After the stress of an accident, the stress of picking out a personal injury attorney can be overwhelming. A quick internet search will overload you with a million results for what to ask. How do you know which questions are the most essential?
It’s important to ask yourself what you’re truly hoping to get out of this situation. Everyone’s case and needs are uniquely different. You’ll want a Colorado Springs personal injury attorney who is the right fit for you. After all, you’ll be working closely with the person for a while and you want to be sure their process works for you.
To help you find out if you’ll have a good working relationship, here are the 10 questions you should ask a personal injury lawyer when you meet with them.
1. What Areas Of Law Do You Practice?
Naturally, you’re going to want an attorney who has experience related to your particular case. While many attorney websites mention all kinds of experience, it’s always a good idea to ask them about their background. Ask for examples of some cases similar to yours or about how many wins versus losses they’ve experienced. Additionally, personal injury cases benefit hugely from a lawyer who has experience dealing with insurance companies. Be sure to check with their legal team to make sure they have the expertise to negotiate with insurers to win you fair compensation.
2. Do You Have Trial Experience?
Most personal injury cases are settled outside of court through negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company or third party. Nonetheless, a high-quality lawyer will handle each case as though it will go to trial from the very beginning. In this way, they prepare a strong case that will have a winning outcome, whatever comes to pass. Be sure to ask the attorney about their trial experience. A well-practiced trial attorney will know all the ins and outs of your local Colorado Springs court system and be able to give you a strong understanding of what to expect.
3. How Large Is Your Firm And Who Will Work On My Case?
Large and small legal firms each have their unique pros and cons. Often the question of which one is best comes down to your specific case and preferences. Some people prefer the personal touch they get from a small firm. They may appreciate the ability to have more direct contact with the lead attorney. A larger firm benefits from a big team, replete with investigators and paralegals to help with your case. If you go with a larger firm, be sure to ask who your point of contact will be.
4. What Makes Your Firm Stand Out From The Rest?
Just like when you’re in a job interview, giving someone the chance to freely talk about what sets them apart can be especially revealing. This free-form question will give you a chance to hear who your attorney truly is and what’s important to them. This helps you get a sense of whether they fit your personal preferences. During your time working with an attorney, you’re going to share a lot of personal and potentially emotional issues. You want to have a good rapport with your legal representative and feel comfortable in trusting them.
5. How Long Until You Can Resolve My Case?
It’s important for your attorney to give you a clear sense of a timeline for your case. If they are being evasive about it, it may be best to move on to the next attorney. Personal injury cases can be challenging and take time, but an experienced attorney always has a good sense of what to expect. A superior attorney can give you a sense of what challenges might slow a case down and why, helping to clarify any ambiguities.
6. Are You Able To Handle My Case?
Personal injury claims often require thorough investigation, meticulous documentation, and timely completion of legal tasks. You want to be sure about what your attorney will actually do on your personal injury case. Ask about their workload and availability to check if they have the necessary time and resources to devote to your case. You want to feel confident that your attorney will have a genuine commitment to your case.
Some follow-up questions should include how quickly they respond to communications or give you regular updates about the progress of your case. Finding an attorney with both the time and dedication to handle your case is essential. In this way, you can be sure that you receive the quality representation necessary for a successful outcome.
7. What Are The Issues You Foresee With My Case?
Even the simplest of personal injury cases isn’t immune to challenges. It’s important to ask your attorney about what they may see in your case that could cause any hiccups or delays. A trustworthy and skilled attorney will discuss potential obstacles in your case to keep you informed. They understand the complexity of the legal system and will manage expectations accordingly, ensuring everyone involved is fully prepared for any challenges that may arise. Their aim is to provide you with realistic insights based on their experience in successfully settling cases, whatever the challenges.
8. How Much Will I Need To Be Involved?
Be sure to ask about the level of involvement the attorney will require from you in your personal injury case. While your attorney will handle most of the legal aspects, it is important to understand how much participation and communication they expect from you. Questions you should ask include whether you need to attend court hearings or depositions, how often they will provide updates on your case’s progress, and if any specific documents or evidence need your attention.
Additionally, find out the attorney’s preferred method of communication – do they prefer phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings? This can help establish effective lines of communication. Knowing what is expected from you ensures that you can actively participate in your case and have a clear understanding of how things are progressing.
9. How Much Of A Settlement Can I Expect?
It’s no simple feat to quickly put a price on a personal injury case. However, an attorney who has handled similar cases before should be able to give you a general idea of what your case may be worth. Nonetheless, it’s important to understand that every case is unique, and there is no fixed amount for an injury claim. Various factors like special circumstances, individual conditions, and even the parties involved all affect how much your case could be worth.
No lawyer can guarantee an exact amount of compensation or promise that you will win your case. If an attorney promises such precise outcomes, it might be wise to seek advice from a different lawyer. You want a Colorado Springs attorney who won’t just tell you what you want to hear but instead provides honest guidance.
10. How Much Are Your Services, Whether I Win Or Not?
When trying to pick out the right lawyer, of course, the cost of services is on your mind. Most of us have seen advertisements for personal injury lawyers saying they don’t charge if you don’t win. How does this work?
When it comes to personal injury cases, almost all attorneys work with what is known as a contingency fee. Contingency fees are an arrangement between you and your attorney. Instead of paying upfront, the attorney will receive a percentage of the compensation awarded if they win your case. This means that if you don’t win or receive any compensation, you won’t owe your attorney any money for their services. The exact percentage varies and is worked out in advance between you and your attorney. Contingency fees allow people who may not have the funds to afford legal representation to pursue justice in personal injury cases.
Reach Out To A Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you’re looking for the right personal injury attorney for your case, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today for your free consultation. Our team of experienced Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys will look over your case and walk you through your options. With care and consideration, we’ll explain the whole process and let you know what kind of settlement we can win for you. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest caliber of legal representation. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to help you get your fair compensation.
