Plus a Few Questions They May Have for You
The difficult days and weeks following an accident can fill with overwhelming medical appointments and mounting medical bills, especially if your injuries prevent you from working and earning income.
A monetary settlement from an insurance company may look like a gift at such a trying time. Perhaps you have taken the advice from a friend or did some research online and realized that before you accept payment from an insurance company, it’s wise to first consult a personal injury lawyer.
Insurance companies may offer a fast settlement, but more often than not, that dollar amount will fall short of covering all of your losses experienced, including future medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
You’ve set up an appointment for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer. What should you ask them?
Questions to Ask Your Personal Injury Lawyer
When you meet with a personal injury attorney for the first time, ask the right questions to ensure they are the right fit for you and your case. Here are some questions, divided into categories, to ask:
Experience
You must ask an attorney about their experience for several reasons. Personal law cases can involve complex legal procedures. An attorney with years of experience practicing personal injury law will understand the relevant statutes, case law, and legal strategies. They will also have more experience dealing with insurance companies and can better counter the tactics they use to undermine your claim.
Questions to ask:
- How many years of experience do you have in personal injury law?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine before?
- What is your success rate in settling cases or winning trials?
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
Fees and Costs
Attorneys should openly share their fees and costs. Knowing what to expect upfront allows you to budget and plan accordingly. It can also help you determine if you can afford the attorney's services and if their fee structure aligns with your financial situation.
Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you don't pay unless your lawyer recovers compensation in your case. However, you will want to know just what percentage your lawyer will want from your settlement and if you will need to pay any additional costs.
Questions to ask:
- What is your fee structure?
- Do you work on a contingency fee basis?
- Are there any upfront costs or hidden fees?
- Will I need to pay any costs if we lose the case?
Case Assessment
You will want to know your lawyer’s impression of your case, the strengths and challenges, and whether to pursue legal action. Understanding your lawyer’s assessment can give you a better idea of the damages you can pursue, which helps you set realistic expectations about the potential outcome of your case.
Questions to ask:
- What is your initial assessment of my case?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
- What is the estimated timeline for resolving my case?
- What is the estimated value of my case?
Communication and Availability
Your personal injury lawsuit will take time to move through the system, during which your attorney will seek to obtain fair compensation from the insurance company. You want your lawyer to keep you up-to-date on the progress of your case and respond to you when you have questions or concerns.
Questions to ask:
- How often will you communicate with me about my case?
- What is the best way to reach you if I have questions or concerns?
- Will I work directly with you or with a paralegal or associate?
- Can I expect timely responses to my calls and emails?
Settlement and Trial Strategy
As your legal representative, your lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement. Your lawyer will likely begin by making a demand for settlement. The insurers often make a counteroffer. This process can go on.
Ultimately, you'll want to trust your lawyer enough to respect their opinion if they recommend accepting a settlement or if they recommend you go to court. Understanding your lawyer's strategy will give you confidence in their ability to recover maximum compensation for you.
Questions to ask:
- What is your approach to settling cases?
- How do you determine when to settle and when to go to trial?
- What is your experience with negotiating with insurance companies?
- What is your experience with taking cases to trial?
Client Involvement
Some clients want to make many of the decisions in their cases. Others may want their lawyer to handle all legal matters until the matter settles. Question your lawyer about the level of involvement they will give you in your case and what you can do to help them secure a favorable outcome.
Questions to ask:
- How involved will you make me in the decision-making process for my case?
- Will you provide me with regular updates on the progress of my case?
- Will I have a say in whether to accept a settlement offer or go to trial?
- How can I best support my case and help it succeed?
Questions Your Personal Lawyer May Ask
When you meet with your personal injury lawyer for the first time, you can expect them to ask you a series of questions about your accident. These questions help your lawyer understand the details of your case and determine the best course of action for pursuing compensation.
Details of the Accident or Incident
Your lawyer will likely ask you for a detailed account of what happened leading up to, during, and after your accident or incident.
They may ask:
- When and where did the accident occur?
- What were you doing at the time of the accident?
- Did any witnesses see the accident?
- Did you file a police report?
- Did you notice any warning signs or hazards that contributed to the accident?
- Did you wear any safety equipment at the time of the accident, like a seatbelt in a car accident or a helmet in a motorcycle accident?
Medical Treatment and Expenses
Your lawyer will also want to know about any medical treatment you received after your accident.
They may ask:
- Have you seen a doctor since the accident?
- What injuries did you sustain in the accident?
- Did you undergo any surgeries or other medical procedures related to your injuries?
- What medications do you currently take for your injuries?
- Have you had to miss work due to your injuries?
- What are your medical expenses related to the accident?
Impact on Daily Life and Work
Your lawyer will want to understand how your injuries have affected your daily life and ability to work.
Questions they may ask:
- Have your injuries affected your ability to perform daily tasks?
- Have you had to modify your home or vehicle to accommodate your injuries?
- Have you had to miss work or take time off due to your injuries?
- Have your injuries affected your ability to perform your job duties?
- Have you experienced any emotional distress because of your injuries?
Insurance and Other Parties Involved
Finally, your lawyer will want to know about any insurance policies or other parties involved in your case.
Questions they may ask:
- Do you have any insurance policies that cover your injuries?
- Have you already filed a claim with your insurance company?
- Are other parties liable for your injuries?
- Have any insurance adjusters or attorneys representing other parties involved in the accident contacted you?
- Have you signed any documents or provided any statements to insurance adjusters or attorneys?
By asking these and other questions, your personal injury lawyer can build a strong case and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How to Prepare for Your First Visit
Preparing for your first visit with a personal injury lawyer can ensure that you make the most of your time together. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your first visit.
Gather Relevant Documents and Information
Before your first visit with a personal injury lawyer, gather all relevant documents and information related to your case.
This may include:
- Police reports
- Medical records and bills
- Insurance policies
- Witness statements
- Photos or videos of the accident scene
- Any correspondence with insurance companies or other parties involved in the case
Having all of this information organized and easily accessible can help your lawyer better understand the specifics of your case and provide you with more accurate advice. If you don’t possess some or any of it, however, don’t worry bring what you can. Your lawyer can obtain the rest for you.
Write Down Your Own Questions and Concerns
In addition to gathering all relevant documents and information, bring paper and a pen to write down what you and your lawyer discuss during your first visit. This can ensure that you don't forget anything important and that you get the answers you need.
By taking the time to prepare for your first visit with a personal injury lawyer, you can get the most out of your time together and better prepare to move forward with your case.
Why Should You Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer from Redemption Law?
Obtaining legal representation for your personal injury case can significantly increase the damages you can recover. The first step is having an initial meeting with your lawyer. Not only does this consultation provide your lawyer with the information they need to determine the validity of your case and the extent of your damages, but it also gives you an opportunity to interview the lawyer to decide if they are the best lawyer for you.
You will find hundreds of attorneys in Miami and throughout Florida with whom you can discuss your personal injury case. Look for an experienced attorney who will treat you with dignity and respect. The Miami personal injury lawyers with Redemption Law have the experience, client approval, and track record to see your case through to resolution. Contact our personal injury law firm in Miami today for your free consultation and case evaluation.