10 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

When you’ve been injured and need the help of a personal injury lawyer, you want to be sure that you are handing your case to the right person. You want someone who will not only have your best interests in mind, but also someone who is experienced in your type of case. Personal injury lawyers can assist in the following cases:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Burn injuries
• Pedestrian accidents
• Dog bites
• Slip and Fall

If you’ve been hurt in any of those types of situations, it’s time to look for a personal injury lawyer.

What to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

Here are 10 questions to ask a personal injury lawyer so that you find the right person to handle your case:

1. Have you tried any personal injury cases similar to mine?

While each case is unique, you still want to find a personal injury lawyer who has experience trying cases similar to yours. When you’re asking this you also want to know about their success rates. If a lawyer has tried dozens of cases like yours but hasn’t won any, you may want to reconsider.

2. How much time can you devote to my case?

Although your lawyer will have other cases, you need to be sure that they have enough time to devote to your case. You want your case handled as quickly as possible. If a lawyer doesn’t have enough time to file paperwork and do what needs to be done, it will delay the process.

3. What are your fees?

If you’ve been hurt you’re looking to claim money for your injury and medical bills. Ask what the fee policy is and whether the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis. This means they will take a percentage of the award if they win the case.

4. What is my case worth?

While you’re on the topic of money, you also want to ask a personal injury lawyer what your case is worth. They should be able to give you an approximate amount. When you receive your estimate, do your homework. See if it seems realistic when you compare it to similar cases.

5. Who will be handling my case?

Knowing who will be handling your case will make communication much easier. While there may be several people working on it, you should know who the main contact person is and how to best get in touch with them. If the lawyer hedges around this question, it may indicate that there isn’t enough staff to handle the case or the office is disorganized.

6. How long have you been practicing personal injury law?

When you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer, you want someone who has experience in personal injury law. The lawyer you choose should not only have experience with your type of case, but also personal injury in general. This way they will be familiar with the particular laws. If you are choosing someone near where you live, the lawyer will also be familiar with the area and the courts nearby. Finding someone with experience gives you peace of mind knowing that your case has a better chance of being handled properly.

7. Do you try to settle a case or do you always go to trial?

While you don’t want your case to drag out, you always want to get what you’re entitled to and not get cheated out of compensation. Some lawyers will settle cases to move them along quicker. This can sometimes result in lower settlement amounts versus going to court. The answer to this question will depend on the type of case and the specifics. It will also depend on how responsive the other party is. These are all factors to consider.

8. Are you a member of any legal organizations?

Being a member of groups like the American Association for Justice and others can provide lawyers with continuing education in the area of personal injury law. These types of groups will often offer workshops and seminars. This continuing education can help lawyers keep track of any changing laws as well as give them access to refresher courses.

9. How long does it take for cases like mine to resolve?

All cases are different so your lawyer will not be able to give you a concrete answer. But, they should be able to give you an approximation. It’s important to know this information so that you know what you’re in for. Be mindful that cases can take unexpected twists and turns. This can result in cases lasting longer than expected. Your lawyer wants to see your case resolved as quickly as you do. But, you don’t want to cut corners to get there and risk losing your compensation.

10. Do you foresee any problems with my case?

Be sure to ask a personal injury lawyer whether they foresee any problems with your case.
Some situations may have glaring issues that your personal injury lawyer will notice. You want to hire someone who is honest about any problems so that you can prepare. While some problems may come up unexpectedly, it’s important to be aware of ones that are obvious from the beginning. This will help your lawyer navigate the best away around them or advise you that your case is not worth pursuing.

Contact Us if You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

At Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C., we are here to answer all of your personal injury questions. We have a staff that is experienced and knowledgeable in a variety of personal injury cases. At Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C., we want to make sure the compensation you receive from your personal injury case is fair.

Call us today at (703) 361-1555 to schedule your first appointment so that we can learn more about your case. We will review it and advise you about the best road to take.