Personal injury lawyer: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What personal injury lawyer is

A personal injury lawyer provides information about claims arising from accidents or harm caused by others and may represent injured people. People look for one after a vehicle crash, a fall on someone's property, a dog bite or another injury. General information, with no results promised.

Signs you need it

  • You were hurt in a crash or fall and the other side's insurer is calling you
  • An insurer has asked for a recorded statement or offered a quick settlement
  • Your medical treatment is continuing and you are missing work
  • Fault is disputed or the other party has no insurance
  • A property owner, business or driver may be responsible for your injury
  • You are unsure how long you have to bring a claim

What the pro does

  • Review how the injury happened, the medical records and any photos or reports
  • Explain, in general terms, how fault and damages are viewed in your state
  • Notify insurers and handle communications so you are not pressured into early statements
  • Collect medical bills, wage records and the police or incident report
  • Prepare a demand to the insurer and negotiate
  • File a lawsuit and represent you if a fair resolution is not reached

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • How the fee is structured, such as a share of any recovery or hourly billing
  • How serious and long lasting the injuries are
  • Whether fault is disputed
  • Whether more than one party or insurer is involved
  • Whether experts such as doctors or reconstruction specialists are needed
  • Whether the case settles or goes to trial
  • Case costs such as records and filing fees and who advances them

What a written quote should spell out

  • The fee arrangement in writing, including how case costs are handled
  • What happens to the fee if there is no recovery
  • Who pays case costs and when they are repaid
  • How medical liens and bills are handled from any recovery
  • How you will receive updates

Questions to ask before you hire

  • How do you charge, and what happens to case costs if there is no recovery?
  • Have you handled injuries like mine in this court?
  • Will you handle the insurer communications from now on?
  • How do medical bills and liens get handled in a settlement?
  • How long do I have to bring a claim in this state?
  • Who will work on my case day to day?
  • When would you recommend filing a lawsuit?

Red flags

  • A lawyer who promises a specific payout
  • Contact from a lawyer or representative who found you at the hospital or scene and pressures you
  • No written fee agreement
  • Advice to skip medical care or exaggerate symptoms
  • A lawyer who asks you to sign blank forms

What you can do yourself

Seek medical care, follow your provider's instructions, and keep records: photos, names of witnesses, bills, pay records and a diary of symptoms. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing releases before speaking with a licensed attorney. Deadlines to bring a claim vary by state, so speak with a licensed attorney soon.

Licenses and permits

Personal injury lawyers must be licensed attorneys in good standing. Check the license and any discipline record with the state bar.

Personal injury lawyer questions

Can a lawyer tell me how much my case is worth?

No lawyer can honestly promise a result. A lawyer can explain the factors that courts and insurers consider.

Do I have to pay a lawyer up front?

Fee arrangements vary. Ask for the arrangement in writing before you sign.

Should I talk to the other driver's insurer?

Speak with a licensed attorney before giving a recorded statement or signing anything.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Time limits exist and differ by state and claim type. Ask a licensed attorney promptly.

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