LawyersBay
When you decide to pursue a personal injury case, hiring a lawyer is imperative. However, there are many qualified personal injury attorneys out there that can assist you. The key is in selecting the right one to handle your needs.
According to Gray Law Firm, PLLC, you should use that free initial consultation to ask questions to help you choose the best lawyer for your case. There is generally a time limit placed on this consultation, so you must make efficient use of it.
The lawyer will usually start the consultation by asking you to tell them about your accident and your resulting injuries. They’ll ask questions too, but you need to have your own questions to ask them to see if they’re the best ones to handle your case.
Read More: How Can I Prove My Pain and Suffering in Personal Injury Case?
Contents
Questions You Need to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer
Before you sit down with any lawyer, ensure you’re organized to make the best use of this time. Doing so will ensure you find the right attorney to help you.
What Are Your Fees?
In most personal injury cases, a lawyer will likely charge a contingency fee. The amount of this fee depends upon the outcome of your case. If your lawyer doesn’t win your case, they get nothing. But if they win or settle, they get a percentage of your damages as a fee.
Generally, this is done on a percentage, though other costs include filing fees, expert witnesses, and court reporter fees. Asking about the specific costs you could face is always a smart idea to ensure you’re on the same page.
How Will You Keep Me Informed?
In New York, lawyers are required to follow the Rules of Professional Conduct. These include keeping clients reasonably informed about their case status and responding promptly to reasonable requests for information.
While you’re likely not the only client your lawyer is working with, you’ll need updates in certain instances. It helps to find out how they’ll ensure you will be taken care of if they are in court or on a call.
Do You Have Experience in Similar Cases?
Every case is different, but every lawyer will specialize in certain areas once they start practicing. Some lawyers are more experienced with car accidents than others. If you were in an accident, it’s better to choose a lawyer that has represented and won other cases that are more like yours.
Read More: When is the Right Time to Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer
What Outcome Can I Expect?
After a personal injury lawyer listens to your story during the initial consultation, they can provide valuable information. For example, if you were partly to blame for the accident, the comparative fault rules in New York will result in you getting a smaller percentage of your damages.
With their experience and professional assessment of the case, you can use this information to choose whether or not to pursue action. Remember that the lawyer you hire will be your representative acting on your behalf. That’s why the answers to your questions during the free consultation will help you decide who to choose.
How to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Ideally, you should speak to a few different lawyers that have credentials, experience, and solid results in the area of personal injury cases. Many of them will check these boxes; however, the one that is right for you will make you feel confident in their strategy for winning the case.