Accidents are unforeseen and when it happens, most people are unprepared and do not know what to do. At this point, a person may require getting an injury lawyer considering that there will be a lot of uncertainties. If you are in such a situation, you may have to find a personal injury lawyer to represent you. However, the market is saturated, and hiring one can be quite a task. This article will discuss some of the various questions you should ask your potential personal injury lawyer to know more about them.
What is your specialization?
Some lawyers work on general cases while others concentrate in specific fields. There is a very big difference in the way they handle their cases. If you want proper representation, hire an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases like The Rice Firm. Attorneys who specialize in various areas have specialized skills and have mastered the way through dealing with such cases.
How much courtroom knowledge do you have?
You must also know if the attorney has any experience in the courtroom. Some of the specialists do not go to court and if you hire them to handle your case, you may have lower chances of winning. If the defendant notices that the attorney is afraid of going to court, they may offer a small settlement for you. Hence, you need to know the courtroom knowledge of the attorney.
Have you handled similar cases and what is the success rate?
Personal injury cases come in different forms and just because a lawyer specializes in that field is not an assurance that they have all the skills. The best thing to know if they are perfect is by checking if they have handled similar cases and how these cases turned out. They could specialize in the field but have zero success rates.
What is your payment plan?
Most lawyers work on a contingency fee but it is vital to confirm with yours. Let the lawyer tell you how much you will pay them after the case. There are things you need to know about the costs of the case.
- You will pay the agreed amount after you win your case but both of you must decide when to pay.
- You will also need to agree on who will cover the costs in case you lose the case. Find out if the lawyer will absorb these costs or you will have to pay them.
Who handles your cases?
Most senior lawyers do not handle the case alone. They have secretaries and a support team who handle minor issues. The attorney handles the major and legal issues and leaves the rest to the team. The junior attorneys are qualified people who have experience in conducting such cases. It is vital to know how the lawyer handles the case.
Can you provide references for past clients?
The past clients can greatly help you determine how your case will work out and how your relationship with the specialist will be. Therefore, know if the professional can provide referrals. The information from past clients with similar cases can help you determine the cost, time frame, and results.
The Bottom Line
Asking the above questions is the only way you can know if the lawyer is ideal to handle your case. You need to know them well before hiring them to avoid disappointments later. These questions will help you find a qualified attorney experienced enough to win.