The decision to hire an attorney to represent you during a personal injury claim can be the best one for your peace of mind and financial future. Many cases need legal representation to adequately compensate victims for their losses. Do not hire just any personal injury lawyer, however. It is important to take the time to research the right attorney for you. After you schedule a free consultation with your top choice in Phoenix, ask the lawyer certain questions to see if he or she is the right fit for you.
Do You Have the Right Experience for My Case?
Different personal injury attorneys have experience with different types of cases and accidents. It is important for a lawyer to understand the special rules and issues related to your accident type. After you describe your accident and injuries, ask the attorney if he or she has handled cases similar to yours. While the lawyer should still tailor his or her advice and strategies to your unique case, he or she should hav`e experience with your case type. If you were in a motorcycle accident, for example, find a lawyer with previous clients who were motorcycle accident victims. There is no substitute for real hands-on legal experience.
Who Will Be Handling My Case?
Many law firms – especially mill-type law firms – pass their cases off to people at the firm who are not attorneys, such as paralegals and assistants. Large mill-type firms may do this so they can accept as many cases at a time to maximize their profits. You want a law firm that is transparent with who will be the chief attorney handling your case. If people other than the lawyer you are talking to will work on your case, ask for their names and job titles. It is important to know exactly who your advocate during a personal injury claim will be.
Do You Have Any Relevant Success Stories?
Ask the lawyer for a few examples of victories or satisfied clients who had cases similar to yours. Although a history of success does not guarantee that the lawyer will win your case, confirming that the law firm has handled cases like yours and won can give you more confidence in the capabilities of your attorney. Read past client testimonials for a feel of how the law firm treats its clients, as well.
How Often Do Your Cases Go to Trial?
Your personal injury attorney should have skill and experience both in and out of the courtroom in Arizona. Ask how often the lawyer’s cases go to trial. If the lawyer’s answer is a very small amount or never, it could be a sign that he or she is willing to accept a small, fast settlement over fighting for maximum results for his or her clients. No trial history could also weaken the lawyer’s command during negotiations with an insurance company. Choose an attorney with proven trial capabilities and successful jury verdicts for aggressive representation.
How Long Does it Typically Take to Finish a Case Like Mine?
Getting an idea of how long it might take for the lawyer to resolve your case could give you a rough time estimate. Although many factors can change the timeline of your personal injury case, having a baseline provided by the lawyer could better prepare you for the process ahead. Your attorney should be on the same page as you about resolving your case as quickly and efficiently as possible.
What Are Your Fees?
The fees a personal injury lawyer charges should be fair, reasonable and easy to understand. Ask about the law firm’s fee structure upfront, during your first consultation with the attorney. The attorney should answer your question directly and in a way that is simple to comprehend. Find an attorney who operates on a contingency fee basis for maximum affordability. This fee structure means you will not pay for your lawyer unless you receive financial compensation during your claim. Different law firms charge different percentages within their contingency fee systems. Ask the lawyer for his or her specific fees to know what you are getting into.
Choosing your Phoenix personal injury lawyer is an important decision. Ask the right questions to find the perfect fit for your case.