Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney

Whether bad luck struck in the form of a distracted driver, a careless property owner, or a thoughtless store manager—the consequences of a personal injury reach far beyond the moment of impact.

It has physical, financial, mental, and social repercussions that are often difficult to navigate. A personal injury attorney can guide you and help protect your rights. But how do you choose the right attorney for you and your unique circumstances?

To help you get the most out of your initial consultation, we’ve compiled a list of questions to ask.

1. How many years of experience do you have practicing personal injury law?

While years of experience might not make or break how to choose an attorney, it can provide peace of mind. An attorney with several years of experience will have seen more cases play out, making it easier to spot issues. In addition to asking how long the attorney has been practicing, ask which areas of law they focus on.

2. Have you handled cases like mine? What were the outcomes?

This inquiry can open a wider conversation about the attorney’s qualifications and experience. From the type of accident to the sustained injuries, the attorney should share cases with similar circumstances in addition to the outcomes. (You can also request testimonials.)

What to look out for: generic answers lacking details.
A good personal injury attorney should be detailed and thorough when explaining their experience and qualifications.

3. What are my case’s pros and cons?

While cases can be similar, every situation is unique. The attorney should highlight which aspects are and which are not in your case’s favor. After pinpointing strengths and weaknesses, the attorney should then highlight their experience dealing with any complications and offer possible solutions.

What to look out for: avoidance or exaggerated claims.
No situation is without its individual complexities. This should be an open and honest conversation about the hurdles you might encounter and how they can be addressed.

4. What is your proposed strategy?

It’s important that you understand the plan. You should receive a detailed strategy on how the attorney will approach your case. From reviewing records to negotiating with insurance companies, a good attorney should prepare you so that you know what to expect—both in the event of a settlement or if your case goes to trial.

5. What are my case’s potential outcomes?

While you should always keep in mind that an attorney can’t guarantee a result, they can give you an idea of probable outcomes. Again, a detailed outline of possible results should be communicated in the event of a settlement or court case.

What to look out for: unrealistic claims.
A good attorney will lead with transparency and offer no guarantees.

6. How long will it take to resolve my case? What factors could affect the timeline?

While attorneys are unable to give a definitive answer on timelines, they should pinpoint the multiple factors at play. The severity of your injuries and the complexities of your case —as well as insurance company cooperation—all have an impact. Furthermore, if settlement negotiations fail and a lawsuit ensues, this will affect your timeline.

7. What are your fees? What other expenses should I expect?

Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency. This means they receive a percentage of your settlement or verdict if they win the case. If they lose, they do not get paid.

However, attorney fees are separate from legal fees. The contingency fee covers the cost of your attorney, but it doesn’t cover certain costs incurred by your attorney while working on your case. Examples include medical record retrieval costs, court filing fees, and travel expenses. Make sure to ask about those fees so that you know what to expect.

What to look out for: unclear communication about fees.

You want to leave your consultation with a clear understanding of both your attorney’s fees and possible legal fees.

8. When should I expect to hear from you, and how?

Your attorney should provide a specific timeframe for when they will contact you after reviewing your case details. They should also touch base frequently, keeping you informed on your case’s progress. Whether you best communicate via phone, email, text, or in-person, your preferences can be accommodated.

Lastly, rest assured that there are no “stupid” or “silly” questions. A personal injury case can involve many complications and unknowns; if you think of a question not listed here, be sure to ask.

Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law understand the impact a personal injury can have on all aspects of your life. If you are ready to work with a legal team who will represent you during this frustrating time, call our office or complete our contact form today to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Chattanooga, North Georgia, and Cleveland for your convenience.