Seven Questions You Need to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer

Seven Questions You Need to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer

Seven Questions You Need to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer pen on paper filling out questions by a man with a tie and button up shirt

What You Need to Know Before Hiring an Attorney

After an accident, finding the right lawyer can be challenging. Clearly, there is not just one way to do this. However, there is information you need before you can make up your mind. Here, we present seven questions you need to ask.

Where Do You Start?

No one lawyer is right for every client. You should start by reviewing legal sites that rank lawyers in your area. Two important sites are Super Lawyers and Expertise.com. You can also go to the Bar Association in your state to find out more information.

Will I Be Able to Meet With the Attorney Before Hiring Them?

This is a critical question. Most personal injury lawyers provide a free case review to prospective clients. It is vital to meet with the lawyer who will be handling your claim, not a caseworker or another representative from the firm. If you don’t feel comfortable with the attorney, thank them for their time and move on.

Do They Focus on Personal Injury Cases?

Some lawyers focus exclusively on personal injury. There are many different types of law, and they are all very complex. In many cases, the experience of an attorney is crucial to the outcome of your claim. In the event that you have been injured in a car accident, choosing an attorney who specializes in this area of law can be vital to obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled. 

Will I Be Able to Communicate With My Lawyer After Hiring Them?

Many clients worry about who they will be able to talk to after the first meeting. Find out if your lawyer will take your phone calls. The fact that you can communicate with your lawyer is comforting, even if you must leave a message until he or she returns your call.

How Will My Case Be Handled?

Each phase of a personal injury case is different. In one method, questions answered under penalty of perjury are used to gather information from the defendant. The process is known as a deposition. If you are deposed, your lawyer should be by your side and handle the deposition of the defendant. Furthermore, your lawyer should appear in court on your behalf.

Most often, negotiations occur either after a formal court case is filed or before. It is expected that your lawyer will handle such negotiations on your behalf. If the lawyer does not provide a direct answer to this question, you may press them for it.

Your case depends on establishing a relationship with an attorney. Due to this, you may also wonder whether the retainer agreement specifies that the attorney you retain will handle all aspects of your case, including negotiations, depositions and court appearances.

Ask How the Lawyer Would Approach Your Case

As an example, the lawyer may suggest that settlement is a viable option. It is necessary for both sides to agree on the amount of monetary damages that is optimal in order to reach a settlement. Your attorney should have the resources and experience to take your case to trial if settlement negotiations fail. You should move on if the lack of an appropriate settlement stymies the attorney's efforts due to either a lack of trial experience or a lack of funds to handle the case throughout the court's system. The lawyer should be able to feel as comfortable at the negotiation table as they do in court.

Ask How Much Your Case Is Worth

At the outset, it is impossible to say exactly how much your case is worth. In general, however, an attorney can give you a good idea of what the outcome will be based on their experience. Always ask your lawyer what he or she believes is a just compensation amount. An experienced lawyer will not only take into account the wage loss and medical costs you have incurred but also the potential expenses you will incur in the future. A defendant may also be required to pay punitive damages if their actions were egregiously negligent. Both factors are considered when determining whether the defendant was responsible for the injured party's pain and suffering and whether their negligence resulted in a severe injury.

Morris Law

If you are looking for an attorney, schedule a meeting with Jeff Morris. Morris Law offers a free case review where you can ask questions and learn about his law firm. Call (843) 232-0944 or reach out to us online.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

What Our Clients Say

Thank you so much for your advice! I highly recommend him! Mr. Morris was extremely helpful with helping me understand the situation.
What seemed very confusing to me he actually broke everything down so I could understand what everything meant. Thank you so much for your advice! I highly recommend him!

Crissy Blumer

I would highly recommend Morris Law firm. Everything about my experience was easy and stress-free. At a time where I was frazzled and in need, the Morris Law Firm was there for me with answers and direction.
The knowledgeable staff was friendly and helpful. Leigh Anna answered my calls and e-mails promptly and with clear answers. Jeff and his staff were able to help me with all my legal needs.
I appreciate the time and energy that they put towards my case. Anyone looking for legal advise would be well advised to hire The Morris Law firm.

Kylie Reid

I contacted Morris Law after I was injured from a fall at Dollar General. Mr. Morris took my case and immediately began to give the help and guidance I needed. He was able to get me treatments and physical therapy that I would not have been able to get on my own. I was also able to stop working and concentrate on getting my injuries taken care of. We have settled after a long battle and I am pleased with the outcome. I want to thank Mr. Morris and his very capable staff for the great treatment . I recommend Morris Law for your needs.

Vivian Hancheck

Wonderful people. I don’t even know where to begin. From the moment I called to schedule an appointment to our last meeting, Morris Law has been nothing but professional and helpful as I needed help navigating legal matters.

Delora Pitts

Jeff Morris was great to work with. Easy to work with. Made sure I received the best settlement I could get. Thanks Jeff.

John Farber

The staff at The Morris Law firm has been great. I had many questions leading up to my decision on which law firm to use. My experience with everyone I had contact with was positive. They have multiple offices around the state of South Carolina. Highly recommend reaching on to Jeff and his staff if you made need a great lawyer. He has a whole team of professionals waiting to help you.

Matthew Reynolds

I appreciate all that Morris Law Firm did for me. Very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable staff that helped during a difficult time.

Lindsey Rogers

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At Morris Law Firm, we have provided compassionate and aggressive counsel to personal injury victims in Horry County, Aiken County, and throughout South Carolina since 2016. We are available 24/7/365 days of the year. Reach out and get your case evaluated at no cost.

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