Accidents are inevitable, but you need reliable legal representation so that you can get a fair compensation. A personal injury attorney can provide the utmost help that you need as a client. However, you have to gauge him or her first before you hire the lawyer. Remember that you need someone who is highly-skilled and trustworthy at the same time. On that account, here are some questions that you can ask to assess their abilities.
1. Can you handle my case?
You ought to know if the attorney can handle your case in terms of his expertise and availability. Therefore, he or she will inform you of the dedication and commitment that the case will receive. Also, the lawyer will tell you about the years of experience that they bring to the table. It would help if you had the assurance that the expert will take you seriously and work with you tirelessly.
2. What is your area of practice?
It is essential to choose a lawyer specializing in personal injury lawyer to represent your interests. On that account, the professional should let you know their area of specialty to clarify any doubts you may have. You don’t want to go to court with a family attorney who knows nothing about your case.
3. What are your fees?
Usually, the lawyer will work with you on a contingency fee basis. Therefore, you will pay them if you get the monetary compensation for your injuries. The legal fees will vary depending on the attorney as some will take 40%, while others will request for 25%. You must check the lawyer’s qualifications so that you can pay according to their skills.
4. Have you ever worked on a case like mine, and how did it go?
Before hiring an attorney, it is vital to know their track record of cases that he has solved. The lawyer evaluation process will help you see if you can expect tremendous or bad results. Plus, you will get an insight if he or she has worked on a car accident case like yours. If the legal practitioner has only dealt with slip and fall injuries, that is not the right person for you.
5. Do I have to pay for case-related expenses if we lose?
Besides the contingency fee, you should ask if you will cater for case-related costs. Some of the expenses that you will pay might include expert witness, filing, and retrieving medical records. For that reason, you need to know upfront if you are responsible for the fees. Other attorneys will not charge you, while others will require you to foot the bills.
6. What is my responsibility in this case?
You need to know your exact role in the lawsuit if you will attend meetings and depositions. The level of participation that you will have in the case depends on the lawyer. Some attorneys will require a high level of involvement on your side, while others will want to work on their own. They will review medical records and the incident so that they can represent you.
7. When will the case go to trial, and how long will it last?
Another attorney interview question that you need to ask is when the case will go to court. You will also know when you should expect the outcome as a client. This way, the expert can have time to prepare evidence and get a decent payout for you.
8. Is other staff or attorneys working on my case?
You might consult a personal injury lawyer who will delegate the case to junior staff or other attorneys. Thus, the legal query will help you know the person that you will work with throughout the entire lawsuit period. This way, you will be able to contact the expert anytime you have a concern to air. It is vital to have an available attorney and one that you can trust.