When someone is injured in an accident, the decision to work with an attorney can have a long-term impact—not just on the case itself, but also on recovery and peace of mind. Choosing legal representation shouldn’t be rushed. It’s worth taking the time to ask thoughtful, direct questions so that you’re working with someone who’s the right fit for your situation. Our friends at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC discuss the importance of asking the right questions before hiring a personal injury lawyer.
We’ve spoken with many people who weren’t sure what to look for when meeting with an attorney for the first time. Some were referred by a friend, others searched online, but all of them shared one thing in common—they had no idea what to ask. In personal injury cases, a good legal partner is someone who is both experienced and clear about what the process will look like from start to finish. Here’s what to focus on when you’re getting ready to meet with a lawyer for your injury case.
Background And Case Experience
It’s important to ask about prior cases that are similar to yours. Every injury case is different, but knowing how the attorney has handled situations involving car accidents, falls, or workplace injuries in the past helps set expectations. We recommend asking about both settlements and court cases to get a full picture of their background.
Familiarity With Local Courts And Rules
State laws and court procedures vary, even between counties. Asking whether the attorney regularly works in your area can help you understand how well they know the system where your case would be filed. Familiarity with local judges, opposing counsel, and procedures can make a noticeable difference.
Approach To Client Communication
Clear and timely communication is something we believe every client should expect. Ask how the attorney keeps clients updated—whether through calls, emails, or meetings. It’s also worth asking how quickly they typically respond and whether there’s someone else on the team who helps handle communication.
Access To Resources
Building a strong injury claim takes more than just legal knowledge. It often involves working with investigators, gathering records, and consulting professionals in healthcare or accident reconstruction. You’ll want to know what kind of support the lawyer has at their disposal to help develop your case.
Track Record Of Results
While no lawyer can promise an outcome, asking about recent case results can provide a better understanding of what they’ve achieved for others. Look for patterns in how cases are resolved, including the types of compensation recovered for medical bills, lost income, and long-term effects.
Fee Structure And Payment Expectations
In most personal injury cases, lawyers work on a contingency basis. It’s important to ask how that works and what percentage they charge if the case is successful. Also ask about other possible costs—filing fees, medical record requests, or expert consultations—and whether those are covered upfront or deducted from the settlement.
Timeline For The Legal Process
While no two cases follow the exact same path, your attorney should be able to give you a general timeline based on similar cases. This helps you prepare for the road ahead and set realistic expectations about how long it may take to reach a resolution.
Willingness To Go To Trial
Some firms handle negotiations well but rarely take cases to court. Others are prepared to move forward with litigation when necessary. It’s helpful to know whether your lawyer is comfortable taking the case further if settlement offers are not fair.
Level Of Personal Involvement
In larger firms, the person you meet at the consultation may not be the one handling your case day to day. If that’s a concern, ask how much direct contact you’ll have with the lead attorney and who else on the team will be involved.
Case Load And Availability
A lawyer with too many active cases may not have the time or focus your situation deserves. It’s fair to ask how many cases they’re currently handling and how your case will fit into their schedule. This can affect the level of attention your matter receives.
Why It Matters
Asking the right questions helps you get more than just a resume—it gives you a sense of how the lawyer works, communicates, and prioritizes clients. When dealing with the effects of an injury, the last thing anyone needs is to feel left in the dark or unsure about what’s going on.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is a big decision, and it should be made with clarity and confidence. By asking the questions above, you’ll be in a better position to decide who’s best suited to help you move forward. We always encourage people to trust their instincts during the first meeting. If the answers are clear, honest, and focused on your needs, that’s a good sign you’re in the right place.