When you are dealing with a legal issue involving a wrongful injury, its absolutely crucial for you to discuss your case with an experienced, knowledgeable attorney. However, not just any attorney will do. If you are dealing with a personal injury case, you need to make sure your lawyer has the skills, qualifications, and practical experience necessary to provide you with sound legal counsel and guidance. Before you take the plunge and hire the first lawyer you come across, make sure you know what questions you should ask in order to find the right attorney for you.
To protect your rights and interests, make sure to ask your personal injury lawyer the following questions:
1. What are your qualifications?
The most important thing you need to know about your attorney is whether or not he or she is qualified to practice law in your area. Find out where your lawyer went to school and ask how long they have been practicing law. Moreover, make sure your attorney is in good standing with his or her local bar, and look into their extracurricular activities. For example, are they involved in the community, and do they have a good reputation with past clients?
2. Do you have any experience with cases like mine?
It isn’t enough to work with a great attorney; you need to work with a great attorney who is familiar with cases like yours. You may find a popular, successful attorney who is fantastic with divorce cases, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be familiar with personal injury law as it pertains to your case. Make sure you work with someone who is both knowledgeable and experienced in legal disputes similar to your own. You should also ask about the success of their past cases.
3. What would be your first step in handling my case?
When you work with a personal injury attorney, there are a few different directions they could steer your case, which is why you need to find out how each potential attorney would want to handle your current predicament. Ask about what they would like to do with your case, and don’t be afraid to get into details, if they are willing. Before you begin working with any lawyer, you want to be sure that their vision for your case lines up with your own.
4. What would your biggest piece of advice be for someone in my situation?
If you plan on working with this attorney for the next few months, or even years, you want to make sure you feel comfortable with their style and understand their advisement. As a sort of trial run, ask what your attorney would tell someone in your position. If all goes according to plan, you will be relying on this person’s legal advice for the duration of your case, so it is important to find out if the two of you could work together well.
5. How do you communicate with your clients?
Not all attorneys provide their clients with the one-on-one attention they deserve. Ask your attorney how they typically interact with their clients. For example, do they send out weekly emails, communicate solely on the phone, does their assistant handle all communications, or do they only do in-person meetings? Whatever the case, discovering how they communicate ahead of time can help you make a sound decision about whether or not they are the right fit for you.
Choosing the right attorney can be difficult, especially when you are already dealing with the aftermath of a serious injury. If you think you have a personal injury case, make sure you discuss all of your options with an attorney before you decide the best course of action. In order to ensure the success of your case, you need to stand your ground and make sure you only work with a legal representative you are confident in and comfortable with.
At Michael J. Doyle, Attorney At Law, we know our attorney can provide you with the care and support you need during this difficult time. Contact Michael J. Doyle, Attorney At Law today to discuss your case with our Albuquerque personal injury lawyer.