Estimates show that there are believed to be 56,494 personal injury firms across the United States. Suffice to say, finding a great personal injury lawyer can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
To find the perfect fit, you’ll need to attend consultations with different firms. You’ll have the chance to ask a myriad of important questions at these meetings.
So what should you ask? Here are five important questions that you should never skip.
1. Do You Think I Have a Viable Case?
You’d think any lawyer would immediately answer ‘yes’. But the best personal injury lawyer doesn’t accept every potential case that walks through their door. Instead, they pick and choose their clients carefully based on a thorough understanding of the law.
If a person doesn’t have enough evidence to present a compelling personal injury case, a trustworthy attorney won’t hesitate to say no.
2. How Are Your Fees Structured?
To say that hiring the best personal injury attorney can get expensive is an understatement. Therefore it’s important to understand how a lawyer’s required fees work.
There are three types of ways in which a lawyer seeks compensation:
The first is known as contingency. Payment is dependent on the outcome of the case, and the attorney will recoup their fees from the financial award at the end of the case.
The second is a flat fee. This is less common but can give you a more accurate sense of what you can expect to pay.
Finally, quite a few lawyers will charge by the hour. If speaking with a lawyer with an hourly fee, be sure to ask how much time they plan to dedicate to your case.
3. May I Speak to Any of Your Past Clients?
You’ll spend dozens of hours with your attorney and their assistants throughout your case. Make sure they’re going to respect your time and effort.
Ask to speak with their past clients so you can know whether they’ll treat your case with the seriousness it deserves.
4. What Is Your Success Rate?
You’re investing time, money, and emotion into this case. It’s only right to choose a personal injury lawyer with a history of court victories or valuable settlements.
The majority of firms mention their victory rate right on their homepage. So for more info, be sure to check out an attorney’s site before your consultation.
5. What Do You Need From Me as a Client?
Though your attorney will do the overwhelming majority of the work, they’ll still need some help from you. That can range from your testimony to any evidence you may have.
Knowing what’s expected from you as a client can speed up your case significantly. The faster your case ends, the sooner you can find justice.
Finding the Best Personal Injury Lawyer
You may have to do some digging to find the right personal injury lawyer for your needs, but by asking these questions, you’re sure to find a great fit. So keep these questions in mind at your next consultation!
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