After you have been in a car accident that someone else caused, you need to start looking ahead to the legal work that needs to be done in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Luckily, you will be able to take advantage of initial consultations, sometimes free consultations, with a variety of law firms until you find the right personal injury attorney for you. During these consultations, you will have an opportunity to ask a variety of questions about the law firm and the attorney, as well as their history of successes and information about they would proceed with your own case.

To get the most out of these consultations, it is important that you ask the right questions. You want to be able to select an attorney with confidence, and by asking the following questions you will have a much better understanding of what you can expect working with that lawyer. Take a look at a few of the important questions for a personal injury lawyer during an initial consultation.

Are you experienced with cases similar to mine?

Getting an idea of the attorney’s experience with similar cases is very important. Although no two cases are alike, there are also many similarities between cases that result from the same situations such as car accidents, medical malpractice cases, or premise liability. Working with an attorney who has a history of experience with injuries similar to your own is a great way to get an idea of how you can work together.

How do your fees work?

Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning that a client does not need to pay them unless they win the case, at which point the lawyer will collect their fee from the award. There are a variety of ways that these fees may be structured, and there may or may not be additional out of pocket costs that you need to cover, such as court and filing fees. Remember that this is an interview for your benefit, so make sure you clearly understand what to expect.

How long do you think my case might take?

Again, while no case is alike, there are a variety of indicators that an experienced personal injury lawyer can identify that gives them a reasonable idea of what to expect. If there is a willingness to work together between you and the defendant, this may suggest that the attorney has a better chance of negotiating a settlement and saving time and money. Alternately, a good lawyer can see when a case will be complex and time-consuming and will be able to set your expectations early if this is what they expect of your situation.

How much do you think my case is worth?

Another important question to ask is about what the attorney believes you may be able to collect for your injuries and damages. While there are many specific details that go into determining this final amount, there are some key aspects that the lawyer can look at and give some general figures about your case. Even though the attorney will not be able to give you an exact answer, it can be very helpful to know if you have a similar idea of compensation as the lawyer and get an understanding of why your calculations may be different than theirs.