The last thing you’d think about is being involved in an accident. However, accidents and injuries happen when you least expect them. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you might have tons of questions going through your head. Whenever you try to manage the impact of your accident, it’s important to understand that legal help can address different aspects, including medical expenses, insurance issues, physical rehabilitation, and more.
If you think you have a right to file a personal injury claim against the individual who injured you, don’t hesitate to talk to a trusted San Francisco personal injury attorney. Here’s a list of essential questions to ask a personal injury attorney so you can better understand your case.
1. If I lose the case, do I have to pay you?
Many injured individuals are physically incapacitated and financially burdened after a personal injury accident. That’s why they often remain on the sidelines to avoid any hassles.
However, fighting for your right and getting the settlement you deserve is important! But what happens when you lose? Do you have to pay too? Of course, nobody wants to end up in a worse financial position. However, many people are still quite confused about how a personal injury case works.
Are you worried that the legal fees and case cost more than a settlement? You have every right to be concerned! Be sure to ask what happens if this is the case. Aside from that, don’t forget the upfront fees or costs that will be billed regardless of the outcome.
When you work with us at Cartwright Law Firm, we will make it our mission to inform all the options and our detailed fee structure—this helps you assess the next steps for your case.
2. How do you charge your fees?
Of course, you need to clarify this to your desired attorney before working with them. You can always request an explanation of their fees and get an estimate of your claim’s worth. They might not be able to give an exact number. However, this gives you a calculated estimate of how much you can reasonably expect out of a settlement or court case.
The good thing here is that most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay them out of pocket if you don’t recover any money. Your attorney’s fee is typically a set percentage of the total compensation or settlement you received. This clause should be clearly outlined in the written agreement you sign. The contingency fee basis is a standard for most personal injury lawyers, and it would be highly suspicious if your attorney says otherwise.
Many personal injury law firms in San Francisco highlight “no settlement, no payment”, meaning they will be paid out of your claims if you ONLY win the case. This doesn’t mean their services are free. So, make you understand the fine print and ascertain that you won’t pay if the attorney fails to win your case.
Contingency fees motivate your lawyer to win, so they get high-value compensation for both of you. This also allows everyone, especially those financially incapable, access to the courts.
Aside from legal fees listed in the contract, you should also take note of the case costs. These expenses are also taken out of your settlement. Be wary of tricky payment models; some attorneys might expect you to pay for certain expenses even if you don’t win the case. Here at Cartwright Law Firm, we guarantee you’ll not pay anything unless you claim your compensation.
3. Do you have prior experience with a case like mine?
Personal injury attorneys work with extremely specific cases. You need someone who specializes in a case like yours. This gives them a clearer idea of the process, so they can always be one step ahead.
And like most cases, personal injury law involves a lot of negotiation. If your attorney is experienced in handling cases like yours, you’ve got a higher chance of getting a favorable result. One more thing: lawyers in your area can represent you better! When seeking legal advice and representation, work with a local law firm where you were injured.
4. Will my case go on trial?
The majority of personal injury cases will not undergo trial. A good lawyer can help resolve the case by working within the personal injury insurance claims process. However, some cases might go to trial or litigation. These cases usually involve more tragic instances and severe injuries, even resulting in death.
In such cases, it’s necessary to work with an attorney that has litigation experience. Make sure to work with an attorney with experience with settlement and litigation. More than anything, choose a law firm that addresses your needs first.
5. How long will my personal injury claim take?
The timeframe of every personal injury case is different, but it’s not unreasonable to ask for an estimate of how long your case will take. This typically depends on the insurance company or the opposing counsel’s strategy. Most cases will be resolved quickly, but negotiations can be tough since neither wants to budge until both parties can arrive at an agreed-upon settlement.
Whether it be a court case or a settlement, there may be delays dealing with various factors, such as conducting medical exams, gathering paperwork, and getting hold of expert testimony. Since the timeline might vary, it’s a good practice to ask for a general overview of the timeframe when the case will be resolved.
Remember to play the long game; patience pays off in personal injury cases! It’s better to expect uncertainty and a few delays, so you won’t get easily frustrated. Your patience might be rewarded with the compensation you deserve.
Need Help? Get in Touch with Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. today!
If you or your loved ones have been a victim of a personal injury case, contact The Cartwright Law Firm for a free consultation today! We represent clients throughout the greater Bay Area with offices in Discovery Bay, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Alameda, and Vacaville.
As one of Northern California’s leading personal injury litigation firms, we are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and helping them regain a sense of normalcy in their lives while we work through difficult legal situations. Call us now at (415) 851-6486.
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