If you are scheduling an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer, it is imperative that you come prepared with effective questions to ask. Contact a skilled New Jersey personal injury lawyer to set up your free consultation today.
What is an Initial Consultation?
When it comes to the law, an initial consultation is the very first meeting you have with a lawyer who you are considering working with on your case. These consultations are often short in length and low-cost or free, like they are at Rubenstein, Berliner & Shinrod, LLC.
During the initial consultation, you will explain your situation to the lawyer and present them with the relevant documents, information, and evidence. The lawyer will then offer advice on whether you have a valid claim, potential issues they identify, and what you can expect from the legal process.
It is also a two-way interview of sorts. You will evaluate the attorney’s experience, credentials, work style, and more to determine whether you want them representing you. The attorney will also decide whether they have the capacity to take on your case based on the circumstances of the situation and their workload.
What Questions Are Important to Ask During an Initial Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Because the initial consultation is so important, it is crucial that you arrive prepared with a list of questions for the attorney. These meetings are often short, so having all of your thoughts laid out can help you to ensure you do not forget anything or waste time.
To make the most out of your consultation, your questions should allow you to learn more about the strength of your case, the legal process, and the attorney’s work and communication style. At the end of the day, you should leave knowing whether or not you want to hire them to take on your case. Below are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation.
- Do you believe I have a strong case and why?
- What are some potential challenges of my case?
- What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
- What is your success rate or track record with settlements and trials?
- What is your communication style during the process? How can I expect you to update me?
- Will you be the lawyer working on my case or will there be other attorneys or employees contributing?
- How much do you charge for your services?
- What costs and fees am I responsible for?
- What is the payment structure you expect? Do you work based on a flat rate, contingency fee, retainer, or something else?
- What is the timeline for my case?
- What legal strategies do you anticipate implementing during my case?
- What role am I going to play in the process and what is expected of me?
It is crucial that you leave your consultation feeling confident and knowledgeable about the situation and your case so you can make an informed decision regarding whether to proceed with the legal action and whether to hire the attorney or not.
Reach out to a skilled personal injury lawyer to set up your consultation today.
