After an accident, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit or insurance claim against the at-fault party and recover compensation for your injuries. However, navigating the personal injury litigation process can be difficult without an attorney on your side. Choosing the right lawyer to handle your claim can be a challenge, but asking the right questions can help you select the best representation for your case.
#1: Have You Worked on Cases Like Mine?
One of the most important qualities of a personal injury attorney is experience. You do not want to hire a lawyer with little to no experience in the practice area you need assistance with. When speaking to a potential lawyer, ask him or her about past cases and whether he or she has handled any cases similar to yours.
Ask the attorney about the results of those cases. Although past case results are not a guarantee that you will see compensation, understanding the lawyer’s track record is important. With this information, you can have a clearer picture of the firm’s performance and can make a better informed hiring decision.
#2: Who Will Actually Handle My Case?
When you hire an attorney, you expect to work with that attorney to resolve your claim. However, the first lawyer you see may not be the person who will handle your case—and in some situations, a case manager or junior attorney may perform the bulk of the work.
Ask the firm how it plans on handling your claim. If it is important to have an attorney on your side, it may be more beneficial to work with a firm that offers personalized attention and a direct line of communication with your lawyer.
#3: What Is Your Payment Arrangement?
After an accident, funds are often limited. Many people do not seek legal assistance because they believe they cannot afford an attorney. However, many personal injury firms recognize this and operate on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you do not pay legal fees unless the attorney secures compensation on your behalf. If he or she does settle your claim, these fees will come out of your award.
When speaking with a personal injury firm, ask about the payment arrangement. If the firm charges by the hour, it may become very expensive to recover compensation. To limit your out-of-pocket expenses, seek an attorney that operates using a contingency fee.
#4: How Frequently Do Your Cases Go to Trial?
A personal injury claim can resolve in one of two ways: a settlement or a jury verdict. Many cases settle out of court during pretrial negotiations or the insurance process; however, you may receive an insufficient settlement offer during these discussions. In these situations, you want to hire a lawyer who will not hesitate to bring your case to trial and advocate for a higher settlement.
You need a lawyer who can determine the optimal pathway to secure the compensation you need to recover. When speaking to a potential attorney, ask about his or her trial experience and the factors he or she uses to determine whether to settle out of court. An attorney who rarely goes to trial may not be as dedicated to securing your maximum award as a lawyer with more courtroom experience.
As soon as possible after your accident, contact a McAllen personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. Your attorney will evaluate all available evidence, answer any questions you may have, and explain your optimal path to maximum compensation.
