When you have been injured in an accident, hiring a personal injury lawyer is one of your first decisions. What factors should you consider when selecting an attorney to represent you?

You will need to do some research to find an excellent personal injury lawyer for your case. During your initial consultation, you will be able to interview the attorney while they decide whether to take you on as a client. Developing a set of detailed interview questions is essential to find the right attorney for you and your case. 

Do You Think I Have a Good Case?

One of the reasons that personal injury lawyers schedule initial consultations is to determine the strength or weakness of your personal injury case, but they may or may not share that with the potential client. Ask the attorney pointedly about the aspects of your case so you can understand their thoughts.

How Will You Get Paid?

Although most personal injury lawyers are paid legal fees based “on contingency,” meaning they get a percentage of your compensation, this may not include additional administrative, court filings, and professional witness costs. Chances are, if your case goes to court, more costs will be involved than if you accept a settlement. As a client, you have the right to know exactly what you’re responsible for regarding legal costs.

How Many Cases Like Mine Have You Handled?

While many accident claims are common, some can be complicated and demand specific skills. You will want to know that the personal injury attorney you hire has handled similar cases in the past and what their successes with those cases have been. 

How Many Cases Do You Handle at a Time?

If the lawyer you are interviewing is overextended, you may not get the time and attention you need for your case, or you may get handed off to other lawyers or paralegals at the firm. 

Be sure to ask who will handle your case and how you will be informed about any progress. You have the right to know who you will be dealing with at the firm when you need help or questions answered.  

What Kind of Litigation Experience Do You Have?

The majority of personal injury cases result in settlements for the victim, which requires significant negotiation by an attorney. But there are times when a fair settlement isn’t possible through negotiation. This is when the matter must go to court. You will want to ensure that the personal injury lawyer you hire has litigation experience and a track record of successful verdicts.

How Long Will it Take to Resolve My Case?

Personal injury cases can be unpredictable. While no lawyer can tell you precisely how long it will take to resolve your case, you can get a general time frame for what will be involved. This will also give you a sense of how experienced the attorney is.

Hiring the Wrong Personal Injury Attorney

Qualified lawyers can be difficult to find. While the stress and financial loss of an accident can be challenging enough, hiring the wrong attorney will cause even more anxiety and overwhelm. Asking to-the-point questions of a personal injury lawyer will give you a better understanding of the person you are interviewing and whether you feel they are a good fit for your situation. 

Hiring the Right Personal Injury Attorney

At Silver & Silver, our experienced personal injury lawyers have dedicated their careers to representing accident victims and their families. We understand what you are entitled to, and we don’t stop until we get you the compensation you deserve. Call us at (610) 638-7255 or contact us through our online contact form to schedule a complimentary consultation. Our personal injury lawyers will be happy to answer all of your questions honestly and concisely. 

Disclosure:

This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.