What questions should I ask before hiring a personal injury lawyer?

Updated October 6, 2026 · General information, not professional advice

Questions to ask before hiring a personal injury lawyer: fees and costs

• What is your contingency percentage? Does it rise if a lawsuit is filed, or if the case goes to trial or appeal?
• Is the fee calculated before or after costs are deducted? This can change what you take home.
• What costs do you expect (records, experts, filing fees), and do I owe them if we lose?
• Will you try to reduce medical liens from my health insurer, Medicare or the hospital?
• Can I have the fee agreement to review before signing? Under the ABA's model rule, a contingency agreement must be in writing and signed by the client.

Experience and who does the work

• How many cases like mine have you handled, such as truck, malpractice or dog bite cases?
• How many cases have you taken to trial in the last few years? Insurers know which lawyers are willing to try cases.
• Who will handle my case day to day: you, an associate, or a case manager?
• Will you refer my case to another firm? If so, how is the fee split? Many states require the client's written agreement to a fee split between firms.
• Are you licensed in the state where my case would be filed?

Also ask how many cases the lawyer is handling right now and how much time they can give yours.

Strategy and communication

• What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
• What is my deadline to file?
• What will happen next, and roughly how long does each stage take?
• How will you update me, and how quickly do you return calls or messages?
• Will I make the final decision on any settlement? (Under ethics rules, the client decides whether to settle.)

Be cautious of anyone who promises a specific dollar amount or a guaranteed win; no one can honestly guarantee an outcome.

Pay attention to how the lawyer explains things. You should leave the meeting understanding the next steps, the fee terms and the main risks in your case. If you feel rushed or confused, it's fine to ask for more time or meet another lawyer.

Red flags when choosing an injury lawyer

• Someone shows up uninvited at your home or hospital room to sign you up. Most states restrict in-person solicitation of accident victims.
• Pressure to sign the same day
• No written fee agreement, or vague answers about costs
• Offers of cash or gifts to sign up
• A record of discipline you find on the state licensing agency's website

Questions to ask about your case's value and timeline

• What insurance is available? A good lawyer will look for all possible policies, including your own underinsured motorist coverage.
• What information do you need before estimating value? Be wary of a lawyer who names a big number at the first meeting before seeing records.
• Will you file a lawsuit if the insurer's offer is too low? Some firms rarely file suits and settle most cases; others litigate more often.
• How do you handle liens and medical bills while the case is pending? Ask whether they can send letters of protection to providers or help coordinate with your health insurer.
• What happens if we disagree about a settlement? You keep the right to decide; ask how they handle disagreements.
• If I end the relationship, what do I owe? The agreement should explain how fees are handled if you change lawyers.

Write down the answers so you can compare lawyers side by side.

Before you meet: what to bring

1. Police or incident report
2. Photos and witness names
3. Medical bills and records
4. Insurance letters and any offers
5. Proof of lost pay
6. A short written timeline

Meeting two or three lawyers is common and usually free. injurylawyers.si can list injury law firms near your ZIP code so you can compare. This page is general information, not legal advice.