5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an accident, choosing the right personal injury attorney or lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The attorney you hire can impact not only the outcome and compensation of your case but also your experience throughout the entire legal process.
There are plenty of myths about hiring a personal injury attorney, but not all personal injury attorneys are the same. Some have extensive courtroom experience, while others rarely take cases to trial. Some attorneys prioritize direct attorney-client communication, while bigger firms may delegate most of the work to paralegals or case managers.
To make the best choice for your situation, here are five questions to ask before hiring a personal injury attorney.
#1: What Experience Do You Have with Cases Like Mine?
Personal injury law covers a wide range of cases, from car accidents to slip and falls and workers’ comp claims. Just because an attorney practices personal injury law doesn’t mean they have experience handling your specific type of case.
Ask how many cases like yours they’ve handled and what their success rate has been. If your case involves unique factors — such as a commercial truck accident or an injury caused by a defective product — you want a personal injury attorney who knows how to navigate those complexities.
Red Flag: If a personal injury lawyer is vague about their experience or seems unfamiliar with cases like yours, they may not be the right fit.
#2: How Do You Handle Fees and Payment?
As part of this process, it’s essential to understand how compensation works. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. However, the percentage they take and the additional costs you might be responsible for can vary.
Ask about:
- The exact percentage they charge if you win
- Whether there are any upfront costs
- Who pays for case expenses, such as court filing fees and expert witness fees, if you don’t win
Reputable personal injury attorneys will be transparent about their fee structure and make sure you fully understand what to expect before moving forward.
Red Flag: If a personal injury lawyer avoids discussing fees upfront or pressures you into signing a contract without reviewing the terms carefully, consider looking elsewhere.
#3: What Is Your Approach to Communication?
Clear and consistent communication is critical during a personal injury case. You should know who will be handling your case and how often you can expect updates.
Some law firms assign cases primarily to paralegals or case managers, meaning you may have little direct contact with the personal injury attorney you initially meet. While support staff can play a valuable role, it’s important to know how involved your personal injury lawyer will be. You may prefer working one-on-one with your attorney versus with a team. If that’s the case, it’s important to double-check how the firm operates.
Ask questions such as:
- Who will be handling my case?
- Will I be able to reach you directly if I have questions?
- How often will I receive case updates?
- What’s the best way to contact you — phone, email, or in-person meetings?
Red Flag: If a personal injury attorney is difficult to reach before you even hire them, that’s a sign you may struggle to get responses once your case is underway.
#4: How Long Do You Expect My Case to Take?
While no personal injury lawyer can give an exact timeline, an experienced one should be able to provide a general estimate based on the details of your case.
Factors that affect case duration include:
- The severity of your injuries and medical treatment timeline
- The willingness of the insurance company to negotiate
- Whether a lawsuit is necessary
- Court scheduling and backlog
Be cautious of attorneys who promise quick results, as rushing a case can sometimes lead to lower settlements. On the other hand, a personal injury attorney should also be honest about the potential for delays so you have realistic expectations.
Red Flag: If a personal injury attorney guarantees a fast resolution without explaining the variables, they may not be prioritizing your best interests.
#5: What Is Your Trial Experience?
Many personal injury cases settle before reaching trial, but you want a lawyer who is prepared to take your case to court if necessary. Some personal injury attorneys focus solely on settlements and may pressure you to accept a low offer rather than fight for full compensation.
Ask how often the attorney takes cases to trial and what their track record is in the courtroom. While litigation isn’t always the goal, having a personal injury lawyer with trial experience can strengthen your position during negotiations since insurance companies are more likely to take them seriously.
Red Flag: If a personal injury attorney avoids trial at all costs, they may be more interested in closing cases quickly rather than securing the best outcome for their clients.
How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer for You
Hiring the right personal injury attorney is a decision that can significantly impact your financial recovery and overall experience. That’s why it’s important to find an attorney with the right type of expertise, a communication style that works for you, and a fair compensation structure. By asking these five key questions, you can confidently select a personal injury lawyer who is well-equipped to handle your case and you trust to advocate for your best interests.
If you’re looking for an experienced Boise personal injury lawyer, Jane Gordon Law may be the perfect fit! Contact me today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how I can advocate for you.
