5 Questions You Should Ask Your Prospective Personal Injury Attorney

In 2018, the total number of motor-vehicle injury costs was roughly $445.6 million. Many of the victims in these accidents sought the help of personal injury lawyers. Why? Personal injury lawyers can help you get compensation for your injuries and other losses if you are involved in an accident due to the other party’s negligence.

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However, getting compensation can be quite difficult. That’s why you will want to hire the best personal injury lawyers to represent you. But with numerous personal injury attorneys to choose from, how do you identify the best one to represent you?

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Asking questions is one way to assess the prospective lawyer’s competence to handle your case. If you have been involved in an accident and you want to hire an auto accident lawyer, here are some questions you should ask:

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1. What Are Your Fees?

Money is a sensitive issue. It is a topic you may not want to broach with your prospective lawyer, but you should discuss it from the get-go. Many personal injury lawyers only charge a contingency fee. This means they will not charge you a dime unless they can get you some compensation. However, do not assume your prospective auto accident lawyer charges a contingency fee. Clarify the lawyer’s payment plan early on to avoid surprises down the line.

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2. Have You Handled Similar Cases?

Asking if your prospective attorney has handled any similar cases can help you gauge the attorney’s experience. While experience does not always equate to quality, it can help you make an informed decision before choosing a lawyer to represent you. An attorney who has handled cases similar to yours is more likely to understand the nitty-gritty details of your case.

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3. Who Will Handle My Case?

Often, personal injury lawyers work on multiple cases at the same time. Juggling multiple cases can be quite tasking. Thus, lawyers often get paralegals and other lawyers to help them with cases. Ask your attorney if other people will work on your case. Ideally, you will want the lawyer you approach to take the lead on the case rather than less experienced lawyers.

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4. Could My Case Go to Trial?

While many personal injury cases are settled out of court, some proceed to trial. Your personal injury lawyer should be candid with you about the odds of your case going to trial. What’s more, in the event your case goes to trial, your personal injury lawyer should be ready to represent you in court. Despite what many television series and movies portray, many lawyers dread going to court. Therefore, you will want to hire an attorney who is comfortable and confident in the courtroom.

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5. Do You Have References?

Many lawyers are gifted with the gift of gab. When you converse with them, they may easily convince you why they are best suited for the job. However, the best lawyers do not just tell, they show too. Therefore, before settling on an auto accident lawyer to represent you, ask for references. Lawyers who have served satisfied clients in the past will be more than glad to refer you to happy clients.

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Ensure You Choose an Attorney You Are Comfortable With

Choosing a personal injury attorney to represent you is a sensitive decision. Before you make the decision, ask your prospective lawyer the questions above to help you make an informed decision.