First, ask how their fees are scheduled and what their costs are. Set your mind at ease. Many times accident and personal injury cases can be handled on a contingency fee basis. Most cases will be for fees and costs when your case settles. Before undertaking your case there will be a meeting to discuss your case. This overview and consultation will outline the fee and cost arrangement specifically to your case.

Second, ask what the attorney’s success rate is with accident and personal injury cases involving factors that similar to your case? In reality there are no two cases alike. There is in the legal profession a term or term of art known as a fact pattern. These fact patterns can be likened to a formula, with some formula’s taking longer to solve than others, like in math. Attorneys many times specialize in a particular type of case with similar fact patterns for this reason.

Third, what information do I need to get for you? Many times the attorney will only ask for you to provide them with a signed release you’re your related documents so they can collect and assemble everything needed in your case. Personal commentary from you may be required and may be taken a number of different ways. The attorney will direct and suggest the way and manner that is best, given your case’s circumstances and facts.

Fourth, how long will it take to clear this case up and get back to normal? The time it takes will depend on the severity of personal injuries sustained by you and of others involved in your case. Many times the initial gathering and filings are robust and can occur quite quickly. Certain things are mandated by statute and must occur before specific dates.

The last and most important question is will the attorney or lawyer have enough time to handle the case? Usually an attorney can refer you to an associate if they are unable to handle your case personally for any reason. Be at ease if an attorney refers you, as only they know their workload. Professional ethics require attorneys to only handle work loads they can handle in private practice. Just in case it is always a good idea to verify this for everyone’s best interests.

One thing that is most important is whether you can communicate with the attorney. Attorneys are in the profession of communicating in a certain way. Attorneys think different and that is OK. The question you need to ask yourself is can you feel comfortable with the attorney you are dealing with? This is vitally important. Does the attorney get involved in his community? Is he experienced in this area of the law that can sometimes take extended periods of time to resolve? Has he had experience arguing and representing the opposing side of the legal position you have now? This is important as there is something quite powerful in knowing the opposing side’s techniques and strategies. By knowing these facts an attorney can be far more successful in the cases they represent.

What it comes down to is how you think and feel about the attorney. When you ask all your questions and get an overall view and analysis of your case, you will know who to retain.

By: Michael R. Herron