After suffering injuries in a car accident, a slip and fall, or any other type of accident, one of the legal options you may have is to file a personal injury claim to recover losses. It’s a complex process that requires assistance from attorneys, but finding the right one to hire can feel overwhelming.
To have the best chance at selecting a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer, it’s essential to take advantage of the free consultations attorneys offer. Learn about five things to keep in mind before these consultations.
1. You Should Ask About the Attorney’s Experience
Sometimes, people hesitate to ask their potential attorney about their experience with personal injury law, in general, and specifically with the potential client’s case type. However, it’s an important part of assessing whether the attorney is a good fit for your situation.
For example, someone who focuses on motor vehicle accidents may not necessarily know how to best approach medical malpractice cases.
During a personal injury consultation, you have the chance to learn about the lawyer’s background and the types of cases they usually handle. Make sure to ask about the types of settlements or jury awards they’ve received for clients.
2. You’ll Need to Bring Updated Records
It is essential to attend the consultation with up-to-date medical records and notes related to your claim. Your lawyer will need to see as much information about the case as possible. They will likely have many questions about what happened, and it’s always easier to address these if you have actual paperwork to show the attorney.
3. You’ll Learn About the Statute of Limitations
If the statute of limitations has passed for your type of claim, it may not be possible to start a claim. Being aware of this is vital so that you can schedule a consultation promptly and initiate the process. In Illinois, you have two years to file for most types of personal injury claims, but the deadline for medical malpractice cases can vary.
4. A Free Lawyer Consultation Is Your Chance to Ask Questions
A personal injury lawyer’s free consultation allows you to ask as many questions as you may have about the process. Writing these questions down can help ensure that you don’t forget anything.
Some questions to consider asking include:
- What kinds of damages can I pursue?
- What is your fee structure?
- How long might the claim take?
- Will we go to court?
- What are the next steps after a consultation?
- Is there anything I should do or avoid doing while we prepare the claim?
Whatever worries you may have, this is the time to address them.
5. Be Prepared to Give An Account of the Accident
Just as you will have questions for your attorney, they will also need to find out as much as possible about the incident that caused your injuries. Be ready to offer a detailed account of what happened. It can help to write down the main details so you can cover everything. Remember, the lawyer is there to help you, so there’s no need to be nervous.
Contact Our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Scheduling a free lawyer consultation is the first thing you should do after suffering injuries in an accident. To ensure that you don’t miss the statute of limitations, which would prevent you from filing a claim, you need to act quickly.
This is not a process you should ever undertake alone, so finding an appropriate legal team is essential. With an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer by your side, you have a chance to recover compensation for the losses you sustained. For more information, contact Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Cook County, Will County, Kendall County, and their surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Chicago Office
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone:(312) 726-1616
Hours: Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Chicago
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.8815493,-87.6327515
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
195 Springfield Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (815) 726-1616
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Joliet
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 41.5254295,-88.1381011
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Rockford Office
318 N 1st St, Rockford, IL 61107
Phone:(815) 662-0330
Hours: Open 24/7