Questions to Ask Your Personal Injury Lawyer
October 10, 2025- Categories: Personal Injury
When you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it can be stressful to try to put together a solid personal injury claim. Choosing the right legal counsel is, therefore, a critical decision, and knowing what to ask can make all the difference in your case. Below are some essential questions to ask your personal injury lawyer to help you understand various aspects of their approach, including their experience, how they plan to handle your claim, the settlement process, and their fee structure.
If you need legal help, call Neale & Fhima APC today at (888-407-2955 for a free consultation.
The Attorney’s Experience
What Kind of Cases Do You Handle?
Personal injury law covers a wide range of cases, such as car accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, and plenty more. Some attorneys, therefore, focus specifically on one or two areas of the law, while others handle several. You’ll want to find out whether your potential lawyer takes on claims like yours.
How Long Have You Been Handling Personal Injury Cases?
Hiring a lawyer who hasn’t been practicing for a long time isn’t an inherently bad thing — new attorneys can sometimes be just as effective as those with decades of experience — but those who have been in the field longer have a stronger understanding of legal strategies, tactics used by insurance companies, and courtroom procedures. In a similar vein, it is also wise to ask about their track record. That won’t guarantee specific results, but it’ll give you an idea of how often they’ve won settlements and verdicts.
Case Handling and Strategy
How Do You Plan to Approach My Case?
Every personal injury case is different, and a good lawyer will take the time to explain how they plan to build your case. They may intend to attempt negotiations first, or they may simply expect to go straight to trial. Additionally, they may use expert witness testimony or choose to rely on medical records and accident reports. Understanding your lawyer’s strategy will help you feel more confident moving forward.
How Will We Communicate During My Case?
Perhaps the biggest frustration a client may experience with a personal injury case is a lack of communication from their attorney. Ask how often you can expect updates and whether you’ll be talking to your lawyer or a member of their team. Some firms assign cases to junior associates or paralegals, while others prioritize direct communication with clients. Determining that distinction ahead of time will help manage expectations.
What Challenges Do You Expect to See?
The legal system is nothing if not complicated, and there’s always a possibility of encountering roadblocks. Your attorney should be able to recognize potential challenges, such as the need to prove liability or deal with a difficult insurance adjuster. When you have a clear understanding of these obstacles, you can properly prepare for what’s to come.
How Long Do You Expect My Case to Take?
No lawyer can guarantee an exact timeline, but they should be able to give you an estimate based on similar cases they’ve taken in the past. Some claims settle in a few months, but others can take years, especially if they have to go through the court system. Having a rough timeline can let you plan accordingly, especially if you’re concerned about your hospital bills and time lost from work.
The right questions can help you find an attorney with the knowledge and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Settlement and Trial
How Do You Handle Settlement Offers?
Insurance companies like to settle quickly, and their first offers are rarely in your best interests. Ask how your attorney evaluates settlement offers and whether they’re prepared to push for better deals. You want to work with someone who won’t settle too fast, especially if doing so means leaving money on the table.
How Do You Handle Cases That Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but some do end up going to trial. Should your case fail to settle, you want a lawyer who’s prepared to fight for you in court. Ask about their experience with litigation and what you can expect if your case goes that route.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?
Your exact types of compensation will depend on the details of your case. Therefore, your attorney should be able to explain to you in plain language what you’re entitled to and how they’ll calculate a fair amount for a settlement.
Legal Fees and Costs
Do You Require Any Upfront Fees?
Many firms handle cases on a contingency basis, but some do require upfront fees that can later be reimbursed. Ask your lawyer to clarify their payment expectations from the beginning so you don’t get caught with a surprise down the line.
Are There Any Other Costs I Should Know About?
Besides attorney fees, there may be other expenses involved with your case, such as filing fees or costs for retrieving medical records. Ask whether these will be deducted from your settlement or if you’re expected to pay them regardless of the case’s outcome.
Client Responsibilities and Next Steps
What Should I Do While My Case Is in Progress?
Your attorney should be able to give you clear advice on what to do (and what not to do) while your case is active. These actions might include following your doctor’s advice, keeping notes on your recovery, and refraining from making social media posts about your injury.
What Happens if We Lose?
No one can guarantee a win, so it’s important to know what happens if your case fails. Will you owe your lawyer any legal fees? And will they help you with your next steps, like filing an appeal? These details will help you understand how to move forward in the event of an unwanted outcome.
Make an Informed Decision About Your Legal Counsel
Choosing the right legal counsel represents one of the most important investments (of both time and money) you can put into your case. When you raise the right questions to ask your personal injury lawyer, you’ll have a better understanding of whether an attorney is a good fit for your claim, and that knowledge will empower you to make the best decision for your situation.
If you’re ready to discuss your case, the team at Neale & Fhima APC is prepared to help. Call us today at 888-407-2955.
Attorney Aaron Fhima
Aaron Fhima is a trial attorney who has secured numerous settlements and verdicts against large corporations and some of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Representing consumers and injury victims throughout the state of California, Aaron’s practice areas include personal injury, and lemon law litigation. Aaron has a long record of success taking on large defense firms; and he doesn’t hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to enforce his clients’ rights. [ Attorney Bio ]
