What Questions Should I Ask My Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer?

Most good personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to prospective clients. During this initial consultation, they hear the details of your case and may examine any evidence you brought with you, such as a police or accident report, photos, or your medical records. However, it’s important to recognize that this is also your chance to ask questions and determine if the attorney is a good fit for you. Fortunately, most people don’t need a personal injury lawyer regularly, and seeking representation may be a brand-new experience. Many injury victims wonder, “What should I ask a personal injury attorney?”

How Does Your Firm Handle Fees and Legal Expenses?

This is an important question to tackle upfront. Most reputable personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-based fee, meaning their payment is contingent upon securing your compensation. They only get paid if and when you get paid your settlement or court award for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Before you hire an injury attorney in St. Louis, be sure you are clear on the percentage of your compensation they take for their fee, and whether or not the court costs come from your compensation before or after the attorney takes their fee.

How Much Experience Do You Have With Cases Similar to Mine?

It’s always a good idea to ensure your attorney has handled similar cases to yours. For instance, if a lawyer primarily handles car accident injury claims, they might not be the best option for a defective product claim. Ask about their recent case results for cases similar to yours and find out how many years of experience they have in that area of personal injury law.

Are You the Lawyer Who Will Represent Me?

This is an important question so you aren’t blindsided by discovering the attorney you spoke to at the initial consultation isn’t the one assigned to your case. There is nothing wrong with a lead partner or founding attorney in a law firm turning your case over to another partner or associate, but they should always be upfront about it and allow you to meet the attorney who will work on your case and represent your interests before you decide to hire the law firm.

Do You Think My Case Will Go to Court?

The vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved through a settlement with the insurance company of the party at fault for the injury; however, it’s best to find out how often your prospective lawyer takes cases to court in a lawsuit. A lawsuit may be necessary if the insurance company fails to offer an acceptable settlement or wrongfully denies the claim. Be sure your attorney has plentiful courtroom experience and doesn’t hesitate to go to court when required rather than accepting unreasonably low settlement offers to avoid court in favor of quick turnarounds.

Do You Have On-Call Access to Expert Witnesses and Other Resources?

Your attorney will need to gather evidence of the at-fault party’s liability in your case and calculate the past and future costs of your injury. To do so, they need access to medical experts and other expert witnesses. For instance, if your injury occurred due to faulty brakes on a car, your case might require an expert mechanic to explain how the brake failure caused the accident. Ask your attorney about their resources and how they plan to pursue evidence in your case.

What Is the Best Way to Communicate With You During My Case?

It’s a good idea to ask about your law firm’s preferred method of communication, whether it’s phone calls, emails, texts, Zoom meetings, or in-person visits. Find out about their availability for questions and how they plan to keep you informed on the progress of your case.

It’s fine to consult with several law firms before deciding on representation. Choosing the right attorney is important for peace of mind as well as the best possible outcome in your personal injury case.