What Questions Should You Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer?

What is a personal injury claim?

It is often easy to forget that accidents and injuries can happen to you or someone you know. Automobile accidents are the most common personal injury cases that arise. Negligence reaches beyond claims deriving from car accidents– it is the foundation for liability in most personal injury cases. Drivers have a job to exercise reasonable care when they step foot in a vehicle and are on the road. If you are in need of a knowledgeable Personal Injury Lawyer in New Hyde Park, NY then you should consider contacting Tannenbaum, Bellatone & Silver P.C today. Our lawyers can answer any questions you may have to help you determine the next best step to receive justice.

What happens if you decide to file a lawsuit?

When filing a personal injury lawsuit, lawyers on both sides will begin gathering the facts by exchanging documents, interrogatories, or depositions. This beginning stage of a lawsuit is called discovery. Typically, most personal injury cases are settled before getting taken to trial. Only a small percentage of cases are taken to trial.  

What does settling a personal injury case mean?

Settling a personal injury case means that you agree to take money in return for dropping the lawsuit against the person who caused injury to you. Furthermore, you will sign a release acquitting the other side of any further liability to the case. Your personal injury lawyer in New Hyde Park, NY, will help provide a realistic outline of whether or not the lawsuit will be successful based on the claim given. Something to note is that a case can be settled at any time during the lawsuit. However, if taken to trial, the case cannot be settled after the jury reached a verdict.  

Is there a time limitation to filing a suit?

Each state has certain time limits, otherwise known as the “statute of limitations.” For example, in some states, you have around one year to file after a car accident. If you miss the statutory deadline for filing your case, it will be thrown out of court. 

Questions you should ask a personal injury lawyer – New Hyde Park, NY:

What areas of law does the attorney specialize in?

• Research and time are key in finding the best attorney to represent you in a personal injury case. It is imperative to find a lawyer who specializes specifically in the injury case that occurred to you. For the best results in personal injury, hire a personal injury lawyer.

Has the attorney had experience in similar cases to yours?

• Although a personal injury lawyer can be experienced, it does not mean they are particularly skilled in the specialized area you are looking for. Most jurisdictions now allow attorneys to provide clients with information and data regarding prior cases and results. Each case is unique to its situation; however, it is never a bad idea to inquire and investigate further before hiring a personal injury lawyer in New Hyde Park, NY. 

How long will it take for a personal injury lawyer in New Hyde Park, NY, to resolve this case?

• Bills can pile up, and it is important to know how long it will take before you get compensated for your injuries. Many factors contribute to the time it will take to finalize the trial; however, your lawyer should be able to give you a general estimate based on how long other personal injury cases similar to yours have taken.  

Does the attorney work for monetary compensation?

• The majority of attorneys will not charge you for using their services. However, in a successful trial, attorneys may take a portion of any money you receive. Personal injury lawyers may also help pay any medical expenses as your case goes on before you have received compensation from the person who caused your injuries. If your attorney charges an hourly rate, bills can pile up and become very expensive.

How frequently do you take your cases to trial?

• This question can be extremely important because of its indications of receiving a larger payout. Having an attorney who rarely goes to trial can be problematic because this may be a sign that they are looking for a quick payoff rather than getting the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.  

Can you provide past clients for references?

• Past client references can be a good indicator of whether or not previous clients were satisfied with their attorney. This can be a great source of information about the results of past cases, a time frame for how long it took to settle, and any other expectations that you can gain from your personal injury lawyer in New Hyde Park, NY. 

Personal Injury Lawyer in New Hyde Park, NY

It is always a good idea to do your research before hiring a personal injury lawyer. Have the right people on your side and get the justice you deserve! Contact our office today to get in touch with qualified and respected lawyers who have the experience you need to receive the compensation you deserve. Tannenbaum, Bellatone, & Silver P.C is here to provide you some of Long Island’s best legal representation.