Five Questions to Ask a Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney When You Meet for the First Time

Have you been injured in a car accident, bicycle accident, or another type of accident that was not your fault? If so, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Under North Carolina law, victims who become hurt because of another person's negligence or recklessness how to write to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Personal injury lawsuits can be complex, and it is essential that you hire an experienced personal injury attorney. Meeting with an attorney may be intimidating, especially if this is your first time engaging with the legal system. Having some questions ready to ask the attorney can help you better decide whether the attorney is right for you and your case.

1. What Legal Fees and Costs Do You Charge Upfront?

Many personal injury victims have significant medical bills and must take time off work. As a result, many cannot pay for their legal representation up front. Most personal injury attorneys accept clients and represent them on a contingency basis. The attorney will take a percentage of any compensation they win for their client. The contingency fee basis ensures an attorney will work hard to obtain compensation for you because their success is tied to the outcome of your case. Some attorneys charge specific fees and costs, so you must know the fee agreement upfront before hiring an attorney.

2. What is Your Experience with Cases Like Mine?

When you pursue a personal injury lawsuit, your financial future will be tied to your case. In other words, you only have one shot at obtaining the compensation you will need for your medical expenses, property damage, and other damages. You do not want an attorney who does not have experience trying cases like yours to represent you. You can ask the attorney how many cases they have handled like yours and for examples of the outcomes of those cases.

3. What is Your Legal Strategy for My Case?

Some attorneys like to settle cases as quickly as possible to get paid. When you meet with an attorney for the first time, ask about their strategy for your case. Will they advocate and negotiate aggressively? Do they have trial experience if your case proceeds to litigation? What will they do if the at-fault party makes a reasonable settlement agreement?

4. What Obstacles Might I Face?

Personal injury cases are usually more complex. If you were involved in an accident, there might be insurance companies involved. the insurance company or defendant may begin gathering evidence to use against you. You may have been at fault, even if it was to a small degree. Ask the attorney about any potential obstacles you may run into. An experienced attorney should be able to foresee potential obstacles in your case and create an effective strategy for overcoming those obstacles.

5. What is Your Client Communication Strategy?

When clients review attorneys they have worked with, communication is one of the main difficulties they experience. As a client, you will want to stay up-to-date with your case and feel informed about what is happening. When you speak to an attorney for the first time, you should ask about their communication policy. How do they plan to keep you updated while they handle your case? are they willing to answer questions? What is their preferred method of communication? How involved do they want you to be in your case? You should work with a law firm that will work with you to find a communication schedule and strategy.

6. Do You Have the Resources to Investigate My Case?

Personal injury cases can be expensive, and the discovery process can be time-consuming and require experts. You should ask the attorney about his or her law firm's resources to investigate your case. Will they work with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, when necessary? Do they have the professional network needed to ensure success?

7. Do You Offer a Free Case Evaluation?

As a personal injury victim, you do not want to feel financially pressured when you meet with an attorney for the first time. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we offer a free initial consultation to potential clients so they can ask questions and learn more about their rights without the pressure of paying for the consultation. We have a proven track record of successfully obtaining millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. You only have a limited amount of time to file a claim. Contact the Charlotte personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, today to schedule a free case evaluation.

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