If you are considering hiring a personal injury lawyer, having a list of questions to ask them during your initial consultation is helpful. Many people feel nervous about meeting with an attorney, so it is easy to forget what you want to ask. Additionally, it is important to understand the lawyer’s experience, qualifications, how their office handles cases, and other factors that will help you decide if the lawyer is “right” for you. As you gather this information, pay attention to your gut feeling and whether your personality meshes with the attorney’s.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?

There is no right or wrong question to ask an attorney, but the following are a few questions that will provide you with important information:

1.      What is your history and experience in handling cases like mine?

Obviously, you likely prefer to work with an attorney who has experience in handling personal injury cases. Do not let an environmental lawyer handle your personal injury! Additionally, you should not immediately disregard lawyers who have not represented many clients like you if they work in a firm with more experienced attorneys who will support them. A younger attorney will often be less expensive and more attentive to your case, but you want to confirm they have more experienced lawyers to assist you if needed. If the personal injury attorney is experienced, be sure to ask them how many successful settlements and verdicts they have obtained.

2.      What is your experience in litigating personal injury cases in court? 

Many attorneys handle cases with the intention of settling them. However, it is critical to work with a personal injury lawyer who is an experienced litigator. Sadly, many insurance companies do not offer reasonable settlements until they are faced with a lawsuit. Thus, being represented by an attorney who is known for taking cases to trial can be beneficial in obtaining the maximum amount of compensation available to you.

3.      How much will it cost to retain you?

Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that you will not be charged a legal fee until or unless the attorney successfully settles or wins your case in court. The lawyer will be paid a percentage of the total amount of your award. It is critical to ask the attorney what the percentage is and if there are any other additional costs you will pay. Sometimes, a law firm charges their “out of pocket” expenses such as court filing fees, postage, copying charges, or process server costs.

4.      What do you think my chances of recovery are? 

A personal injury attorney cannot guarantee you will receive a specific amount of compensation for your injury, but he or she should discuss the chance of your case having a successful result. You want to work with a lawyer who is honest with you and helps you understand what you can expect.

5.      Does my case have any weaknesses? 

A good injury lawyer will analyze all sides of your case. It is better to understand the weaknesses of your case as soon as possible and strategize how to deal with the areas of concern.

6.      How will your office communicate with me?

One of the benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney is that they will handle the case for you. However, you want to confirm that you will be kept informed about what is going on and how that communication will occur. Many law firms have secretaries and paralegals who will provide updates, but you should also have access to contact your lawyer when necessary. Understanding how often you will receive updates and who you will be working with is important to helping you feel included in the decisions about your case.

This is a two-part blog, so be sure to check out our next blog titled “What Questions to Ask When Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney? – Part 2.”

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Whether you have questions about how to settle your case or you need assistance filing a personal injury lawsuit, it is wise to confer with a personal injury attorney.

If you have been involved in an automobile accident or other type of personal injury case that was caused by the negligence of another party, it is important to have effective attorney representation. At Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle, our injury lawyers have been representing injured victims of accidents and insurance disputes for over 60 years. Call Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at (405) 692-7676 to schedule a FREE consultation.