After suffering a serious personal injury in an auto accident or another incident in Los Angeles, California, you should retain an attorney to help you with the complex claims process. The right attorney could significantly help your case.
Knowing what to ask your personal injury lawyer during a free initial consultation can help you set the stage for a successful claim. Ask the following questions to find out if the lawyer is the right choice for you.
How many cases like mine have you handled?
Experience is key when it comes to choosing your personal injury attorney. Finding a legal professional with experience within your practice area can give you peace of mind that the lawyer knows what he or she is doing. Ask about past cases the attorney has handled that are similar to yours. Look for a firm that lists your accident type as a specific practice area.
What are your past case results?
An attorney should be upfront and honest about his or her past case results. The law firm should make past results available to potential clients. Although past successes do not guarantee the same results for your case, they can show a firm’s ability to achieve a positive settlement or verdict.
How much will your services cost?
Most personal injury firms take cases on a contingency fee basis. This is an affordable payment arrangement in which you do not have to pay for the attorney out of pocket. Instead of having to afford upfront fees for a retainer, you do not pay your lawyer until and unless he or she wins your case. If your lawyer does win, the fees come out of your award.
Why should I choose you?
A lawyer should have several reasons why he or she is the correct person to take your case. The attorney should have past case experience, in-depth legal knowledge and confidence that he or she has the time for the case. Otherwise, another lawyer may be a better fit.