16 Questions To Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer Before Hiring Them
Posted on: May 11, 2026Hiring the right attorney after an accident can have a major impact on your case. If you are searching for the right legal representation, knowing the right questions to ask a personal injury lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes and feel more confident about your decision.
Not every law firm handles injury cases the same way. Some firms quickly pass clients to case managers. Others rarely go to trial. Before hiring an attorney, it is important to understand who will handle your case, how communication works, and whether the lawyer has experience with situations like yours.
At Beers & Gordon, our attorneys bring more than 70 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases throughout Central Florida. Below are 16 important questions to ask before choosing a personal injury lawyer.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
When you are injured, stressed, and dealing with insurance companies, it is easy to hire the first lawyer you find online. But the attorney you choose can directly affect how your case is handled, how informed you feel during the process, and potentially the outcome of your claim.
Asking the right questions helps you understand whether a law firm has the experience, communication style, and trial readiness your case may require.
1. What Types of Cases Do You Handle?
Just as you would not go to a cardiologist for a broken arm, you should not hire a lawyer who does not focus on personal injury law.
Different types of personal injury cases like motorcycle accidents, slip and falls, and dog bite claims often require different strategies and experience.
Why this matters: An attorney familiar with your type of case is more likely to recognize important issues early and understand how insurance companies typically defend these claims.
2. Who Will Actually Handle My Case?
Many people assume the attorney they meet during a consultation will personally handle their case. In some large firms, that is not always true.
Some law firms quickly hand cases off to case managers or support staff, with little attorney involvement. One of the most important questions you can ask is who will actually be working on your case day to day.
At Beers & Gordon, one of our experienced attorneys personally handles every case.
3. What Is Your Experience With Cases Like Mine?
Experience matters, especially when injuries are serious or liability is disputed.
Ask whether the attorney has handled cases involving injuries, insurance issues, or accident circumstances similar to yours. Hearing how they approach those cases can give you a better sense of their experience and preparation.
4. What Is Your Success Rate?
Experience alone is not enough. You also want to know whether the attorney has a track record of successfully handling injury cases.
Be cautious of exaggerated promises or guarantees. A good attorney should be honest about the strengths and weaknesses of your case while still explaining how they plan to advocate for you.
5. How Long Could My Case Take?
No attorney can guarantee how long a personal injury case will take.
The timeline depends on many factors, including medical treatment, insurance negotiations, and whether the case ultimately goes to trial.
If a lawyer guarantees a fast result, that should raise concerns. Honest attorneys usually provide general expectations, not exact promises.
Wondering if you have a case? Take our quiz to find out.
Most personal injury cases settle, but some do go to court.
You should be cautious of attorneys who say they never go to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are prepared to take cases to court and which lawyers prefer to settle quickly.
Why this matters: Trial experience can affect settlement negotiations because insurance companies often evaluate risk based on the attorney involved.
At Beers & Gordon, we prepare every case as though it may go to trial.
7. How Do Attorney Fees and Costs Work?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means the attorney is only paid if they recover compensation for you.
You should also ask about case-related costs and expenses. Some firms charge clients for copies, records, filing fees, or expert witnesses.
It is important to understand how fees and costs are handled before signing anything.
You can learn more about contingency fees and legal billing practices from Kiplinger.
8. What Will My Role Be During the Case?
If this is your first injury claim, you may not know what to expect.
Ask the attorney to explain your role throughout the process, including medical treatment, communication, documents, and possible testimony.
A clear explanation can help reduce stress and make the process easier to navigate.
9. Are You Board Certified?
Not every attorney is board certified in civil trial law.
Board certification through the Florida Bar is awarded to attorneys who demonstrate significant experience, continuing education, and peer-reviewed skill in their specialty area.
David Beers has been a board certified civil trial attorney since 1984.
10. What Could My Case Be Worth?
No attorney can honestly promise a specific settlement amount early in a case.
An experienced lawyer should be able to discuss the factors that may affect value, including medical treatment, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering.
Be cautious of attorneys who immediately promise large results. Every injury case is different.
Related reading: 13 examples of pain and suffering.
11. Can You Share Examples of Similar Cases?
Past experience can help you better understand how a lawyer approaches cases like yours.
Ask whether they have handled similar claims and what challenges were involved. While no attorney can promise the same outcome, examples can help you understand the process.
12. How Often Will We Communicate?
Communication matters in every personal injury case.
Ask how often you should expect updates, whether you will primarily speak with an attorney or staff member, and how quickly calls are typically returned.
Clear communication expectations can prevent frustration later.
13. Do You Work With Expert Witnesses?
Expert witnesses can play an important role in personal injury cases, especially when liability or long-term injuries are disputed.
Experienced injury lawyers often work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals who help explain complicated issues.
14. What Are the Possible Outcomes of My Case?
A good attorney should explain the realistic range of outcomes and the factors that may influence the result.
This conversation can help you better understand risks, timelines, and what may happen if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer.
15. What Happens If We Lose?
It is important to understand what financial responsibilities you may have if the case does not succeed.
Some law firms advance all case-related expenses. Others may expect repayment of certain costs regardless of the outcome.
Make sure you understand these details before hiring a lawyer.
16. Do I Actually Have a Case?
One of the most important questions you can ask is whether you have a valid claim in the first place.
Only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice about the strength of your case. That is why it is important to speak directly with an attorney, not just an investigator or intake team member.
Be honest during your consultation. The more information your lawyer has, the better they can evaluate your case and advise you properly.
Red Flags To Watch For When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
As you compare attorneys, there are a few warning signs worth paying attention to:
- Guarantees about settlement amounts or timelines
- Pressure to sign immediately
- Difficulty speaking directly with an attorney
- Poor communication during the consultation process
- Attorneys who rarely handle injury cases
- Firms that seem focused only on volume instead of individual attention
Choosing the right lawyer is about more than advertising. It is about finding someone with experience, communication, and the willingness to advocate for your best interests.
Looking for a Personal Injury Attorney?
Finding the right attorney can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with injuries, insurance companies, and uncertainty about what comes next.
At Beers & Gordon, our goal is not to move cases quickly. Our goal is to pursue the best possible outcome for our clients while providing honest guidance throughout the process.
If you live in the Orlando area and want to speak directly with an experienced personal injury attorney, contact Beers & Gordon today for a free consultation.
Jim Gordon
Jim Gordon earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska in 1997, and two years later began working at a firm in Orlando handling insurance defense matters on cases involving vehicle accidents, negligence, product liability, and more. He established Beers & Gordon P.A. with David Beers in 2009 to represent the rights of people injured because of negligence. He is a member of the invitation-only National Trial Lawyers organization and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.