When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, hiring the right personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Knowing what questions to ask and when to ask them is vital in helping you find the right lawyer for the job. This guide offers a few tips to help you make an informed decision finding the right personal injury attorney.
Get the Most Out of Your Legal Consultation
Before diving into your consultations, It is helpful to understand what qualities and qualifications truly matter when seeking legal counsel. The following questions are designed to give you deeper insight into a lawyer’s approach, experience, and how well they align with your needs—whether you’re navigating a personal injury lawsuit or seeking legal representation for the first time.
1. Personal Injury Case Experience
A lawyer who regularly handles personal injury cases will be more familiar with the legal strategies, insurance company tactics, expert witnesses, and courtroom procedures that impact your case. It’s important to ask how many years they’ve been practicing personal injury law and how often they take on these types of cases.
At The Joel Bieber Firm, our attorneys focus exclusively on personal injury law, bringing decades of hands-on experience to every case we handle.
2. Experience with Similar Personal Injury Claims
Not all injury cases are the same. Whether you’re dealing with a traumatic brain injury, a dog bite, or medical malpractice, hiring a personal injury attorney with direct experience in that specific area can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. As one attorney at The Joel Bieber Firm explains,
“We have represented tens of thousands of clients over our firm’s history. Everything from simple rear end collisions to complex premises liability to traumatic brain injury, paralysis, and even wrongful death cases. With that much experience, you can be confident we know the best way to approach your claim and secure fair recovery for you”
Asking for specific examples and how similar cases were resolved can give you a better understanding of the lawyer’s skill and experience.
3. What Is Your Success Rate?
A lawyer’s skill in negotiation and litigation can be seen in their success rate. While no attorney wins every case, understanding their track record with settlements, verdicts, and appeals gives insight into their effectiveness and tactics. Ask your soon to be attorney about results in both trials and out-of-court negotiations involving personal injury claims.
4. What Are Your Fees and Payment Structure?
Most personal injury lawyers take a percentage at settlement while working on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win. However, it is still important to clarify their exact fee percentage and whether that percentage is calculated before or after legal expenses are deducted. Always ask about potential upfront costs, such as filing fees or expert witness retainers; be sure to understand the full scope of their legal fees.
5. Who Will Be Handling My Case?
Sometimes, the person you speak with initially isn’t the one who will be pursuing your case. It’s important to know who your main point of contact will be, who will handle communications, and who will help you prepare for settlement discussions or trial. This is especially important when working with larger personal injury firms. You want to know the person behind the phone.
At The Joel Bieber Firm, one of our investigators will first reach out to you, gather details and listen to your first-hand account. Then, we assign your case to both a paralegal and an attorney so you can be kept in the loop every step of the way.
6. How Will You Communicate With Me About the Case?
Clear, consistent communication is essential. Ask how often you’ll receive updates, who you’ll be speaking with (lawyer, case manager, paralegal), and the best way to reach your team if you have questions. Some clients prefer scheduled phone calls and others prefer to be emailed. At the Joel Bieber firm we can communicate via phone call, text, email or according to each client’s needs.
7. What Is My Case Worth?
An experienced attorney should be able to give you an estimate of what your case might be worth based on similar cases. No lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome, but they should walk you through possible compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and future care costs. This also opens up a conversation about factors that could affect your fair settlement or potential for maximum compensation.
8. How Long Will My Case Take?
Personal injury claims can range from a few months to several years depending on complexity, severity of injuries, and willingness of the other party to negotiate. A good lawyer will provide a realistic timeline and discuss potential delays, such as insurance disputes or the need for ongoing medical treatment.
9. What Are the Potential Challenges in My Case?
Every case has its hurdles. At The Joel Bieber Firm, our team is always upfront about potential challenges—whether it’s limited insurance coverage, unclear liability, or gaps in medical treatment.
10. Can You Provide References or Client Testimonials?
Though lawyers cannot reveal confidential client information, they should be able to share client testimonials, references, or reviews. These can offer valuable insights into their communication style, reliability, and overall client satisfaction. For example, one former client of The Joel Bieber Firm shared,
“I appreciate the level of professionalism and the way that the entire team quickly responded to assist with my situation. I am grateful that I have them on my side. This firm made the entire process extremely easy for me and they got the ball rolling immediately in addition to getting me started with physical therapy for my injuries. Extremely grateful that I chose to go with them. Highly recommended!”- A.M.
Look for testimonials like this that highlight both positive outcomes and a supportive, attentive approach to client service.
11. Are You Willing to Go to Trial If Necessary?
Some cases settle out of court, but others may require litigation to achieve fair compensation. Make sure your lawyer has courtroom experience and is not afraid to take your case to trial. Insurance companies often settle more favorably when they know the opposing injury lawyer is prepared to litigate.
12. How Do You Calculate Your Fees If We Win the Case?
Even on a contingency basis, it’s crucial to understand how fees will be calculated. Will the attorney deduct their fee before or after subtracting expenses? How are costs like medical records, court filings, or depositions handled? Clarifying this early helps you understand what you’ll take home after legal fees and case-related expenses.
13. What Sets You Apart from Other Personal Injury Attorneys?
This question helps identify the lawyer’s unique qualifications, philosophy, and client approach. Do they offer 24/7 access? Do they have a multilingual staff? Do they have specific awards or recognitions in personal injury law? Look for authentic responses that show they go above and beyond what many personal injury lawyers offer.
The Joel Bieber Firm has earned recognition for its trial work and has recovered millions for injured clients across multiple states. Our team is known for combining aggressive representation with compassion.
Why the Right Questions Matter
Choosing a personal injury lawyer isn’t just a box to check—it’s a partnership that can shape your future. The right attorney should not only fight for the compensation you deserve but also make you feel heard, informed, and empowered every step of the way.
At The Joel Bieber Firm, clients aren’t treated like case numbers. They’re treated like people—with stories, struggles, and rights worth defending. Whether you’re just beginning your search or ready to move forward, don’t settle for anything less than a legal team that truly has your back.
Start by asking the right questions—and if you need answers, The Joel Bieber Firm is ready to provide them. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step toward justice.