Why should I test whether your firm is a qualified law firm to help someone like me in my situation?
ANSWER: Choosing a trustworthy lawyer requires careful questioning. Just because a friend recommends a lawyer, or some stranger sends you a lawyer letter - neither of these prove whether the lawyer can do the job you need. Remember, you want to hire a lawyer you trust completely to handle this important matter in your life. We invite you to test us. Talk with us, without obligation or commitment, and ask us the following questions. Then ask another lawyer the same questions. Decide for yourself which lawyer and law firm is most worthy of your trust. Here are the test questions you need to ask every lawyer - including us:
- For no charge will you help me get my vehicle repaired or replaced - and get me a rental car immediately if insurance coverage and the law permit it?
- Will you immediately assign me a lawyer and paralegal - and an investigator to interview me, examine the accident scene, and take vital photos?
- What experience do you have in handling personal injury cases like mine?
- Can you tell me about some cases like mine that you or your firm have handled?
- How long have you been practicing law?
- What kinds of legal problems do you handle most often?
- How recently have you handled a case like mine?
- Are most of your clients individuals and people who have been injured - or the insurance companies that defend against injured persons?
- Who will be working on my case?
- If you have questions about my case, what other lawyer, if any, will you consult?
- If you decide not to handle my case, will you recommend another lawyer or law firm to do so?
- How much will you charge as your fee for representing me?
- Do I pay your fee only if you win my case for me?
- How much will I pay for costs?
- What are the possible outcomes you foresee for my case?
- What strengths and weaknesses do you see in my case?
- Do you expect to settle my case out of court, or to take it to trial?
- When do you predict resolving my case?
- What kind of experience do you have doing trial work?
- How will you ask me to participate in my case?
- What decisions will you ask me to make, and will you advise me about the pros and cons of those decisions?
- How easily can I reach you to discuss my questions and concerns?
- How, and how often, will you keep me informed about the progress of my case?
- Will you send me any copies of documents related to my case?
- What if I disagree with something you do in my case - how will we resolve that?
- How do I know I can trust you?
- What steps will you take in handling my case?
- What are the first things you advise me to do to protect myself in this case?
- How many years of experience do the lawyers in your firm have in representing accident cases?
