What to Ask Your Personal Injury Attorney in North Carolina

Personal injury cases can encompass a variety of situations, including car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured or tragically killed due to the actions or negligence of another person or company, your life can become overwhelming and stressful while you try to deal with recovery, replacement of property, or grief. You may not immediately think that you need a personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the next steps forward, but you will often need the help of a professional in order to get the compensation and closure that you need after the accident.

The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer 

A personal injury lawyer offers legal services to individuals who claim to have been injured, either physically or psychologically, as a result of the negligence of another person, company, government agency, or any entity. An experienced personal injury lawyer will work to understand the circumstances of the case and assess the client's situation to determine if there is a viable personal injury claim.  They will provide advice on the legal aspects of the situation, including a general idea of what the client might expect in terms of compensation, by accurately calculating the damages the client has suffered. This can include not only direct costs like medical bills but also indirect costs like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and future medical expenses.

Your personal injury lawyer will prepare and file all necessary paperwork to start a claim with the defendant or defendants and/or their insurance companies. They will conduct an independent investigation, gathering medical records, police records, and eyewitness statements, along with contracting with medical experts and other experts in the field who can help reconstruct what happened and show fault in the case. 

Your personal injury lawyer will then work to negotiate a settlement without the added expense and time of going to trial. This is a required step in North Carolina and if a settlement cannot be reached independently, both sides must work through a mediator to try and reach a settlement before it can go to trial. While most cases are settled out of court, sometimes it is necessary to go to court to fight for your rights and your attorney will represent you in court and present the case to a judge or jury.

When you hire a personal injury law firm, you are trusting them to do a much better job of representing you to the other parties involved than you could do yourself. Every lawyer’s approach and style is not the same and you should not hire a lawyer to represent you without doing a bit of research first.

The Importance of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Personal injury attorneys possess the knowledge of complex legal procedures, laws, and legal jargon associated with personal injury claims. They understand how to navigate the often-confusing legal system, and can guide you through it, helping you avoid potential pitfalls. A personal injury attorney will be your advocate, representing your interests throughout the process and making sure you get the best possible outcome for your unique situation.

In the aftermath of a personal injury, you might find yourself dealing with insurance companies that do not have your best interests at heart. Insurance companies often seek to minimize the compensation they pay out and can sound as though what they are offering you is fair and as good as the settlement will get, but It can be challenging to accurately determine the value of a personal injury claim without legal training.  A personal injury attorney can help calculate the true value of your claim by considering factors like medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future needs and then negotiate with these companies to argue effectively for the compensation you deserve.

Asking the Right Questions to Ensure the Best Representation

Interviewing multiple personal injury lawyers might be the very last thing that you feel up to doing after an accident, but a little effort in the beginning to make sure that you are choosing an experienced lawyer who will be able to help you settle your case successfully is worth it when you think of what can happen if you don’t pick the right attorney and are then stuck in bad situation where they do not represent you effectively and you might even have to start the entire process over again, or even worse, you are unhappy with the settlement, but the case is closed and you are not able to get the compensation or closure that you deserve.

Not all attorneys are equal. Start by asking for recommendations from family, friends or coworkers. A recommendation from someone you trust is always a great first step. You should also look at the online reviews for the firm and attorney as well as checking the NC Bar Association to see if an attorney has any reprimands or other disciplinary actions on their file. A reputable personal injury lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients or demonstrate a history of positive outcomes.

When you have narrowed down the list, schedule a consultation with each lawyer and go through some of the specifics about your case. Ask about the attorney's experience with personal injury cases similar to yours. Their past experience and success rate can be indicative of their ability to handle your case effectively. It's important to ask about the attorney's approach to client communication. You want someone who will keep you informed about your case, and who you can reach easily when you have questions or concerns. This initial conversation should give you a good gut feeling about how they will treat you during the case. If they seem distracted or rushed, maybe they don’t have time to give your case the attention it deserves.

It is important to understand how each attorney charges for their services. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they get paid only if they win your case. However, you should still ask about any potential fees or expenses you might be responsible for. Discussing fees and expenses upfront is crucial. Ask about the fee structure, an estimate of potential costs, and whether you'll be responsible for any costs if the case isn't successful. This information will give you a clear picture of your financial obligations and prevent any unwelcome surprises.

Understanding the attorney's legal strategy and case management approach is another essential aspect. Every personal injury attorney has unique ways of handling their cases. Therefore, inquire about their initial thoughts about your case, their proposed plan of action, and the expected timeline. Furthermore, ask about their communication style - will they regularly update you on case developments, or will they contact you when a decision is needed? Clear communication is critical for a successful attorney-client relationship.

As the client, understanding your role in the case is also important. Ask your personal injury attorney what is expected from you, how often and in what way should you communicate, and how you can assist in your case. You are a critical part of the team, and knowing your responsibilities will ensure a smooth process.

Selecting the right lawyer can make all the difference in your case's outcome, so be sure to ask the right questions to make the best choice for your specific situation. Don't shy away from asking any other questions that you feel are important. This initial legwork will be completely worth it when you trust the personal injury firm you hire is doing the very best job possible on your case.

At Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, we are here and ready to help get you through whatever legal hurdle is in front of you. Our experienced and caring staff are ready to meet with you for a free consultation about your case today. We are here to advocate for you, guide you through the legal process, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.