The Questions To Ask Your Personal Injury Lawyer Before Hiring
Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, ask about their experience with cases like yours, how fees are structured, who will handle your case, their track record of success, and what challenges they foresee.
Choosing the right lawyer after an accident is one of the most important decisions you can make. The personal injury attorney you select will guide you through the legal process, advocate for your rights, and influence the outcome of your case.
So, how do you know if a lawyer is truly the right fit? Asking the right questions before hiring ensures you understand their experience, approach, and commitment to your case.
In this guide, we outline the key questions to ask a personal injury lawyer before hiring so that you can move forward with confidence.
At The Sorenson Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to providing the highest-quality representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Questions To Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer Before Hiring
Knowing how to find a good personal injury lawyer can mean the difference between underrepresentation and full compensation.
Before choosing an attorney to represent you, it’s essential to understand what questions to ask a personal injury lawyer. These questions will help you evaluate the lawyer’s experience, communication style, and approach so you can find the right legal representation for your case.
1. Will You Personally Be Handling the Case? Who Will Be My Contact Person?
One of the first questions you should ask a personal injury attorney is whether they will personally handle your case or if it will be delegated to another attorney or paralegal within the firm.
In many personal injury firms, attorneys work as a team, but you want to make sure you know who your main point of contact will be. Clear communication is essential. Your lawyer should update you regularly and be accessible every step of the way.
2. What Is Your Contingency Fee?
Almost all personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation. You’ll want to ask what percentage they take or if they charge differently.
Be sure to ask about any additional costs, such as court filing fees or expert witness expenses. An experienced attorney should be able to clearly explain how their fees are structured so you fully understand before signing a representation agreement.
3. What Experience Do You Have Handling Personal Injury Cases Like Mine?
Every personal injury case is unique, whether it involves a car accident, brain injury, or another type of serious injury. Ask the attorney if they specialize in personal injury and what types of personal injury cases they most often take on.
You should also ask whether they have handled injury claims similar to yours and what their approach was.
They should be able to help you feel confident that they have the skill and knowledge to pursue your case effectively.
4. What Is Your Success Rate for This Type of Case?
An important question to ask before hiring is how often the lawyer has achieved favorable outcomes in cases like yours. While no attorney can guarantee results, an experienced lawyer should be able to share their track record of settlements and trial verdicts.
This gives you insight into their ability to secure a fair settlement or prevail in court. Don’t hesitate to ask this question, as past performance often reflects their capacity to handle your personal injury claim effectively.
5. What Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
It’s natural to want to know the potential value of your personal injury claim. An attorney will be able to provide a general estimate based on factors such as medical expenses, lost income, and the extent of your injuries but they need time to review your case thoroughly.
Settlement negotiations depend on the unique facts of your accident case and how fault for the accident is determined. Be sure to also ask whether they will pursue damages for pain and suffering or future losses caused by the accident.
6. What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of My Case?
One of the essential questions you should ask personal injury lawyers is how they evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case. A potential personal injury lawyer should explain how liability, evidence, and damages will factor into the outcome.
Injury cases tend to be stronger when supported by medical documentation, witness statements, and clear proof of who caused the accident. The lawyer should clearly discuss these factors with you.
By discussing both positives and challenges upfront, you’ll make sure your lawyer is giving you an honest and realistic assessment.
7. Can You Walk Me Through the Process?
It’s important to ask personal injury attorneys to explain the process step by step. During your initial consultation, the lawyer should outline how they will take your claim from filing through settlement negotiations or trial if necessary.
This conversation gives you a chance to ask if they’ll need expert testimony or how they deal with insurance companies. During your initial consultation, they should clearly describe what you can expect at every stage so you know how they plan to handle your claim.
8. What Happens if My Case Goes to Trial?
Although most injury victims settle outside of court, some cases require litigation. One of the key questions to ask a potential lawyer is whether they have trial experience and how often they’ve argued cases before a jury.
If you file a personal injury lawsuit through a competent lawyer, they will prepare thoroughly, gather strong evidence, and anticipate the defense’s strategies.
Asking this question helps ensure you’re choosing the right lawyer who won’t pressure you into accepting less than a fair result just to avoid trial.
9. How Long Will It Take To Resolve My Case?
Every personal injury case is different, and the time it takes to resolve them depends on many factors. The lawyer should explain that injury cases tend to take longer if liability is disputed, if damages are significant, or if insurance companies refuse to negotiate fairly.
While no attorney can guarantee a timeline, theyshould be able to provide an estimate based on similar cases they’ve handled. This will make sure you set realistic expectations from the start.
10. What if We Lose?
This is one of the most important kinds of questions to ask any lawyer before hiring. You want to make sure your lawyer explains what costs, if any, you’ll be responsible for if your case is unsuccessful.
Some personal injury lawyers work on a full contingency basis, meaning you owe nothing unless the attorney recovers compensation. Others may require you to cover certain litigation expenses, even if the trial outcome is not in your favor.
Asking this question upfront protects you financially and reveals whether or not the attorney is fully transparent about their policies.
Looking for a Personal Injury Attorney? What To Know
Finding the right lawyer after an accident can be stressful, especially when you are unfamiliar with personal injury law. Understanding what these attorneys do, when to seek their help, and how they can protect your rights will make the process less intimidating.
With the right knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to choose strong legal representation that truly meets your needs.
What Is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
A personal injury lawyer is a legal professional who represents individuals injured by another party’s negligence, whether from a car crash, slip and fall, or other accident.
These attorneys specialize in personal injury law and understand how to protect your rights while pursuing fair compensation. Their role is not only to file legal paperwork but also to explain your options and guide you through each stage of the process.
Choosing the right personal injury attorney means selecting someone who understands both the legal system and the real-world challenges injury victims face.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A personal injury lawyer will take on many responsibilities designed to strengthen your case. They investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, consult with medical experts if necessary, and negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
If settlement talks don’t result in fair compensation, your attorney is also prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you at trial.
When you hire a lawyer, you are gaining an advocate who understands the complexities of personal injury law and who will fight to maximize your recovery.
When To Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
The best time to hire a lawyer is as soon as possible after your accident. Early involvement allows your attorney to preserve key evidence, advise you on dealing with insurance adjusters, and prevent mistakes that could harm your claim.
Injury cases can be complex, and deadlines for filing may be shorter than you realize. An experienced attorney can step in quickly to protect your rights, reduce stress, and build a stronger case on your behalf.
Acting promptly ensures you’re choosing the right personal injury representation when you need it most.
Red Flags When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
While many attorneys are dedicated advocates, there are warning signs you should watch for when choosing representation. Recognizing these red flags can help you avoid costly mistakes:
- Lack of communication: Difficulty reaching your lawyer or getting updates.
- Unrealistic promises: Guarantees of specific results or unusually high compensation.
- No trial experience: Reluctance to go to court if settlement negotiations fail.
- Hidden fees: Unclear or vague explanations of costs.
- High caseload: Appearing too busy to give your case the attention it deserves.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation With The Sorenson Law Firm Today
At The Sorenson Law Firm, we help Arizona injury victims build strong cases and pursue full compensation.
With 100+ years of combined experience, our trial-tested team investigates accidents, secures evidence and experts, negotiates with insurers, and takes cases to court when needed. Rest assured that when you choose us, we’ll do everything possible to secure a positive outcome.
We serve clients across the Phoenix metro and offer a free consultation to explain your options and next steps. Contact us today to learn more about our success rates and how we will fight to protect your rights and ensure you receive just compensation.
Additional Resources
Those searching for a personal injury lawyer may find the following resources helpful, as they provide information regarding the standards to which an attorney should be held.
