After an accident, you may be unsure what to do next. How will you cover your bills and living expenses if you can’t work? What should you even do if you think someone else was at fault?
A personal injury lawyer is your advocate to guide you through the legal process, act in your best interests, and help you recover the compensation you need. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. You benefit from legal representation without upfront attorneys’ fees.
During the consultation, you can learn whether you have a good case and discuss your legal options. It’s also an opportunity to decide if you feel comfortable with this attorney handling your case.
Here are six important questions you can ask during the initial consultation to learn more about the steps you should take and make an informed decision about hiring a lawyer.
1. How Much Experience Do You Have With Similar Cases?
Not all personal injury cases are the same. Whether you’ve been injured in a car crash, a slip and fall, or by a defective product, it’s important to find a lawyer with specific experience in handling cases like yours.
Ask them how many similar cases they have handled and what results they have achieved. You can also ask about how much of their practice is dedicated to a certain area of law and their experience in that area.
Some types of personal injury cases are more complex than others and benefit from in-depth knowledge of complex statutes and case law. Certain types of cases are also inherently harder to win.
Plaintiffs win about 51% of personal injury cases that go to trial. Cases involving dog bites (75%) and traffic accidents (64%) have the highest rate of success for injury victims. In premises liability cases or dangerous property conditions, plaintiffs win just 38%.
The more complex your case, the more important an attorney’s experience becomes.
2. How Long Do You Think My Case Will Take?
Every personal injury case is unique, and timelines can vary based on factors like the severity of injuries, the complexity of the case, and whether the case goes to trial. Sometimes, the other party is simply unreasonable and refuses a fair settlement offer, even if you have a strong case.
While the lawyer can’t give you an exact timeline, they can help you understand the factors that may affect the timeline of your case. They can also give you an idea of what to expect and an estimated timeframe in the best-case and worst-case scenarios.
Look for an attorney who is honest and helps you set realistic expectations rather than empty promises or reassurances.
3. What Do You Think Is The Likely Outcome Of My Case?
No attorney can guarantee an outcome. Still, an experienced lawyer can give you a general idea based on the strength of your case. They’ll consider the circumstances of your accident and whether liability can be clearly proven.
The attorney can explain the strengths of your case and any weaknesses that may complicate your case. They can also discuss possible scenarios and their opinion about the most likely outcomes so you can be prepared with realistic expectations.
4. How Will I Receive Updates About My Case?
Good communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship. Ask how the lawyer plans to keep you informed. Clear communication ensures you’re not left in the dark about important developments in your case.
5. Will You Handle My Case Personally?
In larger firms, your case might be passed to a junior attorney after the initial consultation. Ask who will be handling your case and to what extent.
In some firms, your case may be handled by a legal team that may include a case manager or paralegal. After hearing the details of your case, the attorney may feel another lawyer at the firm is better equipped to handle it.
If the attorney won’t be your primary point of contact, ask about the experience and qualifications of the person who will.
6. What Is Your Fee Structure?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case, typically taking a percentage of the settlement or award. During your consultation, clarify the attorney’s fee structure by asking them questions such as:
- What percentage of your recovery will the attorney receive?
- Does the fee increase if a lawsuit is filed?
- Will you be responsible for additional court and expert witness costs if your case is unsuccessful?
- Are additional costs paid out of your recovery? Do they require a deposit, or do you need to pay them as they are incurred?
Understanding the fee structure upfront ensures there are no surprises later on.
Before your consultation, it’s helpful to summarize what happened with a rough timeline. This will ensure you do not miss any important details. Make a list of any questions you have. Gathering any documentation, bills, and communications related to your accident is also a good idea.
The initial case evaluation may last for 30 to 60 minutes. Remember that it’s your chance to learn about the lawyer, not just your case, to decide if they are a good fit. You will make the best use of your time by preparing for the meeting.
Contact Our Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you believe someone else caused your accident, Spartan Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Contact our law firm today at (844) 772-7826 to schedule your free initial consultation. We will listen to what happened to you and discuss your options and what we can do to help you.