When you have been involved in an accident, the next steps can often be confusing. That’s why it is in your best interest to consult with a personal injury attorney. It seems easy enough, but according to the American Bar Association, there are over 76,000 personal injury lawyers in the United States. It can be difficult to find the right one. Here are some important questions to ask before choosing a personal injury attorney.
How many years of experience do you have in handling personal injury cases?
It is important that the individual that you hire understands the minutiae of your case. An attorney who has an established record, with a good reputation in the community and deep negotiation skills, is likely a better choice.
What portion of your practice focuses on personal injury?
Since you want the attorney handling your case to be extremely qualified regarding the facts of your case, you want the majority of their time to be dedicated to handling personal injury cases. Even if the firm handles multiple practice areas, you still want your lawyer to primarily focus in personal injury law.
What percentage of your cases are settled out of court?
While not every case goes to trial, not every case should be settled either. An attorney’s job is to help you obtain the largest recovery possible. It is important that your attorney understands when to settle and when to fight. An attorney who only wants to settle may potentially cost you compensation that you deserve.
Have you ever handled a case like mine? How many? What happened?
Although each case is different depending upon numerous factors, it is still very useful to know that your lawyer specializes in the subject of your case and that they aren’t handling this type of case for the first time. You can often gauge this based upon how many cases like yours he or she has handled and what the outcomes were.
Can you provide former client references?
As with most businesses, it is always a good idea to request references. Many jurisdictions now allow lawyers to provide this information. Speaking with some of the attorney’s previous clients may give you a better idea of his or her true performance.
Consult with a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney
At Gauthier Amedee, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys fights hard to protect the rights of those who have incurred damages or who have been injured due to the negligence or recklessness of another.
Don’t delay. Contact the Gauthier Amedee today at 225-647-1700 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.
