The most disturbing thing about accidents is that they come without any warning, yet they can have a profound and long-term impact on the life of the victim and their family members. The consequences can be emotional, physical and financial.
If you or someone whom you know has suffered a personal injury and wants to bring a claim for damages, it is essential to contact an attorney. A successful case could yield the funds needed to cover healthcare costs, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses.
Unfortunately, just like any profession, some lawyers do not have the experience or dedication to provide effective legal services. If you are hiring a personal injury attorney, here are a few questions that you need to ask:
What Is Your Specialty?
The first and most important question you need to ask an attorney is about their experience. Obviously, you wouldn’t visit a criminal lawyer if you have suffered an accident. Law is a diverse profession, so seldom will you come across an attorney who knows everything about this field. Even two personal injury attorneys might have very different specializations. So when you’re looking for the maximum compensation in your case, you need to find a lawyer with a track record of success in cases that are similar to yours.
Will Paralegals and Other Attorneys Work on My Case?
Sometimes paralegals and attorneys who do not attend the initial consultation will play a major role in the case. This isn’t inherently bad, but you should inquire about this and emphasize that you will expect regular updates on the case, and that you will not be pleased if your case is passed off to someone who lacks experience. Be sure to get a direct line of contact to the lawyer you meet with.
How Long Will It Take for You to Solve My Case?
Don’t forget to ask about the expected time it will take for the case to get resolved. Unfortunately, no lawyer can guarantee to resolve your case by a particular date, nor can they promise to secure a specific dollar figure. However, by asking this question, the attorney can help you understand the factors that could influence the duration of the proceedings and can explain what they will do (and what you can do) to potentially shorten the case.
Some lawyers have a tendency to accept settlements too early. You should therefore find a law firm with an extensive background in litigation. If you need a car accident lawyer in Fresno, reach out to Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. for a free consultation.
What Outcomes Have You Won in Similar Cases?
The lawyer you hire should have a history of winning substantial settlements and verdicts in cases like yours. This will give you confidence that the lawyer knows the most effective strategies to employ throughout the proceedings and will be able to anticipate and prepare for disputes before they arise. And if the lawyer has litigation experience, you can rest assured that they are willing to file a lawsuit and proceed to discovery if the opposing party is unreasonable.