When you are injured you need a doctor to help you heal and TLC from your family. Sadly, you might also need a lawyer to get the compensation that you deserve.

The person who is at fault for your injury should have to bear the burden of these expenses, but often times they will not do so willingly. When this is the case, you will need a personal injury lawyer on your side. Finding the right one is the key to a successful case. Here are some interview questions that you should consider asking a potential lawyer:

1. How long have you been a personal injury lawyer?

Some lawyers begin their career in one specialty and then switch a time or two before they retire. Others start with a laser beam focus and remain one type of lawyer for their entire career. And still others may practice a more general law that allows them to take several different types of cases. If you are serious about your case, if you are serious about getting your rightful compensation, then you absolutely must find a lawyer that focuses on personal injury law and you should find one that has some experience in the field.

2. How many cases do you take to trial each year?

The number should be fairly low, not because they are not good during trial but because most cases are settled out of court. Going to court should be the last option, the last resort. Ideally you would like to see fair and just compensation come from a settlement without having to go to court at all.

3. What are your basic rates?

Most personal injury lawyers base their fees on a percentage of what is awarded to you- with an additional amount added for expenses. Many attorneys will defer their fees until you win your case which means they do not get paid if you do not get paid.

4. How long will this case last?

Each case is different of course and it may depend on a number of factors. The hope of course is that the other party will accept responsibility and settle, but that will not always happen nor will it happen quickly.

5. What is a settlement offer?

A settlement offer is exactly that, an offer to settle the claim. Each side has a number that they think is fair with the defendant’s number being far lower than your own. Each side will negotiate back and forth until finally a number that both sides can agree on is reached. If there is no agreement reached then the case will have to go to trial.

6. The defendant’s attorney sent me a paper in the mail, should I sign it?

No. All correspondence from the defendant and his attorney should be handled directly by your own lawyer. If something is mailed to you it could be a violation of ethics and could cause problems for defendant. Do not sign anything unless 

Finding a good attorney can help you get not only compensation but peace of mind as well. If you need to find a personal injury lawyer in the Miami, Florida area: www.personalinjurylawyer.net