A free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in San Bernardino is an excellent opportunity to get answers to pressing questions you have about your case and legal rights. It is also a chance to get to know the attorney. Bring these questions with you to your initial meeting to get the most out of your consultation.
How Much Experience Do You Have With Personal Injury Cases in San Bernardino?
The lawyer you choose to represent you should have years of experience specifically in California personal injury law. Ask the attorney if he or she has handled local cases similar to yours. Familiarity with local courts and judges can make a difference.
What Types of Personal Injury Cases Do You Handle Most Often?
Different types of personal injury cases have differing laws and statutes. A car accident case in San Bernardino, for example, is not handled the same way as a slip and fall claim. Ask the attorney about his or her legal experience in your specific type of case. The attorney’s specialization should align with your injury claim.
What Is Your Success Rate With Cases Like Mine?
Ask the attorney to see previous case results in your practice area. While past wins do not guarantee the attorney will win your case, they can give you insights into the law firm’s track record. A history of success can provide you with greater confidence in the attorney’s ability to handle your claim and achieve your case goals.
Do You Work on a Contingency Fee Basis?
Most personal injury lawyers in California operate on a contingency fee basis. This means the client does not pay the personal injury attorney upfront – the lawyer only gets paid if the client wins the case. Contingency fees protect the accident victim from financial risk. They also motivate the attorney to maximize compensation, as the fee is charged based on a percentage of the amount won. Confirm that this is the case with a potential attorney before signing a contract.
What Are the Estimated Costs or Fees if the Case Settles vs. Goes to Trial?
The percentage used in a contingency fee agreement may change based on the complexity of your personal injury case. Ask how the attorney charges if your case reaches an insurance settlement compared to the costs if it has to go to trial. Clarification can prevent unwelcome surprises.
How Long Do You Think My Case Will Take to Resolve?
While no timeline is guaranteed, an experienced attorney should be able to give you a realistic estimate of how long your case will take to resolve based on its specific details. This can give you an idea of what to expect from the legal process ahead.
How Will You Keep Me Updated About My Case?
Ask the attorney about his or her communication methods and protocols. You don’t want an attorney who will leave you in the dark about your case. Ask if the attorney communicates via email, phone or meetings – and how often you should expect updates.
Who Will Actually Handle My Case?
Some “mill-type” law firms in San Bernardino pass clients to paralegals or junior attorneys. At the initial meeting, ask the person you are speaking with who will be working on your case and representing you day-to-day.
What’s Your Approach to Negotiating With Insurance Companies?
The attorney’s individual approach to personal injury law is crucial. Look for a lawyer capable of engaging in aggressive, experienced negotiation with insurance companies, as this can increase the value of your settlement and speed up the legal process. Insurance companies respond to confident, hard-hitting litigators.
Can You Provide References or Reviews From Past Clients?
Ask for reviews or testimonials left by past clients so that you know what to expect from the lawyer. A reputable personal injury attorney in San Bernardino should have references that showcase professionalism, great customer service and real results.
Final Tip:
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer in San Bernardino to represent you can directly impact the compensation you receive. When you schedule a free consultation with a prospective attorney, don’t hesitate to ask these questions so that you can feel confident in the lawyer you select.