The first consultation with a personal injury attorney is one of the most important meetings you will have in your case. This is your opportunity not just to have the attorney evaluate your case – but to evaluate the attorney.

Come prepared. Here are the most important questions to ask.

About Their Experience

How long have you been practicing personal injury law? Look for attorneys with several years of dedicated personal injury experience.

How many cases like mine have you handled? Experience with your specific type of accident (car accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice) is important.

Have you taken cases like mine to trial? An attorney who never actually goes to trial has limited leverage in negotiations. Ask for specifics.

What is your track record with similar cases? They cannot guarantee outcomes, but they should be able to point to settlements and verdicts in comparable cases.

About Your Case

What is your assessment of my case? A good attorney will be honest with you – about both the strengths and the weaknesses.

What is the realistic range of outcomes? Beware of anyone who promises a specific number. A range, with explanation, is what you want.

What is my statute of limitations deadline? Confirm the exact date by which any lawsuit must be filed.

What obstacles do you see in my case? This tells you whether they have actually thought about your specific situation.

About Their Fees and Process

What is your contingency fee percentage – and does it change? Many firms charge more if the case goes to trial.

How are case expenses handled? Ask specifically whether you owe expenses if you lose.

Who will actually work on my case? At large firms, you may be handed off to a junior attorney or paralegal after signing. Know who your day-to-day contact will be.

How do you communicate with clients? How often will you receive updates? By phone, email, or both?

Before You Leave

Take notes. If you are consulting with multiple attorneys (which is advisable), having written answers makes comparison much easier. Trust your instincts – how an attorney treats you at the consultation is usually how they will treat you throughout the case.