Most accidents happen without any warning, leaving victims unprepared. When you or a loved one is involved in an accident, you might be in a situation where you have to make a lot of decisions very quickly. Let’s assume you’re involved in a bad car crash. Your first course of action should be to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained and then find qualified and experienced legal representation.
Every year, 3 million people in the US are injured in car accidents and most of these accidents happen in the largest and busiest cities in the country. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that they’re fairly common in cities such as Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, etc. According to a 2020 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 10,108 car accidents registered that year.
Nobody wants to be in a situation where they require a personal injury lawyer. However, when unfortunate and unexpected accidents happen, it is usually a time when people are most vulnerable. They face huge medical bills, lost earnings, and all the other hardships associated with recovery. Finding a reputable personal injury lawyer could be the best decision you make.
Below we share some essential questions to ask a potential personal injury lawyer you’re considering representing you.
Do You Specialize in Personal Injury Law?
The legal field can include many areas of law. This includes case law that involves previous court decisions as well as experience in executing legal procedures. An attorney who works in several areas of law won’t have the level of experience or knowledge necessary to get optimal results. For this reason, your choice should be an attorney who’s focused on personal injury in your local area. For instance, if you happen to live in Philly, search for the best Philadelphia personal injury lawyer who is experienced in this field and can help you deal with any legal issues after an accident.
A common misconception is that experience is directly related to the number of years a firm has been around. You might be discouraged from reaching out if a company was just established. Remember, just because a law firm is new doesn’t mean that the lawyers are inexperienced. Before starting their firm, most attorneys work for years in other law firms. Ask the lawyer about their personal injury journey when you meet them. Location also matters a lot, for example, if you need a lawyer in California, you may want to get in contact with a roseville personal injury lawyer. They’ll be happy to talk to you and share more about their education, experiences, and successes.
What is The Fee For Your Services?
The majority of personal injury lawyers work on a contingent fee basis. This means that you don’t pay any fees unless you receive monetary damages from your personal injury case.
A contingency fee agreement does not require you to pay any upfront legal fees. Your personal injury lawyer will instead take a fixed percentage from the amount you receive after the case is closed. It is important to ask about the percentage, which usually ranges from 20% to 40%.
Have You Worked on Similar Cases?
Some law firms specialize in certain types of cases, such as traffic accidents, while others may concentrate on more complex areas like medical malpractice. This is a complex area that requires expert medical testimony. A lawyer with a track record of success similar to your case will ensure a better outcome. Ask your attorney about past case results, years of experience, client testimonials, and other information.
How Long It Might Take To Resolve My Case?
This is a question that your personal injury lawyer won’t be able to answer directly, especially during the initial consultation. However, it’s more of a question that will help gauge the trustworthiness of your potential lawyer.
The attorney should be able to give you a rough estimate of how long it will take based on the information you provide. Jacksonville injury attorneys, for example, should also tell you what you can do to speed things up. An attorney cannot give you a timeline at this early stage. If they do, it’s more likely that they will tell you what you want to hear in order to sign you up as a client. This is a huge red flag.
Do You Have Client Testimonials I Can See?
Seeing past client experiences is as important as seeing proof of past results and case relevance. Most lawyers will make client testimonials available on their website but if they don’t, go ahead and ask.
When looking for legal representation, most people go through a difficult time emotionally so make sure to choose someone you’re comfortable with and who will have your best interest at heart. While testimonials are important, you might also want to ask to speak to past clients.
In Closing
Seeking legal counsel can be very hard following an unfortunate event. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the lawyer you choose is qualified and someone you feel comfortable working with. These simple questions can greatly increase the chances of finding the best personal injury lawyer for your case.
