Hiring an injury lawyer can be a tough decision, especially if you have never done it before. After all, this person will be responsible for helping you get the compensation you deserve after being injured in an accident. So, the last thing you want to do is make a hasty decision and hire the wrong lawyer.
To simplify the hiring process, we have come up with a list of important questions you will need to ask your injury lawyer before you close the deal with them. That’s because you need to find an experienced, knowledgeable lawyer whom you feel comfortable working with.
Below is a list of these questions explained in brief detail, so you can make an informed decision and choose the best lawyer for your case.
1. Is My Case Worth Pursuing?
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering if you have a case. The first step is to speak with an injury lawyer to get an idea of whether or not your case is worth pursuing.
There are many factors that go into deciding whether or not a case is worth taking on, but the most important factor is usually whether or not you have a good chance of winning. If the odds are stacked against you, it may not be worth your time and money to pursue a case.
However, if your case is strong and you have a good chance of winning, an injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. In all these scenarios, look for personal injury resources that can help you determine whether your case is worth fighting for or not.
2. How Much Compensation Do I Deserve?
In order to receive the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries, you need to ask your lawyer straightaway about the amount you will get. Of course, they might not have a solid idea about it at first, but after looking at your medical expenses and other damages, they will be able to give you a figure to pursue.
This will help you to ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company and that you receive the full amount of money you are entitled to.
Remember that every case is different, and the compensation you receive will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident. However, if you have a strong case, you can expect fair compensation for your injuries.
3. How Will You Charge Your Fee?
When you meet with an injury lawyer for the first time, you will need to ask them how they will charge their fee. This is important to know because you will need to be able to budget for the cost of their services. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
That means they will only get paid if they win your case. Contingency fee arrangements are based on a percentage of the money you ultimately receive as a settlement or jury verdict. The lawyer’s fee will be a percentage of the total amount recovered.
For example, most of the time, the contingency fee is one-third of the total settlement you will receive. On the other hand, some lawyers will charge an hourly rate, while others will charge a flat fee for your whole case.
4. What are Your Specializations?
There are many different types of lawyers out there, and each one has their own area of expertise. Even personal injury lawyers have further specialization in multiple types of injuries, including car accidents, truck accidents, dog bites, or workplace injuries.
When you are looking for an injury lawyer, you will want to make sure that you find one who specializes in personal injury cases similar to yours. This way, you can be sure they have the knowledge and experience to help you win your case.
In all this, also make sure to ask about their success rate and how they plan to help you win your case. If you are not satisfied with word of mouth, you can ask them for specialization certificates and testimonials from their previous clients about their performance.
5. Do You Have Additional Resources?
Many reputed and experienced lawyers have a network of professionals who can help you with your case. Those professionals include medical experts, private investigators, and collaborators with other law firms. These relationships help to ensure that the lawyer has the necessary resources to handle your type of case.
So, during the legal process, when anything goes wrong, lawyers will use these resources to strengthen your claim and get the necessary information and resources from the other party. If they do not have these resources, they may not be able to fully investigate your case and get you the best possible outcome.
6. How Long will it Take to Resolve My Case?
The time duration in which your case has been settled matters a lot. You have already suffered from an accident, and you can’t further stand weeks and months of waiting to get compensation for your medical and financial loss. That’s why it’s advised to ask your lawyer how long it will take to resolve your case.
The answer may not be as simple and straightforward as you think. It will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the insurance companies involved, and the amount of money you’re seeking in damages.
In some cases, your case may be resolved relatively quickly. But in other cases, reaching a resolution may take months or even years. While you may want it to be resolved as quickly as possible, it is advised to have practical deadlines in mind and let your lawyer work with your case as they want.
It will allow them to go further deep into the research of what happened and why and see what they can do further to strengthen your claim. So, have a deadline in mind but don’t rush your lawyer to meet those deadlines at every cost. It will only harm your case and nothing else.
