Make a list of these questions before meeting with an attorney.
If you have been involved in an accident — whether it was a car crash, a slip and fall, a dog bite, or any other type of accident — you are likely feeling overwhelmed. You may be experiencing substantial pain, still undergoing medical treatment, and dealing with bills, doctors, and the fallout from your injury. Yet on top of all of this, you know that you need to find a personal injury attorney to represent you so you can recover for all you have lost as a result of your accident. So how do you know where to start?
Many personal injury lawyers and law firms offer free initial consultations where you can ask questions and get an idea of your legal rights and options. These appointments are offered without obligation, so that you have an opportunity to interview various lawyers and figure out which one would be the ideal fit for you. The key is knowing what questions to ask to determine if a particular personal injury attorney should be the one to help you get the best possible recovery for your damages.
First, start by asking about the attorney’s area of expertise. Does he or she specialize in personal injury cases, or have more of a general practice? If you have a particular type of case — such as a truck accident — talk to the lawyer about their experience handling those types of cases. Ask how many personal injury cases the attorney has taken to trial — and what their record of success is. Request a reference from one or more past clients. Finally, be sure to ask if your case will be handled by the attorney you are meeting with, or by a more junior attorney or associate at the firm. Each of these questions will help you learn more about the level of experience of your attorney. While most personal injury cases — like all lawsuits — settle outside of court, there is a possibility that your case will go to trial. If that is the case, you will want to have a top-notch personal injury trial lawyer who can successfully win your case before a judge or jury.
Second, ask questions about how much this lawyer or law firm will charge you. Many personal injury lawyers charge a contingency fee, which means that you will not pay any fees upfront. Instead, the lawyer is only paid if you receive a settlement or an award; the attorney fees, plus costs and expenses, are deducted from that amount. Ask the attorney if they charge by the hour or use a contingency fee setup. If the firm uses a contingency fee, ask what that fee is, and to explain what the costs and expenses might be. You should also ask when you will be responsible for paying these costs and expenses — at the time that they are incurred, or only after your case has settled or you have reached a verdict.
Third, talk to the lawyer about their availability. Can the case be handled right away? While there will be many steps that must be taken before a lawsuit can be filed, it is important to hire an attorney who has enough capacity to handle your case promptly so your lawsuit is filed before the statue of limitations expires.
At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we have more than 40 years of experience helping clients who have suffered all types of accidents. With a 95% success rate, we have recovered more than $2 billion on behalf of more than 100,000 clients. Contact us today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to schedule a free initial consultation. We never charge a fee unless we get money for you!
