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Since 2001, findgreatlawyers.com has been the leading resource for finding the right Illinois personal injury lawyer for your case. We are unique in that we allow you to speak with our staff of attorneys for free. We will listen to what you have to say, answer questions and then recommend an independent law firm that best fits your needs. If you would like our help please contact us at 312-346-5320. We are based in Chicago, but help with accident cases everywhere in Illinois.

If you have been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, it is a good idea to have an experienced personal injury lawyer looking out for your best interests. You should focus on getting healthy and a good attorney will allow you to do that while they deal with the insurance company and any necessary case investigation. The trick is making sure that you are happy with the lawyer that you are hiring. Here are some suggestions of what to ask at the first interview.

1. How much of your practice is personal injury law? Illinois personal injury attorneys all work on a contingency basis which means that they only get paid if they make a recovery for you. Because of that you should hire the best one you can find with a track record of success. So, preferably, personal injury cases represent 90% or more of the attorney’s caseload, usually 100% of their practice for serious injuries. If they handle accident cases along with divorce, criminal, etc. we suggest that you keep looking.
2. Have you worked on similar cases? You do not want your lawyer to be using your case as a testing ground. To increase your chances of getting the best result, your attorney should have handled cases in the past with similar fact patterns and issues as yours. This is especially true if you have a unique or complex situation.
3. Are you going to handle my case or will someone else be working on it? Again, you don’t want anyone cutting his teeth on your case. Your case is not a testing ground for a young attorney. When you meet with the attorney at the firm, you may be meeting with the head partner whose job it is to get your business. Make sure that whoever handles your case has the experience to do so. Ask about credentials and experience of the attorney handling your case. Ask to meet them face to face. You pay the same percentage no matter what; therefore you should get the best the firm has to offer.
4. What can I do to help my case? A good lawyer will advise you on maintaining accurate records of your injury, including medical records, police reports, insurance information and perhaps even a personal journal of the events as they happened.
5. How often and in what form will we communicate? Your attorney should keep you informed of all significant developments in your case. He should be available to you by telephone if you have questions or concerns. You can agree to monthly case status updates as well as phone calls when something significant occurs. Figure out what you are comfortable with and find someone who will agree to it. You are the customer, after all.
6. What do you know about the judges and lawyers in the county where my case will be filed? It will only benefit you if you hire an attorney who regularly appears before certain judges and is familiar with each judge’s idiosyncrasies and habits as well as those of attorneys who often represent the defendant or insurance company. Ask about the county where your case will be filed and the attorney’s experience there.
7. What do you think is the best strategy for my case? Your attorney should represent you well and in such a way that you get the best possible award. Listen to their strategy and ask yourself if it makes sense. If it doesn’t, ask questions. You and the attorney you hire should be on the same page.
8. Will this case be handled on a contingency basis? It should and this means that if you win, your attorney gets a portion of the award. However, if you do not win, you do not have to pay anything. If the answer is not yes then find a different firm. Get any agreement in writing before they do any work for you
9. Will costs related to my case be advanced? With personal injury cases, your attorney should advance all associated costs. This includes costs for medical experts and other related fees. Confirm this. Because the case is on a contingency basis, if you win, your attorney will get costs and fees from the award. If you lose, they eat the costs, which is part of doing business in personal injury.
10. Is there anything else I should know or consider? Lawsuits can be a nerve wracking process. You don’t want too many surprises. Try to find out what you can expect. Also, try to learn about things you may have not even thought of or considered. Your attorney should help you proceed down the road that will most likely bring the best result for you – the one that most closely meets your goals.

After you have been hurt in an accident, there are many things to consider – your health being the most important. Finding the right law firm can make things easier for you and can often be the difference of tens of thousands of dollars. If you have general questions or would like our guidance in finding the right injury attorney in Illinois, please contact us at any time.