After an accident, you need to ask questions that deal with a lawyer’s experience, fees, and the services they provide before hiring a law firm. Asking the right six questions to your personal injury lawyer can ensure that you select an attorney who can provide the representation and support you need.
You can learn more about what to ask an Augusta personal injury lawyer right now.
#1: What’s Your Experience With Cases Like Mine?
You should always ask a lawyer if they have experience handling cases similar to yours. An attorney with experience in the specific area of the law that you’re dealing with can confidently assist with your legal challenges.
You may also ask follow-up questions like:
How Many Successful Verdicts Have You Won?
You have a right to know how many successes a law firm has before you hire them to handle your claim. You can ask how many court verdicts they have in their favor and how they handled these successful cases.
How Many Cases Like Mine Have You Resolved Out of Court?
Lawyers can often handle accident claims without a lawsuit. Instead, the firm may resolve these cases out of court by negotiating a settlement with the insurance company that represents the liable party. You can ask how many successful negotiations the company has handled.
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#2: What Tactics Can You Use to Handle My Case?
Asking a lawyer about the tactics they plan to use to address your legal challenges can give you a better idea about whether they’re a good fit for you. You can ask more detailed questions about:
The Potential Weaknesses of Your Case
All personal injury cases have potential weaknesses. Your lawyer should provide information about potential issues you could face and how they plan to address these hurdles on your behalf.
Why the Lawyer Thinks You Have a Solid Case
You can ask the attorney why they believe you have a solid chance of securing fair compensation before signing any paperwork. The lawyer should provide you with a few reasons why they think you can receive compensation.
#3: How Much Does it Cost to Hire You?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis in Georgia. They only take payment for legal fees after they resolve a claim for their client. These firms receive a percentage of each client’s final compensation as payment for their services.
You should ask what percentage the law firm charges and about any other potential fees for your claim. For example, the firm may expect you to pay for postage or the cost of copying documents. All of these costs can add up, so you should understand them before taking legal action.
You should also ask the law firm if their fees change if your case needs to go to trial. In some cases, law firms increase their contingency fee percentage when handling a lawsuit. We highly recommend that you include queries about fees in the questions you ask your personal injury lawyer.
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#4: How Will You Communicate With Me Throughout the Legal Process?
You should question personal injury attorneys about how they plan to update you and keep you in the loop during the legal process. Some firms only reach out if they have news about the claim, while others provide more regular reports.
You should find out if the firm will answer your calls or reply to emails if you have questions or concerns. You may also ask about a contact person at the firm. For example, the firm may expect you to direct your inquiries to:
- Paralegals
- Assistants
- Attorneys
Knowing who to reach out to with your concerns can help you maintain your peace of mind during the legal process, so we strongly recommend you add this to your six questions to ask your personal injury attorney.
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#5: What’s the Value of My Case?
You can ask the lawyer what they think about the value of your case before you pick a law firm. The attorney may not provide an exact value for your claim, but they can help you decide if you qualify to file a claim for funds to pay for your:
- Medical bills
- Lost pay
- Pain, emotional distress, and suffering
You may also ask other questions about compensation for your claim. For example, many people ask: are personal injury settlements taxable? Generally, federal and state governments do not tax these settlements, but some portions of them may apply for taxation.
A lawyer can provide more detailed information about your settlement and taxes.
#6: How Long Will My Claim Take?
You can ask your attorney how long they believe it will take to resolve your claim. However, you should know that the answer to this question often depends on the complexity of your claim, the extent of your losses, and other factors.
In many cases, it takes several months to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. A lawsuit against the liable party could take a year or more.
You may also wonder how long after an accident you can file a claim. Generally, you only have two years to move forward with your claim after an accident. If you wait too long, the statute of limitations in Georgia will expire.
Ask Us Any Questions You Have About Your Personal Injury Claim
Our team at Barrios Virguez Attorneys can provide answers to the questions you have to ask your personal injury lawyer. We take the time to provide clear and straightforward answers when you reach out to us for help after an accident.
Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.
Call or text 678-888-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
