Choosing a lawyer after a serious injury feels a lot like choosing a surgeon. You want skill, honesty, and someone who will actually show up. These questions can help you tell the difference between real advocacy and a polished sales pitch:
- Who will actually handle my case? Ask whether the attorney you meet is the one doing the work.
- How often have you tried cases to a jury? Insurers track which firms will go to trial and which ones always fold.
- Do you focus on serious injury and wrongful death? A general practice may not have the depth catastrophic cases demand.
- How will you communicate with me? Find out who returns calls and how quickly.
- How do your fees work? Ask how costs are handled and what you'd owe if the case doesn't succeed.
- What challenges do you see in my case? A trustworthy attorney will tell you the hard parts, not just the hopeful ones.
- Have you handled cases in my county or against this insurer? Familiarity with local courts and carriers can matter.