Before you begin a personal injury claim or hire a personal injury attorney, you need to ask several key questions that can help give you a better idea of whether you have selected the right lawyer for your needs.
Take a look at these top questions you need answered before selecting a Florida personal injury attorney to take on your case. We invite you to schedule a free consultation with Scarfone Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys to sit down with a lawyer and review your case, our experience, and the way forward.
1. What experience do you have in handling claims like mine?
When you sit down with a personal injury lawyer, you want to find someone with experience handling claims like yours. Experience is a sign, but not a guarantee, that your case could succeed.
Learn about an attorney’s results and ask the attorney to speak about how they have handled past cases with similar injuries, liable parties, or accident scenarios.
2. How much do you think my claim is worth?
During your initial consultation with an attorney, they cannot give you a full breakdown of all the compensation you may deserve for your injuries as part of that initial consultation, but they can provide you with some insight into what types of compensation you can expect as part of your claim. You want an attorney who can help you maximize what you can recover for your injuries.
However, that does not necessarily mean that you should always go with the attorney that gives you the highest number when discussing compensation. You may talk to several attorneys as you determine who you want to use for your injury claim. Ask for an explanation of the amount, and make sure that you understand what the attorney has to say.
3. What fees will you charge for your legal services?
Make sure you fully understand what fees the attorney will charge for their services. Most attorneys will accept personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis — so instead of paying up-front for legal services, you will pay based on a percentage of the claim the attorney helps you win. Many injury victims find that working with a lawyer who accepts cases on a contingent fee basis makes the legal support they need much more affordable.
Before you hire a lawyer, make sure you know what those fees will look like. Go over what other legal costs you will be responsible for, including court or filing fees if necessary, and when you will be responsible for taking care of any payments. Any time you do not understand the payment structure, make sure you ask the attorney to clarify before you sign.
4. How often will you communicate with me and keep me updated on my case?
A personal injury claim can prove daunting and emotionally draining. As you deal with the claim process, you will need to remain in regular communication with your lawyer.
You want to hire a lawyer whose communication style fits yours so that you can feel more comfortable with the claim process. That means understanding two key things.
How the attorney communicates
Make sure you know how the attorney will get in touch with you and that it fits your preferred communication style. Do you prefer email? Texts? Phone conversations? Ask if the lawyer is prepared to communicate with you in the way that best fits your needs.
How often the attorney Communicates
Sometimes, you will want regular updates from your attorney, whether the claim has moved forward or not. You may feel more comfortable with the latest information about your case in hand.
On the other hand, sometimes, you may prefer to let your attorney handle it until something comes up that you need to know. Talk to the lawyer about how often you can expect to receive communications about your case, even if nothing changes.
5. Who at the firm will actually handle my case?
When you select an attorney, you want to feel confident in the decision you have made. Speaking to an attorney in person and feeling a sense of rapport can increase your overall confidence. There are other firms where the attorney who does your initial consultation may not be the attorney who ultimately handles your claim.
At Scarfone Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys, we make an effort to ensure that the first lawyer you meet will be the one who represents you all the way to trial if necessary. It’s because trust and familiarity with your case are key to our approach.
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you suffered injuries due to the negligence of another party, having an experienced, reliable, and communicative lawyer on your side can make it much easier to handle the recovery process. Contact Scarfone Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys in Plantation, Florida, today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can help with your personal injury claim.
FAQs About Contacting an Attorney
When should I contact an attorney in Florida?
You should get in touch with a lawyer as soon after your accident as possible so that your lawyer can support you as you move forward with your claim.
Can I handle a personal injury case myself?
Technically you can, but this is not a good idea. There are many obstacles a plaintiff may face without an attorney’s guidance, especially when disputes are raised early.