Facing injuries due to another’s negligence can be difficult. Perhaps a company didn’t pay close attention during manufacturing, and a defective product caused injuries. Or, maybe a driver was looking at their phone rather than the road, leading to a crash.
Accident victims may want to seek financial compensation for their injuries. A Queens personal injury lawyer can help you with your case — but how do you know which option to choose?
Countless personal injury lawyers are available; narrowing them down can be difficult. Remember the following tips to determine which attorney may be right for your case.
Check Their Experience
Experience can be incredibly important in determining whether to partner with a Queens personal injury lawyer. An attorney with years of experience has likely handled countless cases; they may have built solid connections, negotiated settlements under various circumstances, and developed a thorough understanding of the legal system, among other things.
The more experience an attorney has, the more likely they will successfully handle your case. When considering an attorney, ask them how long they’ve practiced law. Use that answer to evaluate whether you feel comfortable letting them handle your case.
Ask About Their Fees
Many people worry about how much it will cost to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. This concern is understandable; after all, you likely filed a case to request assistance with your bills, so you may not have much extra money to spend.
Some personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis — that is, they won’t ask for money unless they win your case. If they do win, they may claim up to one-third of your settlement, according to Nolo.
That said, not every lawyer will work on a contingency basis. Speaking to your Queens personal injury attorney beforehand is important to learn how they’ll handle fees and what percentage they might take from your final settlement. Doing so will allow you to judge whether you can afford their services.
Do Research on Their Reputation
You can learn a lot about an attorney from what previous clients have said. Before reaching out to a lawyer, consider looking up reviews. You can discover more about an attorney’s abilities, communication styles, and fees, among other things.
Ask About Previous Cases
An attorney may have an established firm, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re successful. Maybe they haven’t won many cases, or they haven’t negotiated very high settlements. Alternatively, a newer attorney may have successfully helped fewer clients through particularly long and complicated cases.
When meeting a prospective lawyer, take the time to field them about previous cases. Ask questions like:
- What sort of settlements have you negotiated for previous clients?
- Can you walk me through a case that was similar to mine?
- What sorts of challenges have you faced in previous cases?
Their answers should help you determine whether they would be a good fit for your case.
Learn More About Their Practice Areas
An attorney may be incredibly talented in their practice areas, but that doesn’t mean they’re the right choice for your case. For example, say you sustained injuries in a car accident. You wouldn’t likely want to work with an attorney who primarily handles medical malpractice cases.
Take the time to ask a prospective attorney about their practice areas. This will help you determine how much experience they have with cases similar to yours; if they haven’t handled many similar cases, you may want to search for a different attorney.
Determine Whether the Two of You Will Work Well Together
Suppose a prospective attorney has extensive experience, a solid reputation, and acceptable fees. However, even if they meet those requirements, they may still not be a good match.
Different lawyers will have different ways of handling cases. Some offer gentler, more compassionate support; others are aggressive and determined, able to fight on your behalf in court. Some may communicate regularly, while others prefer a more hands-off approach. There is no one “correct” way for an attorney to operate, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be comfortable with every style.
Before your initial consultation, consider what you’d like from your lawyer. Do you want an attorney who is more straightforward and blunt? Someone who’s empathetic? When you speak to them, pay attention to your comfort levels and think about your needs. If you feel like your personalities wouldn’t match, it may be better to part ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal injury law can be complex, and you may have questions beyond choosing the right attorney. At Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, we aim to answer some of the more common ones. We have proven results and can assist with auto accidents, construction accidents, and more. Reach out to speak to a qualified Queens personal injury lawyer.
Can Your Queens Personal Injury Attorney Help You Settle Outside of Court?
Yes, your personal injury lawyer in Queens can help you settle outside of court. The Law Dictionary states that up to 95% of cases will do so. Since trials can be stressful, settling out of court is usually more beneficial for all parties. That said, a small number of cases may still go to trial, so it’s important to work with an attorney who will fight on your behalf.
Do Trials Favor Plaintiffs or Defendants?
Generally, trials favor plaintiffs over defendants; according to Judicature, plaintiffs win up to 66% of bench trials and 53% of jury trials.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help With Your Case?
Your personal injury lawyer can help by negotiating with insurance companies, finding expert witnesses, gathering accident reports and other evidence, and litigating your case, among other things.
Are you curious about the difference between a personal injury lawyer vs. an auto accident lawyer? Would you like to request assistance with your case? If you’re searching for a qualified Queens personal injury lawyer, reach out to Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC. Call (718) 205-1010 or fill out the contact form to request a free consultation.