5 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney

People contact an injury attorney when they or a loved one has been harmed because of another party’s negligence. This negligence might affect someone through a car accident, a case of medical negligence, a defective product, or a property that isn’t adequately maintained or kept safe. All these situations leave injured parties vulnerable and in need of trusted guidance. As you consider seeking the support of an accident lawyer or injury attorney, here are five questions to ask a personal injury attorney before moving forward with professional support on a case.

1. What area does the injury attorney specialize in?

Some attorneys include personal injury cases among other specialties like family law or worker’s compensation. Dedicated personal injury law firms or injury attorneys take a wide range of cases related to negligence, though specific attorneys at the firm may be more seasoned in different areas than others. The expertise to pursue a semi truck accident case versus a medical malpractice case is what sets one personal injury lawyer apart from another. Whatever the reason you need an accident or injury lawyer, make sure to seek out a personal injury law firm that clearly understands the law and legal strategies unique to your situation.

2. What strategy might the personal injury lawyer have in mind for your case?

A civil case like a personal injury case is a complex process of building the story of how the negligence of the accused person or organization caused harm to the individual. This process is different depending on the facts of every case. After the attorney has considered the details of your situation, they will help you start to understand elements like the timeline for the case as well as what work the attorney will be doing to earn their fee. This may also set expectations around additional expenses related to the case like visits to a medical specialist, accident recreation, or expert testimony.

3. What challenges has the accident and injury attorney faced before in cases like yours?

Not all cases go smoothly, and the ability to adapt when challenges arise is what sets a seasoned personal injury attorney apart. Discussing potential obstacles can help you understand how the attorney might handle unexpected issues. Have they faced tough negotiations with insurance companies that lowball settlements? How do they handle cases where liability is disputed, or where clients share some fault under Indiana’s comparative fault laws?

As you discuss the strategy, it’s also important to know how the personal injury lawyer adapts when things don’t go to plan. Talking with them about if and how they have needed to change strategy in cases like yours will help you get a sense of their personality and attitude toward their work, as well as how they will handle your case.

4. How often does the injury lawyer take cases to trial?

Across the US, more than 95% of personal injury lawsuits are settled outside the courtroom. However, many personal injury attorneys work on honing their skills to succeed in cases that do go to trial. It should be clear that the attorney has the confidence and know-how to carry your injury case to court, in front of a jury if needed.

5. How will we communicate throughout the case?

Clear communication between you and your personal injury lawyer is critical to a successful case. Ask how often you can expect updates, who will be your primary point of contact, and what methods of communication they prefer—whether it’s by phone, email, or in-person meetings.

You should also clarify how quickly the attorney or their team will respond to your questions or concerns. A lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities to strengthen your case. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we prioritize maintaining open lines of communication with all our clients. Your lawyer will be transparent and accessible, ensuring you’re never left wondering about the status of your case.

Additionally, it’s helpful to know if you’ll have direct contact with your lawyer or if most communication will be through a paralegal or assistant. Knowing this upfront helps you set realistic expectations about how you’ll interact with your legal team throughout the process.

Need more questions? 

We’ve provided 5 more bonus questions to ask that we’ve seen are very common. This article was updated in October 2024. 

Do I have a case?

One of the first questions you may have when considering a personal injury claim is whether you have a viable case. The answer to this depends on several factors, including the details of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and who is at fault. When you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney, they will evaluate key aspects like:

• Negligence: Did someone else’s reckless or careless behavior cause your injury? For example, in car accidents, proving that the other driver was at fault is crucial.
• Damages: Have you suffered measurable damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress? Without substantial damages, it may be difficult to pursue compensation.
• Liability: Is there enough evidence to show that the responsible party is liable? Whether it’s a slip and fall accident, a car crash, or medical malpractice, evidence plays a significant role in determining if you have a case.

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we take a close look at all these factors to give you an honest assessment. If you’re unsure whether you have a case, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney early on can help clarify your legal options and set the course for moving forward.

What is my case worth?

The value of a personal injury case depends on the specific details of your injury, accident, and the impact it has had on your life. When determining how much your case is worth, your attorney will consider:

• Medical expenses: This includes not only the costs of immediate treatments like surgeries and hospital stays but also long-term rehabilitation and future medical care.
• Lost wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for both past and future lost wages, especially if the injury affects your ability to earn income in the future.
• Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury. Pain and suffering can significantly increase the value of your case, especially if your quality of life has been affected.
• Property damage: If your property was damaged in the accident, such as your vehicle in a car crash, the cost of repair or replacement will also be factored into the case’s worth.
• Other non-economic damages: Depending on the case, compensation may include loss of companionship, enjoyment of life, and other intangible damages.

Every personal injury case is unique, and an experienced attorney will carefully assess all elements of your claim to provide you with a realistic estimate of its value. While no one can guarantee a specific outcome, working with a knowledgeable legal team ensures you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Who is your typical client?

Our typical clients are individuals and families who have experienced life-altering injuries and need expert legal guidance to fight for their rights. We handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

• Truck accidents: These cases often involve serious injuries and multiple liable parties, requiring the expertise of a lawyer who understands Indiana’s trucking laws.
• Car accidents: We represent clients injured in car accidents caused by distracted driving, reckless driving, and more.
• Catastrophic injuries: If you or a loved one has suffered a life-changing injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, you deserve a lawyer who understands the complexities involved in securing fair compensation for long-term medical care.
• Wrongful death: When families lose a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, we provide compassionate representation to help them seek justice.
• Medical malpractice: These cases can be particularly challenging, requiring in-depth knowledge of medical standards and Indiana’s malpractice laws.
• Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists often face severe injuries when involved in crashes. Our firm helps secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Birth injuries: If your child was injured during birth due to medical negligence, we fight to hold those responsible accountable.
• Product liability: If a defective product caused your injuries, we will pursue claims against the manufacturers and other parties involved.
• Premises liability: Whether it’s a slip and fall or unsafe conditions that caused your injury, we ensure property owners are held accountable for their negligence.
• Dog bites: We represent clients who have been bitten or attacked by dogs, ensuring they receive compensation for medical expenses and emotional trauma.

If your case falls into one of these categories, you are likely our typical client, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.

Does my case have any deadlines?

Yes, your case has strict deadlines that must be met. Personal injury cases in Indiana are subject to a statute of limitations, which is the legal time limit for filing a lawsuit. In most personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, and medical malpractice, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file your claim. However, there are some exceptions to this rule depending on the specifics of your case, such as cases involving government entities, where the deadline may be much shorter.

Failing to file within the applicable time frame can result in losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries. That’s why it’s crucial to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed on time.

What might the accident attorney need from you during the personal injury case?

Last, make sure you understand what will be required of you during the case. Whether you are the injured person or a loved one advocating on their behalf, the process of an accident and injury case will require your involvement in answering questions and maybe giving testimony. Visits to medical specialists, limits on communication and social media use, and certain habits of record-keeping and documentation may also be essential to the success of the case. All this may not be clear from the beginning, but your attorney should be able to set some expectations of how much time must be committed to the case.

Every case is different, so the answers to these questions will be different for each person meeting with an attorney. But the insight gained will help you define whether you want to pursue an accident or injury case. You’ll also understand if the personal injury attorney has a personality and strategy you feel confident working with. That assurance will be worth a lot during the process ahead. If you want to meet with a personal injury attorney in Indiana, we hope you’ll consider sharing your story with Christie Farrell Lee & Bell. Our firm has worked together as a team for decades to represent individuals permanently affected by another party’s negligence.