Pedestrian accidents can lead to serious injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. These accidents can be more common than you think. Did you know, the Pedestrians killed in traffic or non-traffic incidents were estimated at 9188 in 2022, by The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). If you ever end up in such a case, you might consider hiring a lawyer for a pedestrian accident case
If you’ve been injured in such an accident, hiring a personal injury lawyer or an accident attorney is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve. But with so many personal injury attorneys available, how do you choose the right attorney for your case?
15 Questions Before Hiring a Lawyer for a Pedestrian Accident Case
Before making a decision, you need to ask a personal injury lawyer the right questions to ensure they have the experience, skills, and commitment to fight for your best interests. Here are 15 essential questions to ask before hiring a lawyer for a pedestrian accident case.
1. How Many Pedestrian Accident Cases Have You Handled?
Not all personal injury attorneys specialize in pedestrian accident cases. It’s essential to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled similar cases.
The attorney’s experience can provide insight into their familiarity with the legal process, ability to negotiate with insurance companies, and track record of securing fair compensation for clients.
A lawyer who has handled many pedestrian accident cases will be better equipped to anticipate challenges and develop effective legal strategies.
2. What Is Your Experience with Personal Injury Cases?
When hiring a personal injury attorney, ensure they have extensive experience handling personal injury cases, including fall accidents, car accidents, and other injury claims. More experienced attorneys will be better equipped to handle the legal system, negotiate settlements, and take cases to trial if necessary.
Their knowledge of personal injury law can make a significant difference in achieving a successful outcome for your claim. Quick reminder: you don’t need a ‘super lawyer,’ just someone with sufficient experience.
3. What Legal Fees Do You Charge?
Understanding the financial risks of hiring a lawyer is crucial. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win your case. Be sure to clarify the percentage they take from your compensation and any additional legal fees you might incur.
Some law firms may also charge for filing fees, court costs, and other expenses, so understanding the full cost structure upfront can prevent surprises later while handling cases. Moreover, in more severe cases, catastrophic injury lawyers charge you differently.
4. Do the Personal Injury Attorneys Offer a Free Consultation?
A free consultation allows you to discuss your case with a prospective lawyer without financial commitment. This is an opportunity to evaluate whether they are the right lawyer for your legal representation.
You can ask about their experience, approach to cases, and expected outcomes. Additionally, use this time to assess them before hiring a lawyer for a pedestrian accident case. You should check how well they communicate and whether they seem genuinely interested in helping you. The clearer they answer the higher chances of them being the right professional for your case.
5. How Will You Handle My Injury Claim?
A good personal injury lawyer should provide a clear strategy for handling personal injury cases. Ask about their approach to gathering evidence, negotiating with the opposing party, and representing you in court if needed.
Remember, understanding their legal strategy will help you determine if their approach aligns with your expectations and best interests.
6. What Is Your Track Record in Securing Compensation?
Receiving compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering is critical. Ask about their success rate in securing settlements and court verdicts to ensure you’re hiring an attorney with a proven ability to win.
After all, their past results can give you confidence in their ability to handle your case effectively and fight for the compensation you deserve.
7. How Do You Determine If My Case Is Worth Pursuing?
Not every personal injury claim results in compensation. A good law firm will evaluate the details of your accident, legal matters, and insurance policies before advising whether pursuing legal action is in your best interests.
They will assess liability, available evidence, and potential damages to determine the strength of your case.
8. How Do You Communicate with Clients?
Effective communication is essential in legal cases. Ask how often you can expect updates on your case and whether you will work directly with the attorney or with their legal team.
Knowing how accessible they are and what methods of communication they use (phone calls, emails, meetings) can help you feel more informed and involved throughout the legal process.
9. What Are the Possible Outcomes of My Case?
Understanding the potential outcomes helps set realistic expectations. An experienced lawyer should explain whether you can expect a settlement, trial, or other resolution based on similar claims.
They should also provide insight into factors that may impact the case’s duration and potential challenges that may arise.
10. What Challenges Do You Foresee in My Personal Injury Claim?
An honest and experienced personal injury lawyer should be able to identify potential challenges in your case, such as proving negligence, dealing with insurance companies, or overcoming arguments from the opposing party.
Knowing these challenges in advance can help you prepare for any hurdles and set realistic expectations for the legal process.
11. Do You Have Trial Experience?
While most personal injury cases settle, some go to trial. Ask if the lawyer has trial experience and how many cases they have successfully litigated in court.
A lawyer with strong trial experience can provide more leverage in negotiations and increase the likelihood of securing fair compensation, as insurance companies may be more willing to settle rather than risk losing in court.
12. How Long Do Personal Injury Cases Typically Take?
The claims process can vary depending on the complexity of the case. A qualified legal representative should provide an estimated timeline and keep you informed of any delays or changes.
While some cases settle quickly, others may take months or even years, especially if they go to trial. Understanding the expected timeframe can help you plan accordingly. So, keep this in mind when hiring a lawyer for a pedestrian accident case.
13. How Will You Maximize My Compensation?
The right attorney will fight for the maximum compensation available. Ask how they plan to prove damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation.
They should also discuss various legal tools, such as expert testimony and accident reconstruction, to strengthen your case.
14. Can You Provide References from Past Clients?
Reputable personal injury attorneys should be able to provide client testimonials or references to demonstrate their success in handling personal injury cases.
Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism, effectiveness, and ability to handle legal proceedings. They should also have records of their verdicts and settlements, showcasing the expertise.
15. What Sets You Apart from Other Personal Injury Lawyers?
There are many personal injury attorneys out there, but not all offer the same level of expertise and dedication. Ask what makes this attorney or law firm different and why they are the right legal help for your case.
Their unique approach, resources, and commitment to client success should make them stand out from the competition.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is a critical step in securing compensation after a pedestrian accident. By asking these 15 questions before hiring a lawyer for a pedestrian accident case, you can make an informed decision and feel confident that you have the right legal representation.
Look for a law firm with experienced attorneys who understand personal injury law, have a strong track record in similar cases, and are committed to pursuing your best interests. From handling legal fees on a contingency basis to fighting for maximum compensation, the right attorney will take care of the legal process with your financial and emotional well-being in mind.
Get Help For Your Pedestrian Accident With BLG
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait—schedule an initial consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bourassa Law Group today.
We can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, and pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The sooner you seek legal representation, the stronger your case will be.
1-800-870-8910