Getting injured as the result or because of the negligence of someone else is more common than you would think. In fact, a study shows that the average driver will get into 3-4 accidents in their life. Any one of those accidents could result in the need for a personal injury attorney, depending on the severity of the accident and the injuries sustained. Beyond car accidents, there are many other ways to get injured that would necessitate a need for a personal injury attorney.
Regardless of how you were injured, if you feel you deserve compensation for your injuries, calling a personal injury attorney is a logical first step. However, because a personal injury attorney is not something you need on a regular basis, most people don’t have one they know.
If you don’t know a personal injury attorney, a good place to start is to first ask an attorney you do know for a referral. Most attorneys know attorneys who specialize in other practice areas and can point you in the right direction.
However, regardless of whether you were referred to an attorney or found one on your own, it’s important to do your research. Interview a few attorneys to see which one you like better and which one you feel understands your situation. Here are some questions to ask during the interview process.
How much experience do you have in this area?
Within the practice area of personal injury, there are many more specific practice areas. If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident, for example, be sure your attorney is familiar with this type of injury and has handled cases similar to yours in the past.
Who will handle my case?
Be sure you know who will handle your case. If it’s not the person you are talking to, be sure to meet who it will be. Also, be sure to meet any paralegals that will be working with you. It’s important that you can communicate clearly with everyone involved. There are a lot of moving pieces in a personal injury case and effective communication is paramount to presenting a strong case.
When will you start working on my case?
Be sure they are clear on when they will begin working on the case and when a suit will be filed. Additionally, ask them how long they think it will take before it is resolved. Although there are a lot of variables that can affect this, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of the ideal timeline and what factors could delay it.
How much is my case worth?
After you tell the attorney about your case, ask him or her how much it is worth. They should be able to give you a range of potential outcomes and how much money you would receive as a result of those different scenarios. While you can’t hold them to this, it’s worth getting an idea from everyone you talk to. If someone is promising you double what every other attorney is saying they can get for you, be sure to question how they determined that amount.
How much is your contingency fee?
Before you hire an attorney to represent you, be sure you understand how much their contingency fee is. Personal Injury contingency fees usually range from 25% – 40% of the case settlement, depending on the size and complexity of the case. Also, be sure they explain any tax implications associated with receiving a personal injury settlement.
Hiring the right personal injury attorney can determine whether you get compensated for your injuries or not. Be sure to take your time and choose one you feel has the experience and skills to best represent you.
If you are interested in learning how to work with us, please contact us or call us at 800-676-5295. We offer a free consultation to new clients to help them determine if they have a case and what options are available.
