When you are injured in an accident, the steps that follow can be overwhelming. This is why hiring a personal injury attorney is critical. A qualified lawyer can guide you through your case and help you reach an appropriate settlement. But how do you know that you have chosen the right attorney? During your first consultation with a potential trial attorney, be sure to ask the following questions. This will ensure that your personal injury case is in good hands.
Is your practice focused on personal injury?
When hiring a personal injury attorney, you should hire a professional who focuses their practice on personal injury. This shows that they have experience in this area. Even if you get a recommendation for a quality family law or criminal attorney, these may not have the experience with your specific case type.
Are you willing to take my case to trial if necessary?
Only 4% to 5% of personal injury cases go to court, and the rest are settled outside of court. Even though it’s not common to go to trial, it’s important that your attorney is willing to take this step if necessary. Ask your lawyer what factors they consider before taking a case to trial.
What is your settlement history?
You likely want to work with an attorney who has an impressive history of high settlements. If this information is not readily available on their website, be sure to ask. The best lawyers will show an impressive track record with your type of cases.
Are you able to take on my specialized case?
If you were injured in a motorcycle or big rig accident, for example, ask your lawyer if they have experience with these more specific types of cases. You might decide that you prefer trial attorneys who have handled your specialty case before.
By asking a potential personal injury lawyer the above questions, and any others that you think of, you can ensure that you make the right choice. The best lawyers will willingly demonstrate their expertise and experience in personal injury, so don’t hesitate to ask for specific information. Once you feel set on hiring an attorney, you should rest assured that your case is in capable hands.