Before you engage a lawyer to work on your personal injury claim, it’s important to find out whether they’re prepared to go to trial if necessary and how they’ll handle the payment of incidental costs associated with your claim.

Questions To Ask Your Personal Injury Lawyer

When you’re looking for a lawyer to represent you in a personal injury case, it pays to do your homework. Many lawyers offer free consultations during which you’ll have the opportunity to sit down with a representative from the firm who will assess the strength of your case. This is a good chance for you to evaluate whether this firm is a good fit for your needs, too. Here are some questions to ask any personal injury attorney you’re considering working with.

Are You Prepared to Go to Trial?

Ask your lawyer whether he or she is prepared to go to trial if the terms of a settlement offer are not acceptable to you. While settling a claim out of court is typically less costly and time-consuming than proceeding with a lawsuit, you’ll be in a better negotiating position if the representatives of the third party from whom you’re seeking damages understand that you and your lawyer are prepared to do whatever it takes to be fairly compensated for your injuries or property damage.

What Expenses Am I Responsible For?

Find out precisely what your lawyer means if he or she tells you there will be no fee without a recovery. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that they’ll typically take between 30 percent and 40 percent of any damages that are awarded but that they’ll forgo reimbursement if damages are not awarded. This does not mean, however, that they’re necessarily prepared to foot the bill for other expenses associated with your claim. Personal injury lawsuits involve many different types of expenses, from making copies of all the necessary legal documents to paying fees to expert witnesses. Make sure you understand specifically your part in paying those costs.

Finding the Right Lawyer

Finding the right attorney to represent you can be a lengthy and intimidating process, especially if you don’t deal with the legal side of things in your day-to-day life. Remember that you don’t have to hire the first lawyer that you speak to. Asking the right questions can help you identify the personal injury lawyer who’s best qualified to help you stand up for your rights.