14 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

Being seriously injured can cause significant disruptions in your life. But you don’t have to go through this alone. Getting help through this difficult time is possible. The difference between an experienced personal injury attorney and someone less qualified can make all the difference in your case outcome. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, but this doesn't mean all personal injury lawyers are created equal.

Our experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys at Lehmbecker Law have compiled 15 questions to ask when evaluating potential personal injury lawyers. These questions will help you assess whether an attorney has the experience, resources, and commitment needed to secure maximum compensation for your injuries.

1. How Long Have You Been Practicing Personal Injury Law Specifically?

While an attorney might have practiced law for 20 years, they may have only handled personal injury cases for the last five. Or, they handle only a few injury cases per year and have never taken a case to trial. Most good personal injury attorneys focus their practice in this area of law because it requires advanced knowledge of medical evidence, insurance company tactics, and settlement negotiations.

An experienced personal injury attorney will understand the legal system's complexities and how to build a strong case. They'll know how to work with medical professionals to document your injuries and calculate fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Look for an attorney who has dedicated at least several years specifically to personal injury law. Our firm has a long-standing history of focused experience, with a dedicated team that has been exclusively handling personal injury cases since 1986.

2. What Percentage of Your Practice Focuses on Personal Injury Cases?

Some law firms handle everything from divorces to criminal defense to personal injury cases. While these attorneys may be competent, you want someone who focuses on personal injury law. Attorneys who focus primarily on injury cases are more familiar with:

• How to properly value a case
• Insurance company settlement tactics
• Medical terminology and injury documentation
• Recent changes in personal injury law
• Effective negotiation strategies
• Insurance investigation to ensure all insurance policies available are identified
• Trial techniques that work in front of juries, specific to injury cases

An attorney who handles personal injury cases as their primary focus will likely achieve better results than someone who occasionally takes on injury cases between other legal matters.

3. Can You Share Case Results and Success Stories?

Client testimonials offer valuable insight into an attorney's track record, but the most direct measure of their experience is their results. A reputable law firm should be willing to share details of past cases that demonstrate its ability to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.

When you review these case results, you're not just looking at a final dollar amount. You're seeing evidence of an attorney's ability to manage the case from start to finish and achieve a favorable resolution. We are proud to share a few of our top-value personal injury case results.

Nearly $6 Million for a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit

We represented a family whose father was catastrophically injured by a vehicle, leaving him in need of 24/7 care. Through immediate investigation, we proved the driver was completely at fault and uncovered multiple insurance policies to secure a substantial settlement in less than nine months. This outcome provided the family with the resources needed for ongoing care and financial security.

$325,000 Settlement for a Dog Attack

Our client suffered permanent physical and psychological injuries from a vicious dog attack. We were able to secure a significant settlement that provided for his long-term medical needs and acknowledged his profound suffering.

$185,000 Recovery for a DUI Accident Victim

We represented a client who was gravely injured in a DUI accident. In addition to securing compensation from the client's own uninsured motorist coverage, we successfully held the bar that over-served the driver accountable, securing a substantial settlement through a dram shop lawsuit. This outcome provided our client with much-needed financial relief and held the establishment responsible for its negligence.

4. What Is Your Success Rate with Cases Like Mine?

Different types of personal injury cases require different approaches. Car accident lawsuits differ from medical malpractice cases, which differ from slip-and-fall claims. Ask potential personal injury lawyers about their success rate, specifically with cases similar to yours.

A trusted lawyer should be able to discuss:

• Average settlement amounts for similar cases
• Their win rate for your type of case
• Typical case timelines
• How often are cases litigated vs. settled pre-litigation
• Common challenges in cases like yours

This information helps set realistic expectations and gives you confidence in the attorney's ability to handle your specific situation.

5. What Is My Case Worth?

Understanding case valuation is essential for fair settlement negotiations. A skilled personal injury attorney should explain their process for calculating:

• Medical bills and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering damages
• Property damage
• Other case-related costs

The attorney should also explain how various factors affect case value, including severity of injuries, degree of fault, and insurance policy limits. They should be able to provide a realistic range of potential outcomes based on their experience with personal injury cases similar to yours.

6. What Is Your Fee Structure and Contingency Fee Agreement?

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, typically ranging from 33.33% to 40% of your settlement or award. However, fee structures can vary, so ask about:

• The exact percentage they charge
• Whether the percentage increases if the case goes to trial
• What costs might you be responsible for (filing fees, expert witness costs, etc.)
• Whether you'll owe anything if they don't win your case

Get the contingency fee agreement in writing and make sure you understand all terms before signing.

7. Will You Handle My Case Personally or Assign It to Associates?

Many personal injury firms use associates to handle routine case work while senior attorneys focus on negotiations and trials. While this isn't necessarily bad, it's essential to know who will be your primary contact person throughout the legal process.

Ask potential attorneys:

• Who will handle day-to-day case management
• Whether you'll have direct access to the attorney
• How experienced the assigned team members are

8. How Often Will You Communicate Updates About My Case?

Clear communication keeps you informed and reduces stress during the legal process. Ask potential personal injury lawyers about their communication practices:

• How often do they provide case updates
• Whether they return calls and emails promptly
• What information do they share about the case progress
• How do they keep clients informed about settlement negotiations
• Whether they provide written updates or summaries

Good communication helps ensure you and your attorney stay on the same page throughout your personal injury claim.

9. Do You Have the Resources to Take My Case to Trial?

While most personal injury cases settle out pre-litigation, insurance companies know which law firms are prepared to file a lawsuit. Attorneys willing and able to try cases often achieve better settlement offers because insurance companies want to avoid litigation costs and potential large verdicts.

Ask potential attorneys:

• In what percentage of their cases are lawsuits filed
• Their litigation experience and success rate
• Whether they have the financial resources to fund the costs necessary to win at mediation, arbitration or trial
• How they prepare cases for a potential trial
• Whether they've tried cases against your defendant before

Law firms with trial experience and resources often achieve better results, even in cases that ultimately settle.

10. How Long Will My Case Take?

Case timelines vary significantly based on injury severity, fault determination, and insurance company cooperation. Your attorney should provide a realistic timeline based on:

• The complexity of your case
• Typical settlement negotiation timeframes
• Court schedules if trial becomes necessary
• Time needed for full medical recovery documentation

While attorneys can't predict exact timelines, they should provide reasonable estimates based on their experience with similar cases.

11. What Challenges Do You Foresee with My Case?

Honest attorneys will discuss potential obstacles rather than making unrealistic promises. Ask potential personal injury lawyers about:

• Liability issues that might affect your case
• Challenges with proving damages
• Insurance coverage limitations
• Potential defenses the other side might raise
• Any statute of limitations concerns

A lawyer who identifies potential challenges early can develop strategies to address them, leading to better case outcomes.

12. Are You a Member of Professional Organizations Like the Washington State Association for Justice?

Professional memberships demonstrate an attorney's commitment to staying current with personal injury law developments. In Washington, look for attorneys who are members of:

• Washington State Association for Justice (especially Eagle members)
• American Association for Justice
• Local bar associations with a personal injury focus

These organizations provide continuing education, networking opportunities, and resources that help attorneys stay current with legal developments and tactics.

13. Why Do You Believe I Have a Strong Case?

This question prompts the attorney to explain their legal strategy and identify the strong points of your claim. A thoughtful answer shows they've already thought carefully about your situation, the available evidence, and the legal basis for your claim. It helps you gauge their confidence and the reasoning behind it.

14. What Are the Challenges You Foresee with My Case?

A good lawyer will be upfront about potential challenges, such as a lack of evidence or pre-existing injuries. The response demonstrates their honesty and outlines their plan to address potential counterarguments from the opposing side. It gives you a realistic view of your case, beyond just a sales pitch.

How to Make Your Decision

After meeting with potential attorneys and asking these questions, you should have enough information to make an informed decision. Choose the attorney who:

• Has significant experience with cases like yours
• Communicates clearly and regularly
• Has the resources to handle your case properly
• Provides realistic expectations about your case
• Makes you feel comfortable and confident

Remember, the initial consultation with most personal injury attorneys is free, so don't hesitate to meet with several attorneys before making your decision.

Contact Lehmbecker Law for Your Personal Injury Case

Don't let the insurance company deny you the maximum compensation that you’re owed. At Lehmbecker Law, our skilled Washington personal injury attorneys successfully handle cases throughout Washington state, securing millions in compensation for our clients.

We offer free consultations to discuss your case and answer all these important questions. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you achieve the favorable outcome you deserve.