Top 5 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer Before Hiring

Getting injured in an accident can be very disruptive. You could be having pain, not going to work, juggling bills, and on top of it all not knowing if you need a lawyer or how to locate one. If that sounds like you - don't worry. Many people have the same questions.

Below are the five most frequent questions people ask before hiring a personal injury lawyer. Everything below is written in plain, simple language so you can move forward and feel good about it.

1. Do I Really Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

To be honest, not everyone needs a lawyer. Certainly consider hiring a lawyer if:

• You have serious injuries
• The other party says the accident is your fault
• The insurance company is offering you too little money ... or nothing at all
• You are confused about what you should do, next.

The right lawyer means someone is looking out for you, taking care of the hard things so you can focus on recovery. If you are in the process of figuring out who to hire, read our blog. How Do I Find the Best Personal Injury Lawyer?

2. How Much Does It Cost?

Most personal injury lawyers don’t charge you upfront. Instead, they get paid only if they win your case. This is called a “contingency fee.”

Here’s how it works:

• You pay nothing upfront
• The lawyer takes a percentage of your settlement (usually 30% to 40%)
• If you don’t win, you don’t pay

A good personal injury law firm will explain all of this clearly before you sign anything. You should always know what to expect—no surprises.

3. What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Actually Do?

A personal injury lawyer helps you deal with everything that comes after an accident. That includes:

• Talking to insurance companies so you don’t have to
• Collecting evidence and building your case
• Helping you get medical records and expert opinions
• Negotiating a fair settlement
• Taking your case to court if needed

Having a personal injury attorney in Manhattan can help a lot, especially with more serious cases. They know how the local laws work and how to deal with insurance companies that are not wanting to pay much.

If you're not sure what steps to take after your injury, make sure to read: What Are the Biggest Mistakes to Avoid After a Personal Injury?

4. How Long Will It Take?

This depends on the case. Some claims settle quickly, others take a year or more.

Here’s a rough idea:

• Minor injuries: a few months
• Serious injuries or complex cases: 1 to 2 years

Why does it take time?

• Doctors may need time to understand how bad your injuries are
• Insurance companies often delay or argue
• Some cases need to go to court

A good Manhattan personal injury attorney will always keep you updated and never push you to settle too soon.

5. How Much Money Can I Get?

This depends on your injury, your medical bills, and how much the accident changed your life.

You might get money for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages (if you missed work)
• Pain and suffering
• Future treatment or permanent damage

No two cases are the same, and a solid lawyer will look into every detail to get you a fair outcome. The best injury attorneys in Manhattan will never guess—they will tell you what your case might be worth based on real facts.

Conclusion: Ask the Right Questions andGet the Right Help

Choosing the right lawyer is not just about experience; it's also about trust. You want someone who genuinely cares about your case and takes time to explain everything to you.

If you were injured and are looking for help, it is prudent to speak to a trusted personal injury law firm in your community. A good lawyer will always answer your questions truthfully and never pressure you.

And remember, asking the right questions at the beginning can go a long way toward how your case ends.