How To Get The Most Out Of Your Personal Injury Consultation

Ask The Right Questions

How Much Experience Do You Have?

Don’t be afraid to ask any question that can provide insight into your case and the law firm you’re speaking with.

Any lawyer or law firm worth your time will happily answer any question you have.

Ask about the experience they have, but be specific. Even if they have been a lawyer longer than you’ve been alive, you still need to be sure their experience is with personal injuries.

They should be familiar with personal injury claims so they can make the process as efficient as possible. 

It’s also essential to have a good rapport with your lawyer because communication is vital when working on a personal injury case.

What Results Have You Achieved For Past Clients?

Another question to ask is how much money they have received in past settlements and if they’ve handled cases similar to yours.

Some lawyers specialize in large, catastrophic cases, so it might seem impressive when they tell you they’ve won millions of dollars for their clients.

But this doesn’t apply to your case if you’re a private citizen suing an insurance company in an auto accident. 

You should always know if they can handle (and win) cases like yours.

What Are Your Legal Fees?

Perhaps the most crucial question to ask is about legal fees.

Legal fees will vary, and they often depend on how far a case will go before it’s resolved.

Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, usually ranging between 25% to 40%. That means they only get paid when you get a recovery for your case. 

That might make it seem like you should accept the first offer you get to avoid adding up legal fees, but you should make sure you get a fair settlement amount. 

Know that you’re not expected to pay upfront in contingency cases, and your lawyers should set expectations upfront.

Who Will Be Your Point of Contact?

If you can, you should try to meet your lawyer in person, especially at the beginning. 

The first lawyer you speak with might not be the primary person you’re working with in some firms. 

This is okay for some people, and it can depend on your preference or level of acceptance, but it’s a good idea to get to know who you will be working with if you have further questions or concerns. 

If you have a question about your case, like if it is being handled properly, you can always schedule an in-person meeting or a meeting via teleconference.