6 Important Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

Published on: 19 July 2018 Last Updated on: 22 June 2021

The worst has happened. You got injured on the job, or your spouse hurt you in a fight.

Something happened to you while you were at the dentist, or you had a severe reaction to a latte.

Regardless, health care is expensive. There’s a chance that you’re not able to cover the bill.

You start wondering if there’s some other way to pay for your medical expenses. You talk to your company or ask for compensation. But no one is willing to do anything.

If this sounds like you or someone you love, it’s time to consider legal action. You can contact a personal injury lawyer who will help you get what you deserve.

But before you hire anyone, check out our six questions to ask a personal injury lawyer.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Sometimes we get hurt, and it’s because of our own stupidity. But there are times when the blame rests on another party. This can be an individual, a company, or even a doctor. When this happens, it’s time to hire a personal injury lawyer.

There are many different kinds of lawyers who can help you. Choosing the right one depends on the personal injury questions you have.

Most personal injury lawyers can handle a car crash case. But what happens if there are many parties involved or if there is severe damage? You’ll need a lawyer with more experience in your type of case.

If a doctor injured you, then hire a lawyer with experience in medical malpractice. At least they need to know about medical procedures and misdiagnoses.

If you got hurt by a piece of machinery, then look for a lawyer with a background in corporate and negligence law.

Do some research into the nature of your case. That way you’ll be able to find the right personal injury lawyer for your needs.

What Information Do I Need Before I Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Keep in mind that scheduling a consultation with a lawyer is not the same as hiring them. You’re asking them in-depth questions about their background and career. You’d do the same for any contractor or real estate agent.

But before you sit down with a lawyer, it will help you to have a few things prepared.

First, you’ll need to record the details of your case. Write down everything that’s related to what happened. Describe the events in the order they happened, and be as detailed as possible.

If you need help, think of the 4 W’s. Who was involved? Where did the accident happen? When did it take place? What were you doing? In fact, what was everyone doing?

Try to be as factual as possible. If you lie, it will come out in court. Then you’ll be in trouble.

Gather any evidence you can. This includes things like:

Police reports, tickets, arrest information, and toxicology results
Eye-witness reports
Photographs and videos
Bills, receipts, medical records, and any diagnoses

Getting all this information in one folder will help you and the personal injury lawyer.

6 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer is as personal as hiring a doctor or a therapist. It’s an expensive service, and you want to make sure you have the right lawyer for you. So check out our six questions to ask a personal injury lawyer before you hire them.

1. Have You Taken a Case Like Mine Before?

This is one of the most important questions to ask an attorney before hiring them. You want to make sure your case is in good hands, so don’t be afraid to ask about their experience.

Your lawyer should have years of experience working with cases like yours. It’s also important that they have experience winning cases, or making successful settlements.

Ask them for a reference list of all their cases. They should also have endorsements from past clients.

If your internal radar goes off, you can look up an attorney’s disciplinary records online. Some states need a lawyer’s bar number to do this. But other states like Georgia will list the lawyer’s name.

2. What is Your Opinion of My Case?

In other words, does this personal injury attorney think you’ll win?

This is one of the more dubious questions to ask a personal injury lawyer, but it’s an essential one. Their answer will help you make your decision about whether to hire this attorney.

You want them to give you an honest answer, of course. No decent lawyer wants to waste their time on a hopeless case, even if you are paying them.

They should give you an objective opinion about whether you’ll win your case based on the evidence you’ve given them.

That said, ask this question with an open mind. It’s easy for the victim of an accident to think they deserve compensation. If a personal injury lawyer is telling you it won’t happen, there might be some merit in that.

3. Will My Case Go to Trial?

Only 4%-5% of personal injury cases go to trial. That means there’s a good chance your case will settle out of court.

But no matter what the odds, a good personal injury lawyer will prepare to go to trial. In fact, it’s a red flag if the lawyer starts talking about settling out of court from the get-go.

Trials can be long and expensive for you. But if you have to go to court you want a lawyer who’s experienced. Ask them about their record in court, and whether the case won by a judge or jury.

Your lawyer should also be able to give you a timeline of how long a court proceeding takes.

While each case is unique, an experienced lawyer knows how things go at the local courthouse.

Regardless of whether you go to court, you need to talk with your lawyer about your level of involvement. Some people want to be at every meeting and deposition, but most lawyers won’t allow it. It’s often best for you to stay on the sidelines and trust your lawyer.

4. What are Your Fees?

This is another important question to ask an attorney. If you can’t afford this lawyer, then you’ll need to look for someone else.

A typical personal injury lawyer earns money based on contingency fees. That means you won’t pay any fees unless you win money damages in the lawsuit.

Once you do win the case, the personal injury lawyer will take a percentage of the money. This can range from 25% – 40% of anything you win from the lawsuit.

While this is a great incentive for your lawyer to win your case, it might not be the only bill. There are other costs you should ask about, like case-related costs. These are also known as “out of pocket” fees. Ask your lawyer about these fees, and who will pay them in case you lose.

Do not work with a personal injury lawyer who charges by the hour. These kinds of payment plans can get expensive in personal injury cases.

5. How Much is My Case Worth?

An experienced personal injury lawyer should give you an estimate on how much your case is worth. They’ll base this estimate on cases they’ve already won or worked on.

Most personal injury lawyers won’t give you a hard number to work with, but instead give you some kind of range. They need to explain how the different factors in your case will affect the bottom line.

You can also ask them point-blank whether they’ll make more for you than their competitors.

After all, this isn’t only about getting justice for you. It’s also about who’s going to pay your medical bills.

Money is always hard to talk about, but you have to do it. You can discover more about discussing your case worth by doing some research. Make sure that you factor in the lawyer’s contingency fee when you talk about how much you can make.

6. Who is Handling My Case?

This question is vital if you’re working with a large law firm. This is because that lawyer you spent all that time getting to know? He might not be the one representing you in court.

This might help you because you’ll have a larger team working on your case. Lawyers all specialize in different things. If your case is a complicated one, there’s a good chance it’ll get passed around the firm.

But that’s why it’s important to know who is handling your case, and why. You want to know who you need to contact in each situation. You should also ask about the track record of every lawyer on your case.

If your lawyer has less experience than the one you spoke to, ask about who is supervising them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or voice your concerns.

Want More Tips About Hiring a Lawyer?

We have lots of informative blog posts on our site about the legal field. If you want to know about questions to ask a personal injury lawyer or other legal tips, check out our blog.

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From Collision To Compensation: Common Car Accident Types Where A Lawyer Is Essential

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern transportation, with data revealing startling statistics that highlight the prevalence of these incidents on our roads. In the United States, for instance, there are millions of car accidents each year, leading to a high number of injuries and fatalities. These numbers emphasize the importance of safety measures and preparedness should one find themselves involved in an auto accident. Amid the chaos following an accident, victims often face not only physical and emotional trauma but also complex legal and financial challenges. This is where the expertise of a car accident lawyer becomes indispensable. Securing fair compensation after an accident is not merely about filing insurance claims; it's about grasping the complexities of liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, pursuing legal action to ensure justice is served. A seasoned lawyer can steer through the maze of legal procedures to protect your rights effectively. As we proceed, we'll explore the five common types of car accidents where the counsel and advocacy of a knowledgeable lawyer are not just an advantage but a necessity for those seeking rightful recompense. Through their intervention, victims can hope to recover losses and focus on healing without the added burden of legal battles. #1 Rear-End Collisions: The Complexity Behind A Common Incident Despite their frequency on the road, rear-end collisions are anything but straightforward. They typically occur when the front end of one vehicle crashes into the back of another. This can happen for a variety of reasons ranging from sudden stops, and distracted driving to tailgating, or even slippery road conditions. The resulting injuries can range from minor whiplash to long-term spinal damage, depending on the severity of the impact. Establishing fault in these accidents often involves understanding the subtleties of traffic laws and driver duty of care, with most presumptions placing the blame on the trailing driver for not maintaining a proper distance or not paying attention. However, every case has unique factors that can complicate this assumption, such as if the lead driver performed an unpredictable maneuver or if there were malfunctions with one of the vehicles' brake lights. When seeking compensation, legal acumen becomes vital to managing the process of determining fault, especially when insurance companies are involved and injuries are serious enough to warrant a substantial claim. #2 T-Bone Accidents at Intersections: Sorting Through Liability T-bone accidents, often occurring at intersections, are severe collisions where the front of one vehicle crashes directly into the side of another, resembling the shape of a “T”. These crashes can lead to significant injuries and vehicle damage, making them among the most dangerous types of road incidents. Determining who is at fault in a T-bone accident can be complex, as it typically involves a scenario where one driver has failed to yield the right of way, possibly due to running a red light or stop sign or being distracted. Proving liability requires a close investigation and a clear understanding of traffic laws. In such cases, a lawyer becomes a key ally, possessing the expertise to sort out these challenges. They play a vital role in collecting evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and vehicle damage reports. What’s more, they bring experience in negotiating with insurance companies to ensure victims receive fair compensation for their losses. #3 Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups: Untangling The Web Of Responsibility When several vehicles are involved in an accident, the result is not just physical wreckage but also a puzzle of accountability. Multi-vehicle pile-ups embody chaos on the roads, with each collision triggering another until a snarl of metal and motion brings travelers to a devastating halt. These massive accidents can make it incredibly challenging to discern the actions leading up to the commotion and to pinpoint the responsibilities of each driver involved. With numerous parties, each with their own perspective and different auto insurance policies, the situation often becomes remarkably complex. Given the multitude of potentially liable parties and the interrelated sequence of events that led to the accident, it is nearly impossible for an individual to manage the aftermath alone. This is why securing a legal expert is not just advisable but necessary. A skilled attorney can dissect the detailed aspects of the multi-car pile-up, coordinating effectively with several insurance companies to ensure that the burden of responsibility is assigned accurately and that justice is served in the knotted aftermath of such harrowing events. Read Also: Car Accidents in California- What Does the Law Say? #4 Hit-And-Run Incidents: Tracking Down The Culprit Hit-and-run accidents add a profound layer of complexity and distress to already traumatic situations. When a driver flees the scene of an accident, they leave behind not only physical damage and potential injuries but also a web of unanswered questions. To disentangle this web, a detailed investigative process springs into action. Authorities begin by gathering all available clues from the scene - think skid marks, vehicle parts, and eyewitness accounts. Law enforcement may also call upon surveillance footage or traffic camera data to piece together the fleeting moments before and after the incident. Amidst the investigation, those affected by hit-and-runs can find solace in legal support. An experienced lawyer becomes invaluable in such cases, providing guidance and advocacy. These professionals are adept at understanding the subtleties of the law and can be key in securing due compensation. They work tirelessly to uncover the identity of the hit-and-run driver and utilize uninsured motorist policies to ensure that victims receive coverage for their losses. The path to justice can be winding and uncertain, but with a combination of thorough investigation and skilled legal representation, the chances of holding the culprit accountable increase greatly. #5 Drunk Driving Crashes: Advocating For Justice And Compensation The traumatic impact of collisions caused by inebriated drivers cannot be understated. These accidents come with severe repercussions, not just physically and emotionally, but also in terms of the legal consequences that accompany them. Drunk driving, universally condemned and vigorously prosecuted, often results in punitive damages—a kind of legal retribution that goes beyond compensatory measures, aiming to punish the offender and deter future misconduct. Nevertheless, deconstructing the legal challenges surrounding such sensitive cases calls for a strategic approach that an experienced attorney can provide. Skilled lawyers play an important role in ensuring that justice is served by effectively advocating on behalf of victims and their families. They tirelessly work to secure fair compensation, addressing the profound losses incurred while maneuvering through the legal framework. In these trying times, an attorney doesn't just serve as legal representation, but also as a steadfast pillar of support in the pursuit of justice and rightful compensation for those affected by the negligent acts of others. In the aftermath of a car accident, the importance of having legal expertise cannot be overemphasized. Dealing with the complications that arise can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to managing insurance claims, potential litigation, and securing fair compensation for injuries and damages. Individuals need to consider the extensive benefits that consulting a car accident lawyer can bring to their case. These professionals offer more than just legal advice; they provide a shield against the tactics of insurance companies and the legal mazes that can baffle anyone without a law degree. A car accident lawyer works to ensure that your best interests are represented, aiming for optimal outcomes that might not be achievable without their specialized knowledge and experience. Additional: Steps To Follow After A Car Accident Steps to Filing a Car Accident Claim in Waukegan Philadelphia Residents: How A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You?

Q&A: Things You Need To Know About SSDI

In the United States, almost 10.9 million people receive Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI benefits. This benefit offers them an average pay of $12,000 per year. Despite the benefits SSDI offers, for most of our working lives, SSDI remains a background concern. Most people avoid this insurance program because of how much the federal government charges to run this program. However, people are now getting aware of the importance SSDI has to offer. What Is Social Security Disability Insurance? Social Security Disability Insurance is a federally supported benefit program. The sole purpose of this program is to offer financial assistance to individuals with disabilities. In general, the SSDI benefits can only be offered to individuals who can no longer work or for at least 12 months because of their disability. SSDI is an earned benefit. This means that in order to benefit from this program, you must invest in this program and accumulate credit points. The credit points accumulation is also determined by your work history. Why Does SSDI Matter? Most people realize the importance when tragedy strikes. When people are unable to continue with their work, they think about how they will support themselves and their families. Guess what? If you have taken SSDI, you wouldn't have to worry. After an accident or illness that takes away your capability to work, SSDI becomes the lifeline for those who can no longer work. SSDI is a federal-controlled program where you pay a certain amount every month. And when you are ill or injured and cannot continue to work, you receive a certain portion of your paycheck to support yourself. How Is Eligibility Determined? To qualify for the SSDI benefits, you must - Have worked in jobs under the protection of social security.Have medical conditions and documents to prove the condition. The general rule states that if a person is diable and is unable to work for one year, they receive a monthly benefit under the SSDI program. The benefits continue until you can return back to work and continue working how you used to before disability. If you want to get a clear view of how this transition happens, get help from a Paducah disability attorney. What Do We Mean by Disability? It is important to understand that the definition of disability under the SSDI benefits is different from other programs. SSDI benefits are liable for paying only complete disability. No benefits are payable for any partial or short-term disability. You can qualify for the benefits under the disability program if the following stands true for you. You cannot work or engage in any activity that helps you earn because of your medical condition.You cannot work a previous job or any similar job after your current medical condition.Your condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months. This is the strict definition of disability that SSDI follows. This is because the Social Security program assumes that the person will have access to all the necessary things from their family members, including worker’s compensation, savings, and investment. Consider Reading the facts we have shared for which most of the SSD claims get denied When Does the SSDI Payment Start? Under the law, the payment won't start unless you have been disabling it for 5 full months. That means SSDI payments start from the 6th month. However, you can avoid the waiting period if your disability originates from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and has the approval of Social Security benefits. When you receive your confirmation notice, the notice will clearly talk about how much you will receive as a benefit and from which exact date the benefit will start. How Long Does The Payment Continue? The tenure of payment is decided on your medical condition. The general rule states that an individual will keep receiving the benefits till they recover and get back to work. If the medical condition is not improving, they will keep getting benefits. However, the benefits will not continue indefinitely. The official will keep a close eye on what the individual is doing to recover themselves. That being said, with advanced medical science and rehabilitation techniques, many people recover from injuries and disabilities. When an individual is receiving the benefits, officials will keep track of them, and the individual will be responsible for answering any question asked by the officials. Do You Need To Stop Working To Collect The Retirement Benefits? No, you don’t have to stop working to receive retirement benefits. Once you have crossed the retirement age, you can work and still enjoy the retirement benefits. But, if you are below full retirement, your monthly benefits will be reduced. Only after you reach retirement age will the reduction be eliminated. And the benefits will be increased to make up for what you have lost over time. How Can You Boost The Number Of Benefits? The longer you wait for the payment, the more amount you will receive. Let’s understand this by an example. Let’s just say you were born in 1960. This means your current age is 62. So, if you start receiving the benefits, it will be 70% of your last paycheck. However, if you wait for more than 5 years till you reach 67 and then claim the benefits, you will get 100%. This is because delaying past full retirement age and Social security increases your benefits by 8% per year until you hit 70. After 70, it becomes constant. Do You Owe Taxes On Social Security? Social Security Disability benefits are subject to tax. But most people end up not paying taxes on it. The taxation of SSDI benefits depends on your total income. However, there is a way to avoid paying tax on your SSDI benefits. If your total income - one-half of your disability benefits + tax-exempt interest - is below the bottom line where taxation starts. If you are single, the threshold of the tax amount is $25,000. And if you are married and file the benefits jointly, the amount increases to $32,000. Additionals: How To Replace Your Social Security Card OnlineIs Social Work Getting Enough Praise In Today’s Society?Social Entrepreneurship – Entrepreneurship Strategies And Many More!Why You Should Hire A Social Security Disability Attorney Vs. Taking On The Legal Matters Yourself!

Truck Accident Scenarios: Who Is Liable?

To be practical, a truck accident is much more lethal than any other accident. Just imagine a speeding vehicle, which weighs more than 10,000 pounds, colliding with a lesser-weight vehicle. Isn’t it obvious that the accident will be a devastating one? In case you are injured in a truck accident, there are extreme chances that your injuries are serious. And serious injuries always demand extra care. Along with the medical bill, you will also lose more of your wages. Also, in more serious cases, the injuries can lead to the partial impairment of a lifetime. You can always file a claim to get compensation for your injuries and financial loss when the other party is at fault. Now the process of compensation claims becomes a little complicated. That is why you will need the help of experienced lawyers for truckers. Before that, you also need to have a piece of proper knowledge and understanding of who is liable for a truck accident so that you can make a claim to the right party. Who Is Liable For A Truck Accident? Whenever any accident occurs between a large vehicle and a small vehicle, obviously, the large vehicle is more likely to be liable for the accident. But, when it comes to a truck accident, a lot of parties can get involved, and that is why determining liability can be complex. Here are some of the parties that usually get involved in a truck accidents. Truck loaders.Trucking company.Truck mechanic.Truck manufacturer.Truck parts manufacturer.Truck driver. As a victim, your job is not just to find the at-fault party but also to find the liable one for your damages. On the basis of the reason behind the accident, the liability of a truck accident is determined. By consulting with lawyers for truckers you will be able to get a better understanding. Respondeat Superior: All You Need To Know Respondeat Superior is all about truck accidents, and it gets applicable where the liability for truck accidents does not directly fall on the driver. According to the Respondeat Superior, the liability is completely shifted to the negligent party employer. Suppose a truck accident has taken place due to the fault of both the truck driver and the employer of the truck driver. In that case, Respondeat Superior will be applicable. The truck company itself hires each and every truck driver to drive the truck. It is the job of the tracking company to handle the movement of multiple trucks within its particular service. That means they actually hire several truck drivers for the same. In case any accident is caused by a driver, who is hired by them becomes the responsibility of the trucking company, according to the Respondent Superior. It only gets applicable to some specific truck accidents that fulfil the requirements of the below mentioned. In case the truck accident and also injury were the result of the negligence of the truck driver on duty.In case the driver of the truck is an employee of the trucking company or a contractor.In case the negligence of the truck driver was intentional and might have been avoided. If any of these are the circumstances, the liability of a truck accident will be determined by the trucking company. In case the truck driver was an independent contractor, the “Respondeat Superior” principle will not be applicable. In case the truck driver is driving his own truck, has no taxes withheld, has his vehicle insurance, and also gets no benefits, the driver might be a contractor. We understand all these are too much to keep track of, that is why we will always advise you to consult with lawyers for truckers. Multiple Defendant Scenarios When we are talking about truck accidents, we must mention that multiple defendants can be present in a single truck accident. In some particular cases, multiple parties can be held liable for a truck accident. Here are the scenarios. In case the truck accident is the result of any type of defective manufacturing part, the truck mechanic or the trucking manufacturing company can always be held liable.In case teh truck accident is the result of poor maintenance or overloading, the trucking company and even the truck loaders might be held liable.If the truck accident is caused as a result of drunk driving, overspeeding, or distracted driving, the truck driver and also the trucking company might be held liable. Read Also: Is Capital Goods A Good Career Path?Clicka Jobs USA – Why It Is Making Headlines?How To Download Game Of Thrones Putlocker Online For Free?

6 Important Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

What Information Do I Need Before I Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer?

6 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer