If you are injured in an accident that was caused by another person or a business, it’s a good idea to consider hiring a competent personal injury attorney. It’s essential to ensure you select an attorney who is qualified and can effectively represent you every step of the way.
Nathaniel Mack III, the founder of Mack Injury Attorneys in San Antonio, shares 10 essential questions you should ask when selecting a personal injury attorney:
1. Please explain the law involved in my case. In every personal injury case, your attorney must prove negligence on the part of the other person or entity. We must show that negligence directly caused your injury.
2. Are there any unique challenges in my case, and if so, how can we overcome them? Every personal injury case is different. Your attorney must tailor his or her services to your specific case to maximize the outcome.
3. How much will this case cost? There is never any up-front out-of-pocket expense involved in a personal injury case. Your lawyer only gets paid at the end after you have reached a settlement.
4. Does the lawyer have the financial and personnel resources to take on my case? Every potential client should ask this question early in the interview process. You want to make sure your attorney has the resources to represent you in the very best manner.
5. How long will it take to resolve my case? Personal injury cases do take time. On average a typical case that is settled out of court takes about a year, while a case that goes to court can take up to two-to-three years to settle.
6. Who, exactly, will be handling my case? While you probably will have a principal attorney working on your case, most personal injury firms take a team approach to move the process along efficiently.
7. How and when will you communicate with me regarding my case? Because these cases take time, there will be periods of time when you are waiting to hear from your attorney. But you should never hesitate to reach out and ask questions of your lawyer.
8. What can you tell me or share with me about previous cases you’ve dealt with that are similar to mine? You should always ask a prospective personal injury attorney about the kind of experience he or she has. They should be open about sharing this information.
9. Will my case go to trial, or will it be settled out of court? Only time will tell if your case will go to court, because every case is different. Although the majority are settled out of court, your attorney should prepare as if your case in going to trial.
10. Specific questions pertaining to your case or your understanding of the case. You should definitely ask questions that are specific to your case so you understand the process in your unique situation. There are always nuances surrounding each case.
