what you should ask a potential personal injury lawyer

Personal Injury 20 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

1. How long have you been practicing law? Although this shouldn’t necessarily determine whether or not you hire a...
2. How long have you been practicing this specific type of law? Some people prefer experience and others don’t mind a...
3. How many cases do you typically handle at a time? If a personal injury...

Full Answer

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 should you look for in a personal injury lawyer?

Top 5 Personal Injury Attorneys near Morgan Hill, CA

1. (✭✭✭✭✭) Nadrich & Cohen, LLP. Exceptional 5.0 Exceptional 5.0 Absolute best experience I ever had with a lawyer. ...
2. Law Offices of Teresa Li, PC. Exceptional 5.0 Exceptional 5.0 A real sincere professional,honest. ...
3. 🏆 Compass Law Group PC (Recommended) Exceptional 5.0 Exceptional 5.0
4. Accident Injury Pro CA. ...
5. 💥 (Recommended) Murphey Law Group. ...

Why should I hire a personal injury lawyer?

Why we should hire a Lawyer

1. The law is complex. If you are not a lawyer, in some cases you may not act as a lawyer in your business in a law firm. ...
2. A lawyer cannot pay you more. What is the relationship? ...
3. Lawyers know how to challenge evidence. ...
4. Submitting incorrect documents or following incorrect procedures can ruin your case. ...

Who is the best personal injury lawyer?

Who Is the Best Personal Injury Lawyer for My Case?

• Experience in the Area of Law Relevant to Your Case. ...
• Research an Attorney or Law Firm’s Reputation. ...
• Proximity to You. ...
• Schedule a Free Initial Consultation to Discuss Your Case. ...
• Ease of Access and Open Communication. ...
• Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer Who Will Fight for You. ...

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 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 questions should I ask a lawyer about seeking help?

In Order to Move Forward With Any Lawyer, First Ask These Ten QuestionsHow Long Have You Practiced Law? ... What Types of Cases Do You Manage? ... Who's Your Typical Client? ... How Many Similar Cases Have You Taken On? ... What Kind of Special Training or Knowledge You Have Outside Your Law Degree? ... What Are Your Fees and Costs?More items...

What is the hardest question to ask a lawyer?

12 Tough Questions to Ask a LawyerWhat's your opinion of the probate process?Under what conditions do you recommend a Living Trust?How do I protect my children from abusive relatives if something happens to me?Can I keep my kids from controlling their entire inheritance at 18?More items...•

What you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a LawyerHave Your Documents Ready. ... Research the Elements of Your Case. ... Don't Call if You Just Have a Question. ... You May Not Speak to a Lawyer Right Away. ... Do Not Ask the Legal Support Staff for Advice. ... Don't Provide Too Much Information. ... Answer the Lawyer's Specific Questions.More items...•

How do lawyers negotiate settlements?

The negotiation process typically starts with your lawyer providing a written proposal for settlement to the insurance adjuster or the defendant's lawyer. The adjuster or lawyer will respond to your lawyer either in writing or over the phone.

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 you know if your lawyer is working for you?

Check your lawyer on legal sites such as Avvo or nolo, as well as on general sites like Google Places and Yelp! to see what other clients have to say. Search peer-review online databases such as martindale.com to see comments and opinions from other lawyers. 5. Get another lawyer's opinion.

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

You Have the Most to Gain or Lose

The best personal injury lawyer is the one willing to treat your case seriously like you are the only client they have. This is an important factor as you are the one with the most to gain or lose from the outcome.

You Want to Prevent Misunderstandings With Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Scrutinizing even the best personal injury attorney is essential to keep you from misunderstanding the possible outcome and cost of your case. The more questions you ask, the less surprised you will be by the steps that are taken along the way.

You Need a Roadmap For What to Expect

Search for a “personal injury attorney near me,” and you’re likely to find many attorneys just willing to settle as quickly as possible. Some settlements are great while others do you a disservice. Meeting with your attorney and asking questions like the kind we’re about to get into will let you know what to expect from every scenario.

1. What Are My Total Costs?

Before you get to the issue of the personal injury settlement, it’s important to have a clearer understanding of what your costs might be. Attorneys generally work at an hourly rate.

2. What Questions Will I Need to Answer About My Personal Injury Case?

In any personal injury case, you’re going to be putting yourself out there to some extent. The other side will be arguing their case as best as possible, and so that means there will be some questions you are going to be asked along the way.

3. How Long Will This Take?

The duration of a lawsuit can add to your stress and be a major factor in whether you decide to settle or press through to the jury trial. Your attorney should be able to give you a good idea through their own experiences in dealing with other clients what to expect.

4. Should I Fight or Settle?

It is really just a question of the outcome probability. Have your attorney look at the facts and circumstances of your accident, as well as the lingering effects.

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.

2. Can You Show Me Your Past Results or Reviews?

Next, you want to verify that your lawyer is legitimate, competent, and skilled.

3. Will You Handle My Case Yourself?

Now that you’ve vetted your attorney, you need to be sure they’ll handle your case themselves. Often, firms let paralegals or legal aids handle cases for them. They may not even take the time to go over your case at all!

5. What Do You Think About My Case?

Finally, consult with your potential attorney one-on-one. Ask them what they think about your case. Then, see if they take the time to really read and understand your situation.

Finding the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in 2021

Were you injured by someone else’s reckless behavior? Are your losses stacking up? If so, then it’s time to hire a qualified personal injury lawyer. They’ll ensure you get the money you deserve.

How long does it take for a personal injury lawsuit to be filed in New York?

Keep in mind that New York has a statute of limitations of 3 years after a personal injury incident takes place.

Can you give an exact figure upfront?

An exact figure usually cannot be given upfront, due to unknowns such as liability, discovery, and medical evidence.

Can an attorney give you an estimated amount of damages?

At this evaluation stage, the attorney will not be able to give you even an estimated dollar amount of your damages but should be able to tell you if you are legally entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and possibly other categories depending on your individual case.

Can a personal injury case be settled without a jury trial?

If a fair, reasonable offer is negotiated prior to trial, it’s possible that a personal injury case could be settled without a jury trial; however, if no amount can be agreed upon by both parties a jury trial may be inevitable.

Do personal injury attorneys charge a fee in New York?

In New York, personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means you are not charged a legal fee unless the attorney wins your case, and the fee will be a percentage of your compensation award. Find out what that percentage is and whether there will be additional costs in addition to the legal fee.

Assess Your Prospective Personal Injury Attorney During Your Free Consultation

When you first start looking for a personal injury lawyer in your area, you will probably notice that most of them will offer a “free consultation.” A consultation with a personal injury attorney enables the attorney to assess your situation and determine if you have a strong case or not, as well as help you assess whether or not the attorney would be a good fit for you.

What costs are involved in hiring you?

Depending on the state that you live in, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you will not be charged unless your attorney wins your case. The fee is based on a percentage of the amount you are awarded in the suit.

What kind of cases do you handle day-to-day?

Some attorneys are general practitioners who cover a little of everything throughout the field of law, including personal injury.

How long have you been practicing personal injury law?

Most lawyers who handle personal injury cases charge their clients the same “contingency” fees no matter how long they’ve practiced the field of law.

Do you think I have a solid personal injury case?

While it may not be necessary to ask for an extensive assessment of your case, what you should focus on is asking if your case is strong and why you may or may not have a good chance at obtaining the fair compensation you deserve on behalf of the suffering you faced as a result of your personal injury due to no fault of your own.

What are the weaknesses of my case?

Just like you should ask about the strong parts of your case, you should inquire about the weaknesses of your case as well, so you can best know how to prepare to still set your case up for success. It’s better to be aware of these potential areas of concern sooner rather than later.

How many personal injury cases like mine have you or your firm handled?

You don’t need to necessarily rule out lawyers who have not handled a large number of personal injury cases, especially if they have the support of more experienced attorneys in the firm to use a resource.

4 Important questions to ask a potential personal injury lawyer

If you want to get the highest amount of compensation you can after a personal injury (and honestly, who doesn’t?) then picking the right lawyer to represent you is one of the most important decisions you can make.

1. How much experience do you have with cases like mine?

Most people understand that different lawyers specialize in different areas of the law—you wouldn’t hire a tax attorney or an estate planning lawyer to handle a car accident case.

2. How much do you think my case is worth?

To be clear, a good personal injury lawyer probably won’t answer this a single, specific number. In fact, it’s a red flag when a lawyer who is too confident or provides you with any kind of guarantee. At the initial consultation stages, there’s just not enough information available yet to make that kind of promise.

3. How much does it cost to work with your law firm?

The vast majority of personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, they offer free initial consultations and they don’t charge for their time or legal representation services up front. Instead, they take their cut from your settlement or jury verdict. So, if you don’t win, your lawyer does not get paid.

4. How often do you take cases to trial and how much do you litigate?

There are a couple of things you need to understand here before you ask this question.

Injured? Talk to Herschensohn Law today

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Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer for your case will, among other things, require you to ask the potential personal injury lawyer the right questions. To help get you started, here are four of the most important questions you should ask when looking for the right personal injury lawyer for your case:

Contact an Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in an accident in California caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the physical, mental, emotional, and financial damages you have suffered. Asking the questions above will help ensure that you hire the best personal injury lawyer for your case.