If you’ve been injured, there are plenty of law firms in the Bradenton and Sarasota area that would be happy to represent your injury claim. But how do you know if an attorney is a good fit for you and your accident?

Previously, we’ve listed some important questions you should ask and tips on choosing the best attorney.

Below, we’ve listed six more questions you should ask a lawyer. Of course, if you have other questions, don’t hesitate to contact our law firm.

Q: How long do you expect my case to take?

Answer: It’s hard to say. Every case is different, and important factors such as the number of drivers involved, the severity injuries, and the number of people seeking a claim, will ultimately determine how long the claim process lasts. However, generally speaking, most claims take anywhere from a few months to sometimes years to settle.

Fortunately, if you work with a quality attorney, he or she will keep you apprised of the claim’s timeline as the it moves forward.

Q: Who will personally handle my case?

Answer: It depends on what type of case it is. Some cases may involve only paralegals or a single attorney; others may demand the expertise of an entire team of lawyers. Furthermore, you may not meet with every player involved in your case face-to-face. But that’s okay. What’s more important is that you focus on what really matters: your recovery.

Q: What types of compensation am I entitled to?

Answer: You are entitled to benefits for past, current, and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other compensation your attorney determines you are eligible to receive. A good attorney works hard to maximize the claim settlement. If you think money is being left on the table, you may want to look for a different attorney.

Q: What if the other driver wasn’t injured? 

Answer: Even if the other driver wasn’t injured, you can still file a claim. When someone else’s negligence results in another person’s injury, the negligent party is responsible for those injuries, regardless of whether or not they sustained injury.

Q: What is a typical settlement range for cases similar to mine?

Answer: It’s very uncommon for an attorney to discuss a settlement amount before they’ve had a chance to review the complete details of a case. If the attorney you hire is hesitant to give you a number, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not qualified to handle your claim. Instead, their prudence is useful at keeping victims focused on recovery while they sort through the case.

Q: What will an attorney expect from me as the case progresses? 

Answer: First and foremost, an attorney will expect honesty. It’s impossible to build an effective case if the client isn’t forthright with information about the claim. Attorneys will also expect punctuality. For example, if your injury requires weekly medical checkups, it’s in your best interest to attend every appointment. Missing appointments could impact your settlement amount.

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