If you’ve recently been injured in an accident—whether from a car crash, a slip and fall, or a pedestrian incident—you’re likely facing a flood of questions. How will you cover medical bills? What are your rights? And most importantly, how do you find the right personal injury attorney to guide you through the process?
Choosing a lawyer isn’t just about picking someone with a license—it’s about finding a legal professional with experience, transparency, and a deep understanding of personal injury law in Oregon. At our Troutdale-based firm, we often speak with clients who weren’t sure what to ask during their first consultation. To help you make an informed decision, here are the top five questions you should always ask a personal injury lawyer before hiring them.
1. Do You Have Experience Handling My Type of Case?
Personal injury law is broad. Some lawyers focus heavily on motor vehicle accidents, while others handle a wide range of injury claims including premises liability, dog bites, or injuries caused by unsafe rental properties.
Why this matters: You want a lawyer who has successfully resolved cases similar to yours. For example, if you slipped on an icy apartment walkway, your attorney should understand how Oregon’s landlord-tenant laws (like ORS 90.320) affect your rights.
What to look for: Ask for specific examples or outcomes of similar cases. A qualified attorney will be transparent about their track record and comfortable explaining how their experience applies to your situation.
2. How Are Your Fees Structured?
Most reputable personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Still, you need to ask how costs and expenses—like filing fees or expert witnesses—are handled.
Why this matters: You don’t want to be surprised by unexpected costs down the line. A trustworthy attorney will provide a written agreement detailing fees, and explain whether any case-related costs are reimbursed from your final settlement.
3. Will You Personally Handle My Case?
In larger firms, your case may be handed off to an associate or paralegal. It’s important to know who will be your primary point of contact and whether your attorney will be directly involved in negotiations and court proceedings.
Why this matters: Personalized attention can make a big difference in outcome and communication. Knowing who’s handling your case helps build trust and sets clear expectations from the start.
4. What Is the Expected Timeline and Possible Outcome?
While no lawyer can guarantee a result, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney should be able to give you a realistic assessment of how long your case may take and what challenges might arise.
Why this matters: Understanding the process helps you prepare emotionally, logistically, and financially. Be cautious of lawyers who overpromise or seem unwilling to discuss potential downsides.
5. What Can I Do to Support My Case?
You play an important role in the outcome of your personal injury claim. Ask your lawyer what documents you should gather, what communications to avoid, and what actions (such as following up with medical treatment) will help build your case.
Why this matters: Insurance companies will look for any reason to deny or minimize your claim. Following your lawyer’s advice closely can help you avoid missteps that harm your chances of recovery.
Choosing the Right Lawyer Builds a Stronger Case
The lawyer you choose should have not only experience and results but also a clear commitment to your well-being. At our firm, we believe that building trust starts with transparency, communication, and honest answers to your questions. Every case is personal—because every client matters.
Call to Action
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t leave your future to chance. Our firm offers a free consultation so you can get the legal guidance you need with no upfront cost. Let’s talk about your case, your rights, and how we can help you move forward.
📞 Call us now at (971) 727-9226 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. We’re here to help—every step of the way.