Legal
Questions to Ask Your Personal Injury Attorney Before Hiring Them
Stats show that Ventura County witnesses around 42 fatalities resulting from accidents annually. If you’ve been in an accident or other dangerous situation where another party was at fault, it’s natural to want to hire a personal injury attorney.
When you are injured, the legal system can seem intimidating. You may not know what legal questions to ask or how your case will proceed.
Due to the common misconceptions about Ventura County personal injury attorney, it is wise for you to ask a few questions.
- What Experience Do You Have?
Personal injury attorneys often specialize in a particular area of the law. For example, some might only handle workers’ compensation cases, while others may limit their practice to specific types of accidents involving car collisions or truck accidents.
Ask how much legal experience the lawyer has with personal injury cases similar to yours. If you have been in a car collision, ask how much experience they have with car accidents.
- What Are the Legal Strengths and Weaknesses of the Case?
Your attorney should be able to look at your case objectively to determine its merits and what might happen if your accident case goes to trial. However, an inexperienced personal injury attorney will not be able to provide you with a comprehensive answer.
This point could be a strategic red flag; it may indicate that they do not have experience in personal injury cases.
- What Is Your Strategy for the Case?
An excellent personal injury lawyer should develop a plan of action to get you the compensation you deserve. They should explain how they intend to build your case and what specific steps they’ll take to get results.
Suppose your Ventura County personal injury attorney cannot provide specifics about their plans for your case. In that case, this could be a sign that either they lack experience or have no strong chance for your situation.
- What Will the Case Cost?
Some Ventura car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they charge no upfront costs. Instead, they receive a percentage of the amount you win in court or through out-of-court negotiations with the other party’s insurance company.
Be wary of any attorney who promises to take your case for free or not charge you unless they win your case. Most personal injury attorneys in the county work on a contingency fee basis, and if the attorney you’re considering doesn’t, this could be a sign that something is amiss.
- How Do You Communicate With Clients?
An excellent personal injury lawyer should keep you informed about your case. Make sure to ask how they communicate with their clients and what information they provide.
Some may prefer in-person meetings, while others may opt for phone calls or emails. Your attorney should explain why they typically use one method over another.
- Who Will Handle the Case?
Your personal injury attorney might be the face of your case, but they should let you know who will lead in gathering evidence and building your argument.
Multiple attorneys might work on your case. Be sure to ask which attorneys will work on different aspects of your case so that you’re always able to get in touch with whomever you need.
Injured? Contact Brooklyn Injury Lawyers, P.C. for a free consultation!
Final Thoughts
Personal injury attorneys can be your best ally as you navigate the legal system. Hiring the right one for your needs is crucial to getting your compensation.