ... Do not be shy. ... Tell the insurance adjuster how painful the whole experience was. ... Explain how painful the treatment was.More items...

Why is it important to ask a personal injury lawyer to interview?

Although uncomfortable, it’s important to ask this to the personal injury lawyer you’re interviewing so that you know if he or she has been in trouble in the past and the reasons it’s for. You want to make sure you’re hiring someone with integrity and respect for the legal profession.

What happens if a personal injury lawyer takes on too many cases at once?

If a personal injury lawyer takes on too many cases at once, your case might not be handled competently. It’s always good to know how many cases a lawyer works on at a time so that you can decide if he or she has the necessary amount of time to effectively help you win your case. 4.

Why do people settle out of court?

Many people prefer settling out of court because it is much less stressful.

What is communication in personal injury?

Communication is a huge topic of conversation between you and your future personal injury lawyer. You need to set boundaries and discuss different methods of contact so that you are both clear and comfortable moving forward.

Can a personal injury attorney work on your case?

You most likely want to know if the personal injury attorney has any similar experience in his or her past that will help you win your case. Some people only want experienced attorneys. Others are okay with allowing new attorneys to work on their case. It’s up to you, but you should be able to make the choice yourself.

Do personal injury lawyers know if you have a case?

Usually, the personal injury lawyer will let you know after some research as to whether or not you have a case. But, feel free to ask just in case they already know the answer.

Is it hard to hire a personal injury lawyer?

Hiring a personal injury lawyer might seem difficult and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Lawyers go through intensive schooling and education to be able to represent clients competently. When you or a family member has been injured, hiring a lawyer might be the last thing on your mind.

What to know before hiring a personal injury lawyer?

Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, make sure you understand your role in the lawsuit and what will be expected of you. Some people want to be very involved in their case, attending depositions and other meetings.

How much do personal injury lawyers take?

If you recover money damages, your personal injury lawyer will take a percentage of the award, typically between 25 percent (25%) and 40 percent (40%). It is important to understand the qualifications of the attorney you hire.

Do personal injury lawyers go to trial?

Be wary of any lawyers who tell you early on that your case is going to settle. Your personal injury lawyer should expect every case to go to trial and prepare as if your case will be tried before a jury. That way, you can enter settlement negotiations with the defendant armed with as much evidence as possible.

Should I file a personal injury lawsuit?

You should never file a personal injury lawsuit without first consulting with an attorney. Before you hire a personal injury attorney, there are some very important questions that you should ask. Your lawyer is someone with whom you will work very closely. You should feel comfortable with this person, and consider him or her a trusted advisor.

Can you negotiate a settlement with a defendant?

That way, you can enter settlement negotiations with the defendant armed with as much evidence as possible. This will help ensure that you receive the fairest settlement possible. If your case ultimately goes to trial, you want to make sure that your personal injury attorney has won cases before a jury.

Do personal injury lawyers charge contingency fees?

Some personal injury lawyers charge for any case-related costs they advance in addition to the contingency fee. Ask your lawyer who will be responsible for these costs (also known as “ out-of-pocket ” costs) in the event that your personal injury lawsuit is unsuccessful.

How do personal injury lawyers work?

Most personal injury lawyers work based on a contingency fee agreement. This means that you only pay legal fees if they’re able to obtain monetary compensation for your injury.#N#Contingency fees by high-quality attorneys are generally 40% of the settlement, but can sometimes be reduced in certain situations. Be sure to read your retainer documents thoroughly before hiring your attorney. And, be weary of law firms who advertise that they can do your case “on the cheap.” You generally get what you pay for.

What do personal injury attorneys charge for litigation?

The common saying is “we only get paid if we win for you.”#N#Out-of-pocket costs that attorneys advance include filing fees, medical records retrieval fees, and expert witness costs. Many lawyers will stipulate that these additional costs are not your responsibility if the case is lost, but others may require you to cover these costs if the case is lost.#N#Always be sure to ask this question when seeking legal counsel and make sure you fully comprehend any agreements you are asked to sign.

What do lawyers do?

Your lawyer is trying to defend you in a way you cannot do by yourself, and to do this effectively they will need to know you and your story.#N#Facts are one thing—the details of the incident, your medical history, documents from insurers and hospitals—but your lawyer should want to represent you, not just review records.#N#Additionally, you will need to consult with your attorney and their staff on various aspects of the case.#N#Some lawyers also handle cases differently based on their own personality. Some welcome (and even insist upon) a high level of involvement from clients. Others prefer to do much of the work themselves. Make certain you know exactly what your lawyer expects of you before committing.

Why is it important to have an expert?

Your attorney will be able to tell you what your chances are, approximately how much your case is worth financially, and if your case should be pursued. This may be one of the most important questions you can ask an experienced attorney and help you avoid additional ...

What happens if you are injured?

If you’re injured, you can incur expensive medical costs, lose wages from your job, and be forced to deal with tight-fisted insurance companies. If you’ve suffered injuries due to an accident or someone else’s negligence, you should always consult with a qualified law firm that has proven success with personal injury cases.

Do lawyers handle cases differently?

Some lawyers also handle cases differently based on their own personality. Some welcome (and even insist upon) a high level of involvement from clients. Others prefer to do much of the work themselves. Make certain you know exactly what your lawyer expects of you before committing. 7.

Is it hard to find a good lawyer?

Good lawyers can be hard to find. The stress of an injury and financial loss can be very hard to bear. Adding a bad or inexperienced lawyer to the mix will not help. Make sure to find the right lawyer who will represent you fairly, faithfully, and honestly. That will put you on solid ground during a very unstable time. You should also complete all medical treatment recommended by your doctors, because it will potentially impact the success of your case.

Personal Injury Attorney Experience

Years of experience and a proven track record are critical when choosing a personal injury attorney to represent you. We recommend finding an attorney with impeccable credentials who has represented clients on similar personal injury cases in the past.

Fees & Costs for Personal Injury Attorney

When filing a personal injury lawsuit, it’s important to be aware of the fees and costs associated with doing so. There will likely be several expenses involved, such as legal fees paid to your attorney, filing fees, service fees, and discovery costs. In regards to legal fees, these vary greatly between attorneys.

Personal Injury Lawyer Role During the Process

Should you decide to hire a personal injury attorney to represent you for the duration of the lawsuit, you can expect them to be involved every step of the way. After hiring an attorney, they will kick off the lawsuit by filing the initial papers with the court (these are called pleadings).

Conclusion

Looking to hire a skilled personal injury attorney with a proven track record? We’d love to hear from you! AAESQ Law is one of the leading personal injury law firms in Southern California.

No Upfront Fees

Contact us today for a free consultation. We offer our services on a contingency fee basis-if we don’t recover compensation for you, you don’t pay.

1. What do You Charge for Your Services?

Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means you won't have to pay anything unless you recover monetary damages in your personal injury lawsuit.

2. How Long Have You Been Practicing Personal Injury Law?

One of your biggest concerns should be making sure you choose an experienced attorney who has several years of experience trying cases just like yours.

3. Have You Handled Personal Injury Cases Like Mine Before? If So, Did Any Go to Trial?

Just because an attorney has experience working on cases like yours doesn't automatically make them a superstar lawyer. You want someone who has taken similar cases to trial and won. Many times, ideally.

4. What Issues or Difficulties do You See with My Case?

In every personal injury claim, there will be issues and difficulties unique to the case. An experienced lawyer will be able to point these out to you quite easily.

5. How Will You Keep Me Updated on the Progress of My Case?

Will someone be available to take your calls? The attorney? A paralegal or a secretary?

6. Do You Have Testimonials or References from Past Clients that I Can See?

Just as you'd want to see proof of past results and case relevance, you might also be interested in seeing previous clients' experiences.

7. What Happens if I Lose? Will I be Responsible for any Case-Related Costs?

This may be one of the most important questions on this list because the answer may impact your financial livelihood—listen up!

Can you file a personal injury lawsuit without an attorney?

When securing compensation for any injuries you may have sustained, you need to be sure you have the right personal injury lawyer representing you. Lawsuits should never be done without an attorney, as these specialists know exactly what you should do in order to win the case.

Do personal injury lawyers get paid?

Most personal injury lawyers will get paid based on contingency fees. This means that you won’t have to pay them any fees unless they win you that lawsuit. You will be told right away whether your case is on the winning or losing side. In the event that you do get your compensation, they will get a share of it as well.

Can a lawyer have no cases lined up?

Hiring a lawyer that has no cases lined up might be a problem. On the other hand, you should not go for the type that takes on too many cases at the same time. If this happens, they may sit too long on your case and focus on many other clients at once when they should be focusing on yours instead.

Do law firms have more lawyers?

A law firm usually has more lawyers, so there is a chance that they will pass your case to other available lawyers. This might not be a problem, but you should at least ensure that you know exactly who will be representing you. 6.

Can you ask questions later in a personal injury case?

Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be challenging, but as long as you ask the right questions, you should find one that is compatible with your needs. “Shoot first, ask questions later” does not work in this case, so you might want to do your research and have your questions answered.