Questions to Ask Your Personal Injury Lawyer at Your First Meeting

Questions to Ask Your Personal Injury Lawyer at Your First Meeting

The first meeting with a personal injury lawyer will likely come in the form of a consultation. At this meeting, you may ask the attorney about their experience, style of representation, willingness to take legal action for you, and commitment to ensuring your satisfaction.

Asking thoughtful questions when meeting with a personal injury lawyer can help you find the best available attorney to represent you.

Even after you hire your lawyer, you should continue to ask any questions throughout the case. This will inform you, empower you to make good decisions, and maximize their valuable resources.

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What You Need to Know About Your Initial Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer 

Your free consultation will prepare you for whatever lies ahead in your case, but you should first prepare for the consultation itself.

Some Productive Questions to Ask a Lawyer During Your Consultation

First, let’s cover some questions you might ask during the initial consultation, which include:

• Do you think I have a case?
• Have you or your firm handled cases similar to mine before? If so, how many?
• How long has the attorney who will handle my case been practicing?
• What results have the specific attorney, and your firm more broadly, secured in cases similar to mine? 
• How will you ensure my satisfaction throughout my case?
• What is your fee structure? Will I have to pay any out-of-pocket costs if I hire you?
• Are you willing to file a lawsuit or take my case to trial if we determine these are viable options in my case?
• I know you can’t guarantee a result, but do you know how much my case may recover?

These are some productive questions, but you don’t have to stick directly to this list. If you have any other questions that you want answered, feel free to ask. This is what consultations are for.

Consultations Are Typically Free, But Your Time May Be Limited—So Come Prepared

Because personal injury lawyers do not typically charge prospective clients for a consultation, they must set reasonable time limits on these meetings. This ensures that clients have a productive amount of time to speak with the lawyer, and that no single client interferes with others who need to speak with the firm’s representatives.

With this potential time limit in mind, you should:

• Take time to prepare for the consultation
• Have your questions ready, and order them from most important to least important
• When you meet the attorney, ask them whether there will be a specific time at which the consultation will end
• Be respectful of your own time (and the attorney’s) by asking meaningful questions that are relevant to your case

You want to get the very most out of the consultation, and being prepared is the surest way to maximize the time.

It’s Your Moment to Interview Your Prospective Lawyer

You should remember that the consultation is your time to interview the attorney. 

While they will likely ask you questions to extract necessary information, keep in mind that:

• Choosing a lawyer is a significant decision, so you should feel confident when hiring a law firm
• Trusting your instincts is never a bad idea when choosing between prospective personal injury lawyers

Nevertheless, do not delay unnecessarily when looking for a lawyer. States set deadlines for filing personal injury cases. Some, like Washington, generally give you three years from the date the harm occurs. Others, like California, set a shorter deadline, at just two years.

Do not think that “years” means you have time to wait. Much may need to happen before your lawyer files a case, and you deserve justice as soon as possible.

You May Complete Multiple Consultations to Find the Right Lawyer

Remember that consultations come with no obligation to hire the firm. While you will want to choose your lawyer in a reasonable time, you might complete multiple consultations to find the right law firm for you.

Just remember that time is of the essence once you decide to hire an attorney. Uncollected evidence may disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade with time, and other aspects of your case demand quick action.

You’ve Hired Your Personal Injury Attorney. Here’s What to Do Now

We want you to feel prepared and empowered even after you hire a lawyer. While your attorney should provide comprehensive advice that protects you, we would encourage you to:

Keep Asking Questions as They Arise—It’s Your Lawyer’s Job to Give You Answers

Don’t think that your consultation is the only time you’re permitted to ask questions. An attorney is a multi-faceted resource, and answering your questions is one of their most important duties.

Some questions you might ask as your case moves forward are:

• When can I expect updates from you?
• Are you thinking that a lawsuit might be a viable strategy?
• Do the insurance companies seem willing to negotiate a fair deal?
• Is there anything else I should be doing to improve the odds of my case’s success?

Again, if any question emerges in your mind, you should have no hesitation in asking your lawyer or another member of your legal team.

Keep Your Own Records (They May Help Your Case)

Your attorney will gather any records that may be relevant to your case.

It does not hurt to keep your own records, too, which may include:

• Any medical bills, doctors’ notes, or other documentation related to your injuries
• A mental health professional’s diagnosis of any pain and suffering you’ve endured (such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety)
• Your own written or recorded description of physical pain, discomfort, psychological and emotional struggles, or other types of pain and suffering

Your lawyer may suggest taking these steps. That said, your lawyer will work to make your case as easy as possible for you. Your legal team will gather as much documentation as possible, so you don’t have to—just don’t throw any records away if they might help your case.

You Did Your Due Diligence, So Trust Your Lawyer’s Advice

If you carefully choose your lawyer, you can trust their advice. Your lawyer will share anything you need to know or need to do as it relates to your case.

Simply let your lawyer take the lead. They will update you, help you make case-related decisions, and ensure you’re in a position to recover—while taking every aspect of your case off your hands.

How Personal Injury Lawyers Fight for Their Clients

A lawyer can be many things for you. They will answer your questions, give you advice, and make sure you get all the care you need for physical injuries, emotional anguish, and psychological distress. When you need someone to bounce case-related ideas off or to address your concerns—you may have guessed, but a lawyer will help.

Your lawyer’s greatest value may be their ability and willingness to lead your case from beginning to end. Expect your lawyer and their team to:

Get to Know You and Your Case (Which Means Listening to You)

Many who hire a personal injury lawyer need someone to listen to them. Great lawyers know that, by listening to the client, they can provide better legal solutions.

Expect your attorney to:

• Ask you why you approached their firm, and what you hope to gain from your case
• Get your account of the event(s) that led you to hire the attorney
• Address any questions or concerns you present, or that they anticipate based on your conversation

Your lawyer will work to earn your trust right away, and they will strive to maintain that trust throughout your case.

Present a Case Plan Customized for You

Once your attorney understands the facts of your case, they will present you with their plan.

Two primary strategies personal injury lawyers use are:

• Filing insurance claims
• Filing lawsuits

If you and your attorney file a lawsuit, you may need to go to trial. You can provide feedback about the case strategy at any time. Know that this strategy is subject to change. If insurance companies do not negotiate with your lawyer in good faith, for example, you may need to sue.

Quickly Seek Evidence Supporting Your Case

One common thread throughout personal injury cases is negligence. Someone engages in negligent behavior, and another person—you, in this case—suffers as a result.

Your attorney will pursue any evidence that shows the at-fault party’s negligence. Witness statements, expert testimony, and video are three of several types of evidence your lawyer might use in your case.

Document Harm You’ve Suffered Because of the Liable Parties’ Negligence

You can’t win your case without proving damages.

Your lawyer may prove your damages by:

• Contacting medical providers: Medical records and bills are relevant to most personal injury cases. Your attorney will request these records from your medical providers. If you already have these records in your possession, you’ll likely turn them over to your lawyer.
• Hiring experts: Expert opinions can carry heavy weight in a personal injury case. Economists, mental health experts, medical professionals, and others may provide evidence of your recoverable damages. 
• Pulling relevant financial records: Bank statements, receipts for case-related services (like vehicle repairs), and estimates for future expenses can show the financial cost of your damages. 
• Putting you on the record: Your words can be powerful. Plus, you may be the only one who can articulate the burden of physical pain, emotional anguish, the inability to work, and other damages you’re suffering through.

Your lawyer won’t feel satisfied with presenting some proof of your damages. They will secure all documentation that indicates the harm you suffered.

Fighting for the Best Possible Settlement Offer

Attorneys strive to change their clients’ lives in real, tangible ways. Negotiating fair settlements is one of the most common ways for lawyers to achieve this goal.

Though each client has a unique case strategy, your lawyer may seek a settlement on your behalf. If liable parties won’t negotiate in good faith or other factors prevent a settlement, you may need to take additional legal action.

Damages That Your Personal Injury Attorney May Pursue Compensation For

You must speak with a personal injury lawyer. Having a one-on-one conversation will allow them to provide answers and advice tailor-made for you. 

That one-on-one conversation will touch on the details of your damages, which may include:

• Healthcare costs
• Lost income, lost earning power, missed bonus opportunities, lost benefits, and other professional harm that 
• Pain and suffering, which can include physical pain, mental health deficits, and several other non-economic damages
• Property-related costs

Your damages are unique. A lawyer’s evaluation of your damages will help. They will overlook nothing. Don’t wait to find your attorney so they can start fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Can I Afford the Cost of a Personal Injury Lawyer? Yes, Everyone Can.

Contingency fees are how personal injury lawyers extend their services to even clients who are in dire financial circumstances.

With this fee agreement, your firm will cover your case costs. Your lawyer will only receive a fee if they secure compensation for you. This means no out-of-pocket costs for your legal services.

Why You Should Hire Your Personal Injury Attorney as Soon as Possible

There may be a filing deadline for your case. If you don’t hire a lawyer in time to clear this deadline, you may lose your opportunity to pursue a fair financial recovery. Do not wait to hire your personal injury lawyer.

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