If you have had the misfortune of getting injured in a car accident or were hurt in any other kind of accident that resulted in personal injuries, you may be wondering what to look for when hiring an attorney to pursue compensation on your behalf. There are a few different questions you should ask a personal injury attorney that you are considering hiring to handle your case to make sure that they are the right lawyer for you.
What Kinds of Cases Do You Handle on a Regular Basis?
One of the most important questions to ask an attorney you are considering for your case is to ask what types of cases they typically handle. There are many attorneys that are general practitioners, which means they take on a variety of different cases in several different areas of law. While these attorneys may be skilled at what they do, many times it is better to choose an attorney that solely focuses on one or a few closely related areas of law. This is because if an attorney focuses on one area of law, they tend to have in-depth knowledge of it, which would benefit you as a client.
What Will You Charge for My Case?
Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that whatever they recover for you in a settlement or after a trial, they will receive a certain percentage of that sum. Typically, this type of agreement also means that if the attorney is not successful and does not recover any compensation for you, you will not be responsible for attorney fees. If your case does go to trial though and you lose, you may end up owing some of the costs associated with the case. For these reasons, it is important to get details regarding any costs you may incur from any attorney you are considering for your case.
How Long Have You Been Handling Personal Injury Cases?
Generally, you will find that attorneys practicing in your area that handle personal injury cases or medical malpractice cases will charge the same contingency fee regardless of how long they have been practicing. While an attorney who has been practicing for only a few years may be great at what they do, you may want to consider hiring an attorney with a decade or more of experience if it will ultimately cost you the same.
An attorney that has been practicing for ten years or more will likely have experience with one or several different cases that are very similar to yours. This can benefit you as they can give you a realistic picture of what your case may be worth when you are deciding between accepting a settlement offer or going forward with a trial. Their several years of experience handling cases like yours can give you significant insight when you are making that important decision.
How Often Do You Take Cases to Trial?
Most people tend to assume that all personal injury attorneys are in court trying cases on a regular basis. This is not entirely accurate. There are many personal injury attorneys that have very minimal jury trial experience, or even no trial experience at all. It is a good idea to ask any personal injury attorney you are thinking of hiring to handle your case if they take cases to trial, and if so, how often they are in court trying cases. You will want assurance that if the circumstances necessitate going to trial on your case that your attorney is more than capable of seeing your case all the way through to a jury verdict.
Are You A Member of Any Trial Attorney Associations?
Many trial attorneys that practice personal injury law are members of state and national organizations of attorneys that represent victims of injuries. These types of organizations have legal publications and hold conferences for continuing legal education. They are also actively involved in proposed legislation that may affect their clients, as well as getting involved in Appellate Court cases that may impact the future of their practice. These attorney groups often meet or have discussions on various pertinent legal topics through e-mail groups. It is a good idea to ask if an attorney you are considering is a member of any of these groups since these resources may benefit you as a client.
If you are in need of a personal injury attorney, contact California attorney Johann Hall. Attorney Johann Hall has vast experience in the area of personal injury law and has likely handled many cases that are similar to yours. Contact our office today at (707) 360-8717 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation to further discuss your legal needs.
FAQ on Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
What should I look for when hiring a personal injury attorney?
When hiring a personal injury attorney, it’s crucial to ensure they specialize in personal injury law rather than being a general practitioner. Specialized attorneys have in-depth knowledge and experience, which can be highly beneficial for your case. Additionally, check their track record, client reviews, and whether they offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
What types of cases does a personal injury attorney typically handle?
Personal injury attorneys usually handle cases involving car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and product liability. Specializing in these areas allows them to navigate the complexities of personal injury law effectively and advocate for maximum compensation on your behalf.
How do personal injury attorneys charge for their services?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Typically, they receive a percentage of the settlement or judgment, often around 33% to 40%. Make sure to discuss any additional costs you might incur, such as court fees or expert witness fees, before proceeding.
How much experience should a personal injury attorney have?
Experience is key in personal injury law. While newer attorneys can be competent, those with over a decade of experience often bring valuable insights and familiarity with similar cases. Experienced attorneys can provide a realistic assessment of your case’s potential value and the best strategy to pursue.
How often does a personal injury attorney take cases to trial?
Not all personal injury attorneys frequently go to trial. It’s important to ask about their trial experience because a willingness and ability to go to court can pressure insurance companies to offer fair settlements. An attorney with substantial trial experience is better equipped to handle your case if it proceeds to court.
Are personal injury attorneys members of trial attorney associations?
Many reputable personal injury attorneys are members of state and national trial lawyer associations. These memberships indicate a commitment to staying current with legal trends and continuing education. Organizations like the American Association for Justice provide resources that can enhance an attorney’s effectiveness in representing your case.
What are the benefits of hiring a specialized personal injury attorney?
Specialized personal injury attorneys bring targeted expertise and experience to your case. They are more likely to be familiar with the nuances of personal injury law and can leverage this knowledge to build a strong case, negotiate effectively, and maximize your compensation.
What should I expect during my first consultation with a personal injury attorney?
During the initial consultation, the attorney will review the details of your case, assess its merits, and discuss potential legal strategies. This meeting is also your opportunity to ask about their experience, fees, and how they plan to handle your case. Most attorneys offer this consultation for free.
How important are client reviews when choosing a personal injury attorney?
Client reviews provide insight into an attorney’s professionalism, communication skills, and success rate. Positive reviews and testimonials can indicate a strong track record and satisfied clients. Be sure to read reviews from multiple sources to get a comprehensive understanding of the attorney’s reputation.
What should I ask a personal injury attorney before hiring them?
Before hiring a personal injury attorney, ask about their experience with cases like yours, their trial experience, fee structure, and membership in professional organizations. It’s also helpful to inquire about their communication practices and how often they will update you on your case’s progress.
