Key Questions to Ask If You Are Looking to Retain a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or any of the members of your family are injured in an accident which was caused by the negligence or reckless behavior of a third party, it is crucial for you to hire a competent and experienced personal injury lawyer who can establish the at-fault party’s negligence in court and recover damages for you.

By choosing the right lawyer, you can significantly increase the chances of winning your personal injury lawsuit. Here are six key questions you should ask before retaining a personal injury lawyer:

Is the Lawyer Experienced Handling Personal Injury Lawsuits?

While academic credentials are certainly important, experience is the one factor that separates average lawyers from exceptional lawyers. Experienced lawyers know how to establish the fault of responsible parties, how to convince the judge and the jury with compelling arguments, and how to secure the maximum amount of compensation for their clients.

So, make sure you ask your lawyer how many years they have been practicing law and how many cases (similar to yours) they have handled in their career.

Does the Lawyer Have Jury Trial Experience?

As surprising as it may seem, a significant percentage of personal injury lawyers do not have any trial experience. Since a large number of personal injury cases do not go to trial, these lawyers are used to settling cases by accepting the compensation offered by insurance companies. There is really no point in hiring such a lawyer as they might not have the legal acumen or experience needed to try your case in court (if it comes to that).

Here is why this is important. If the at-fault party’s insurance company knows that your lawyer is unlikely to try your case in court, they might try to force you to accept an unreasonably low settlement offer. If, on the other hand, they know that your lawyer is highly experienced and will not hesitate to go to trial, they are far more likely to offer you fair compensation.

So, one of the most important questions you need to ask your lawyer is whether they have tried personal injury cases in court and how many times they have managed to secure a favorable verdict for their clients.

How is the Lawyer Rated by Their Peers?

One of the best ways to find out if your personal injury lawyer is as good as they claim to be is to check out peer review rating systems, where practicing lawyers are rated by each other.

The Martindale-Hubbell Bar Registry, for instance, is an internationally renowned peer review and rating system for attorneys. You can take a look at the reviews to find out what other lawyers have had to say about the lawyer you are planning to hire. Based on the reviews, you can decide if the lawyer is able to competently to represent you in court.

Is the Lawyer Able to Communicate with You Clearly?

Does the lawyer listen to you patiently? Do they ask questions to find out more about your accident and injuries? Do they show a genuine interest in your case? Are they able to provide satisfactory answers to all your questions? The ability to communicate clearly is one of the key qualities you should look for in a personal injury lawyer.

Does the Lawyer Have the Resources Needed to Take Up Your Case?

Does the attorney you are considering have the financial resources and manpower needed to investigate your accident, gather the required evidence, talk to potential witnesses and prepare them to testify in court, and build the strongest possible case against the at-fault party?

This is particularly important if you are planning to file a lawsuit against a hospital, trucking company, or a large corporation as these parties can afford to outspend you by a wide margin to win the case. So, your lawyer needs to be equally resourceful in order to build a strong case against the parties responsible.

How Much Does the Lawyer Charge for Handling a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

A vast majority of personal injury lawyers work with their clients on a contingency basis, wherein they get paid only if they win the case. The lawyer’s fee can be anywhere from 30% to 40% of the compensation you receive for your injuries. Be sure to clarify that your attorney works on contingency and you do not have to come up with any upfront fees for them to accept your case.

Top-Rated Personal Injury Lawyers in Alabama

If you are in need of a seasoned litigator to represent you for an Alabama personal injury claim, contact Chip Nix attorney at law. Mr. Nix has been practicing law for over 40 years and has successfully represented numerous clients in and around the greater Montgomery area.

If you are injured or if you have lost someone you love in an accident and if you are planning to file a claim or lawsuit against the party responsible, Mr. Nix can provide you with strong legal representation, build a solid case against the defendant(s), and fight aggressively to recover maximum compensation. Contact attorney Chip Nix today at 334-279-7770 to schedule a free consultation.