Being the victim of an accident or suffering a personal injury through no fault of your own may entitle you to legal compensation and the financial assistance needed to cover the cost of medical care, reimburse you for lost wages or deal with other matters pertaining to your injury. Retaining the services of an experienced accident lawyer can be of critical importance for clients who elect to move forward with a case, claim or other proceedings. Clients who have a better understanding of what to ask during an initial consultation may be far more likely to choose the most suitable law representation to their case.
In the event you require a personal injury lawyer, ask the following four questions to ensure you’re working with the lawyer best suited to your needs.
Question One: What Are My Options?
Exploring your legal options should be a priority when discussing your case with an accident lawyer. The circumstances regarding a personal injury can make a huge difference in any case or hearing you may plan to undertake. The right accident lawyer will be able to provide you with a range of legal options once they have discussed the nature of the collision or mishap that resulted in your injury. Legal guidance regarding how best to move forward in your efforts can be a key asset, and should never be discounted or overlooked.
Question Two: What is Your Experience, Background and Years in Practice?
Lawyers may have vastly different backgrounds, levels of knowledge, negotiating skills, and trial experience. Asking questions regarding your personal injury lawyer’s trial record and past case history can provide you with a better understanding of what it is they have to offer. Ideally, you want someone in your corner who has successfully handled cases involving injuries like yours. Relying on an inexperienced lawyer or dealing with a firm that lacks the resources and experience needed to ensure you receive top-notch representation and legal assistance could prove to be a very costly mistake.
Question Three: Staying in Contact With Your Personal Injury Lawyer
Asking an accident lawyer how often they will be available to communicate with you during your case is a question that clients would do well to remember. Firms that send a paralegal or investigator to meet with you during your initial consultation should be avoided. Law firms that offer you the means and opportunity to consult with your lawyer more easily, conveniently and as often as may be needed, are worth the extra time and effort to seek out.
Question Four: How Long Will It Take to Bring Your Case or Proceedings to a Conclusion?
Working with the wrong personal injury lawyer may entail delays which could lengthen your case and leave you unable to obtain funds you may be entitled to for far longer than you may have expected. Selecting a personal injury lawyer who will do everything possible to ensure that your case reaches a speedy and successful conclusion is of considerable importance for clients whose injury has resulted in financial strain or hardship. Discussing timetables and estimates for when your case or hearing can be concluded should be done at the earliest opportunity.
Working with Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers
Being involved in an accident or suffering a serious injury is emotionally trying under even the best of circumstances. Knowing which questions to ask when meeting with a personal injury lawyer will help you to seek out and select the superior legal services that may be needed to ensure your efforts provide you with the financial assistance, claim or reward you may be owed. Failing to develop a better feel for what a lawyer may be able to offer or limiting your questions solely to legal fees and expenses could deprive you of the guidance and assistance that clients of the best accident lawyers are able to enjoy.
If you’ve been involved in an accident, CAM LLP’s Injury Law Handbook offers helpful hints about what to do if you are involved in a collision. Our handbook includes more information on what you can do to ensure you get the most out of your relationship with your lawyer. You can download the Injury Law Handbook by clicking here.
Note: This blog post was originally published in September 2015 and has been updated with relevant information and materials
