Top 10 Questions To Ask Your Personal Injury Attorney

Before hiring a personal injury attorney, you may arrange free consultations to help you choose the right one. Here are the top 10 questions to ask to help with your search.

Will you be the attorney handling my case?

It is critical to know who exactly will be handling your claim and their experience level.

How many cases do you typically handle at a time?

You want a personal injury lawyer who does not take on too many cases at once and can dedicate the attention that it requires for your claim to be successful.

What is your success rate in winning cases like mine?

It can help give you peace of mind to know that your attorney has experience achieving settlements or awards in cases similar to yours.

How do you charge for your services, and what expenses can I expect to incur during my case?

Although it is the attorney’s responsibility to discuss pricing, make sure you know the exact terms of your payment arrangement. Most personal injury lawyers accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you should only pay if you win, but you may be responsible for court costs no matter what. 

How many of your cases have been taken to trial?

A lawyer with trial experience is always a plus in the event that your claim must be taken to court. 

What is the timeline for resolving my case, and what factors can delay it?

An attorney cannot give an exact answer but can give you an estimated timeline based on experience with cases similar to yours. Some cases can take years, depending on injury severity and unique circumstances. 

Will my case go to trial, or be settled out of court?

An attorney should be able to tell you whether your case is likely to go to trial or if it might be settled out of court. An experienced personal injury attorney will evaluate the facts of your case, the strengths and weaknesses of your claim, and the attitudes of the parties involved to determine the best course of action. If your case is likely to go to trial, your attorney should explain the trial process and help you prepare for it. 

What do you think the outcome of my case will be? 

An experienced personal injury attorney will not guarantee a specific outcome but can lend a professional opinion and be upfront about potential hurdles. 

How will you communicate with me throughout the case, and how can I reach you if I have questions or concerns?

Consistent communication throughout the claims process is critical, so it is essential to know how and how often you will be updated about your case. 

Do you have reference?

While attorneys are not required to provide references from past clients, many are willing to provide them as a way to demonstrate their experience and success in handling cases like yours.  References can also give you insight into how an attorney communicates with their clients, their level of professionalism, and their ability to achieve favorable outcomes in cases similar to yours.