Finding the right personal injury lawyer may take a little time and effort on your part, but it is well worth it to make sure you have the right lawyer for you.  This relationship may last a few months or a few years so choose wisely!  Personal injury firms come in all shapes and sizes, ask yourself: am I more comfortable with a local firm? a large firm? a smaller, more specialized firm?  How many years of legal experience should my attorney have?  In addition to these questions, we have compiled a list of FIVE KEY QUESTIONS you should ask at your first consultation with your prospective attorney.

1. What is the Attorney’s Current Caseload? – this means how many cases are they handling at the time.  Any attorney should be able to give you a number or at least a range of cases they are in charge of in their firm.  Do you like their answer?  Remember that you will one of their cases and their time will be divided among all their files.
2. Who will be Working on your Case? – does this attorney hand off files to their paralegal or office manager so you never get to talk to the attorney after your initial meeting?  Can you reach the attorney by phone or e-mail easily? Do associates in the firm do most of the file work?
3. Will the Attorney Help with Property Damages? – in all personal injury cases, there are property damages.  Whether it’s a car, motorcycle, bicycle or personal belongings that are damaged in a wreck, ask whether your attorney will help you recover those damages.  Do they charge for helping with property damages?
4. Does the Attorney Specialize in Personal Injury Work? – just like other professions, attorneys become experts in their fields with experience and practice into a certain field of law.  Does your attorney handle other types of legal cases, such as criminal, family, probate?  If it is important to you that your attorney only specialize in personal injury law, ask them!
5. Will Your Case be Given to Another Attorney if You File Suit and Will the Fee Increase?– sometimes personal injury cases require filing suit in Court.  Ask your attorney if your file is handled from start to finish by one attorney or if the file is passed off to litigation counsel or another firm should your case require a lawsuit.  It is also important to ask if the attorney fee increases once a lawsuit is filed.