Choose a lawyer that is knowledgeable, experienced and committed to your best interests. Here are 10 questions to ask before you hire a personal injury attorney.
# 1 – How long have you practiced personal injury law for?
Personal injury cases require experience. An attorney with experience in personal injury law is better able to negotiate with insurers, navigate the legal process and represent you in court if needed.
# 2 – How successful are you in handling personal injury claims?
You’ll also want to look at the attorney’s record of handling personal injury claims. You can ask about the success rate of their firm in obtaining favorable verdicts and settlements for clients. This can help you determine their ability to reach a favorable outcome for your case.
#3: Do you have any experience with similar cases to mine?
Ask about their experience with cases involving your type of injury or accident. This can give you confidence in their ability to handle the specific challenges that may present themselves. You can gain confidence by asking about the experience they have with similar cases.
#5 – Will I be assigned to you personally or another attorney within your firm, if my case is not resolved?
You should know who is directly responsible for your case. Some law firms will assign your case to an attorney or paralegal with less experience. Consult with an attorney who will personally be involved in your case, from the beginning.
#5: How will you inform me of the progress in my case?
Working with an injury lawyer is all about communication. You should ask about the preferred communication method and how frequently you can expect to receive updates on your case. You’ll be kept informed and your questions and concerns will be promptly addressed.
#6: What is the fee structure and are there any extra costs?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingent fee basis. This means they are only paid if you receive compensation. It’s still important to ask about their fees and any extra costs that might arise, such as expert witnesses or court fees.
#7: How long will it take to resolve my case?
A personal injury lawyer will be able give you an estimate of the timeline based on his or her experience in similar cases. You can plan ahead and manage your expectations.
#8: What is your strategy in my case?
A good personal injury attorney should be able explain how they will approach your case, and what steps they plan to take to achieve the best outcome. It may be necessary to negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence or take your case to court if needed.
#9: What is your opinion about the outcome of my case in this particular court?
Although no lawyer can promise a certain outcome, they will be able provide you with an honest assessment of what could happen based on your facts and their previous experience in similar cases.
#10: Can you provide references of past clients?
Referrals from former clients are a good sign that a personal injury lawyer is reputable. They can tell you about their experiences working with them and the results achieved. You can gain valuable insight by asking for references.
Conclusion
When consulting with a lawyer about your personal injury, asking the right questions can help you to make an informed choice on who to hire to represent you. You can choose an experienced lawyer, who is dedicated and well-suited for your case, by considering the answers to the top 10 questions.
New Jersey personal injury attorneys can help you if you live in New Jersey and need legal assistance for your injury claim. Their team of professionals with years of experience will be able answer all your questions and give you the support and guidance that you need during the legal process.