Evaluating Your Case
First, your lawyer should give you an honest evaluation of your case based on the facts. Be prepared to give your lawyer the detailed facts of your accident to the best of your ability. You may want to take the time to jot down everything you remember from the accident before meeting with your lawyer. The most important facts will be related to the damages you have suffered. The lawyer should explain various theories of liability that might apply to your case and whether the tortfeasor (the person who commits the wrongful act) has sufficient assets to compensate you for your injuries.”
Discussing Fees and Cost
Once your personal injury lawyer finds out how much insurance coverage there is available to compensate for your injuries, he or she will be ready to discuss their fee agreement. Typically, lawyers represent you on a contingent fee basis which usually amounts to roughly one-third of the recovery funds from your case.
Trial Versus Settling Your Case
Be weary of lawyers who tell you that you have a strong case for trial without evidence to back it up. Too often, lawyers mislead you to believing you have a great case initially so that you sign up with them, but when trial becomes imminent, they suddenly shift course. While not all cases are meant to go to trial, lawyers often opt to settle even when it’s better to go to trial because it’s a choice that will require less work on their part. You want a lawyer that will choose the right course based on the best interests of their clients, not themselves.