Florida is a beautiful US state, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Beaches in Florida are a major crowd-puller. Florida has a population of over 28 million, which makes it the second-most populated state in the US.
This beautiful state is no stranger to accidents and unintentional injuries. Accidents have been on the rise for a long time now in Florida. The only good thing is that victims can recover their losses through personal injury law. Florida personal injury attorneys can help the victims prove their story and get them the compensation they deserve.
Most attorneys offer one free consultation. During that free consultation, you can discuss your case with them to learn more about your case and the attorney. Following are 10 questions you should ask your lawyer during the initial consultation.
1 What areas of law do you specialize in?
Not all lawyers are trained to deal with personal injury cases. Some attend criminal cases only. There is no use in hiring a criminal lawyer for a civil case. So, you need to know the practice area of the lawyer you hire. Hire a lawyer who has dealt with cases similar to yours.
2 How long will it take to resolve my case?
No one can tell you exactly how long it will take to resolve your case, but lawyers can give you a rough estimate. Knowing how long your case will take to resolve will allow you to prepare better for what’s coming.
3 Do you work on a contingency fee basis?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. It means you don’t have to pay unless you win. This allows victims to pursue compensation with the help of a lawyer, regardless of their financial situation. Hire a lawyer who prefers a contingency fee structure.
4 Who will be working on my case?
In huge law firms, many lawyers will be working. The one you are speaking to might not be the one who will be working on your case. You need to know whether you are comfortable with the lawyer who is going to work on your case.
5 Is my case worth going to trial?
Very few cases go to trial. Most cases get settled out of court. Litigation is a long and tiring process, so you need to know if your case is worth going through that tedious and painful process. Sometimes, a lawsuit might be the only way to achieve the desired outcome. Discuss it with your lawyer.
6 Have you been to trial for cases similar to mine?
A trial process is much different from an arbitration process. You need to know whether the lawyer has any trial experience or not. Hiring a lawyer who has trial experience is crucial to winning personal injury cases.
7 Can I speak to your past clients?
Speaking with past clients is a great way to learn about the lawyer. Past clients can give insights into how the lawyer handled their case, how the lawyer communicated with them, and more.
8 What kind of help will you need from me?
A lawyer can get you the desired outcome on their own. But you can also do some things to help your lawyer get the desired outcome sooner. Things like not speaking with the insurance adjuster without your lawyer’s presence, taking photographs of your injuries, documenting your expenses, etc., are great ways to help your lawyer.
9 Am I liable for any case-related costs if we lose?
Asking this question is important, especially if the lawyer is charging by the hour. If the lawyer uses a contingency fee basis, then you might not be liable for any case-related costs.
10 Do you see any problems with my case?
Lawyers will know the challenges in your case in an instant. Ask them about the problems your case has and how to resolve them. If your case has many serious issues, the lawyer might not take it.
Takeaway
These 10 questions will help you know whether your case is worth pursuing and whether the lawyer you are speaking with is the right person to do that. Ask these 10 questions and choose your lawyer wisely.
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