Important Questions to Ask When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

important questions to ask when hiring a personal injury lawyer

When looking for a personal injury lawyer, experience should not be the first consideration. Experience is important, but not as important as dedication. Experienced attorneys may be more able to handle your case than a rookie, but you should still consider your personal preference. While many people would rather hire an experienced attorney, other people may not mind a dedicated, hard-working beginner. Below are some of the questions you should ask when hiring a personal injury attorney.

Which type of personal injury lawyer will handle my case? Some firms will float a senior partner in front of a potential client and then disappear as soon as the contract is signed. If you're not sure who to trust, ask for a firm representative and ask for the name of his or her supervisor. It is also wise to ask if your case will be handled by an associate. Do not hire an attorney who is unwilling to discuss your case with you if you want to resolve it quickly.

Do you need a personal injury lawyer specializing in your particular area of the law? You shouldn't hire a personal injury lawyer who only focuses on car accidents, for example. The same goes for auto collisions if you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident. A lawyer who is more experienced in workers' compensation cases may not be as effective in handling auto accident personal injury claims.

Experience and reputation are essential when looking for a personal injury attorney. Experience is important, but it is also essential to make sure your potential lawyer has excellent negotiation skills. Your attorney should be able to provide you with realistic estimates for the length of your case and compensation. Personal injury lawsuits are unpredictable and anything can happen in the middle of a trial. Ask the attorney how often they can update you on the case and what methods of communication work best for them.

Moreover, it is important to ask your personal injury attorney how much involvement they want you to play in the case. While some attorneys prefer to keep you out of depositions and court proceedings, others prefer you to be hands-off and leave everything to them. Before choosing a personal injury lawyer, make sure to discuss the relationship you will have with your attorney. Discuss your personal goals and expectations with the lawyer before hiring them.

In New York, personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that they charge you a percentage of the compensation award they win. Be sure to find out what their fees will be before you hire them, as these expenses can add up quickly. Once you know the exact amount of money your attorney will charge you, it will be easier to choose the right one for your case. Aside from that, the lawyer will have an accurate understanding of your financial situation, and can answer your questions thoroughly.