When you’re facing the aftermath of an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, choosing the right personal injury attorney can make the difference between a successful case and settling for far less than you deserve. The key to finding effective representation lies in asking the right questions during your initial consultation. Here are the critical questions you should ask any potential personal injury lawyer before making your decision.

What is the Extent of Your Experience with Cases Like Mine?

Experience isn’t just about years in practice—it’s about relevant experience. Experience matters when it comes to personal injury law. An attorney who has handled cases similar to yours will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of your injury claim. You should inquire about how long they have been practicing personal injury law and what percentage of their practice is dedicated to these cases. It is also helpful to ask whether they have handled cases involving your specific type of injury or accident, such as car accidents, medical malpractice, or slip-and-fall injuries.

While an attorney might have practiced law for 20 years, they may have only handled personal injury cases for the last five. Or, they handle only a few injury cases per year and have never taken a case to trial. Most good personal injury attorneys focus their practice in this area of law because it requires advanced knowledge of medical evidence, insurance company tactics, and settlement negotiations.

How Often Do You File Lawsuits?

This question reveals whether the attorney is serious about fighting for maximum compensation. Some attorneys avoid filing lawsuits altogether, preferring quick settlements that may not serve your best interests. While most personal injury cases settle out pre-litigation, insurance companies know which law firms are prepared to file a lawsuit. Attorneys willing and able to try cases often achieve better settlement offers because insurance companies want to avoid litigation costs and potential large verdicts.

Have You Taken Cases to Trial?

Trial experience is perhaps the most critical factor in selecting a personal injury attorney. Most cases settle before going to trial, but it’s still important to ensure your Monroe personal injury lawyer has adequate jury trial experience in case your case does go to court. Many people don’t think to ask this, mistakenly assuming that all lawyers know how to try a case. This isn’t always true. So, when asking your questions, be sure to find out if they have the ability to take a lawsuit to court.

Many injury victims fail to ask this question. A lot of people have the misconception that every lawyer knows how to try cases in court. This is not true. So, when you ask questions, ask them if they’re capable of trying your case in a court of law.

Have You Won at Trial?

Don’t just ask about trial experience—ask about trial success. You may prefer to enlist an attorney who has tried cases like yours. A great follow-up question to ask a personal injury lawyer is how many successful verdicts they have won in court.

Just because a lawyer has handled personal injury cases such as yours doesn’t mean they’re a superstar attorney. You want a lawyer who has seen past clients’ similar cases go to trial, and who has won those trials.

Why You Need a Trial Attorney, Not Just a Settlement Mill

The distinction between a true trial attorney and a lawyer who simply processes settlements quickly is crucial. Ask specific questions about the attorney’s ability to settle cases out of court. Most personal injury cases settle out of court. However, some attorneys have a reputation for settling cases for far too low amounts. You will benefit from an attorney who will negotiate for the best settlement for you, not necessarily settle the case as quickly as possible.

Insurance companies are more likely to offer fair settlements when they know your attorney has a reputation for taking cases to trial and winning. A lawyer who never files lawsuits or goes to trial may be viewed as someone who will accept whatever settlement is offered, potentially leaving money on the table.

Will I Be Able to Speak Directly with My Lawyer?

Access to your attorney is crucial for a successful attorney-client relationship. Point of Contact: Determine who will be your primary point of contact. Will it be the attorney themselves or an assistant? Knowing who to reach out to with questions or concerns is essential. You might find that some lawyers are more accessible than others, impacting your overall experience. Exploring each lawyer’s approach to client communication can help you make an informed decision.

If you found the attorney responsive and have decided to hire them, maintain open communication by having the names of those who will work on your case, as well as their contact information. It would help if you also determined who your point of contact is to obtain prompt responses when you have questions.

Can I Schedule Face-to-Face Meetings When Necessary?

Personal injury cases often involve complex medical issues and emotional trauma. Being able to meet with your attorney in person when important decisions need to be made is essential. Ask whether the attorney will be available for in-person meetings, especially before major settlement negotiations or trial preparation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right personal injury attorney requires more than just finding someone with a law degree. You need a trial attorney with extensive experience taking cases like yours to court and winning. Don’t settle for an attorney who treats your case as just another quick settlement. Ask these pointed questions, and don’t be satisfied with vague answers. Your future compensation, and your peace of mind, depend on making the right choice.

Remember, a truly experienced trial attorney won’t be offended by these questions. In fact, they’ll welcome the opportunity to discuss their track record and explain why their trial experience makes them the right choice for your case.

Why Choose McGahren Law Firm

When you’re looking for a personal injury attorney who truly embodies the trial-ready approach described in this article, McGahren Law Firm stands out as an exceptional choice. With more than 30 years of trial experience and over $60 million recovered for injured clients, McGahren Law delivers proven results backed by deep legal knowledge and courtroom skill.

Unlike settlement mills that prioritize quick turnarounds over maximum compensation, Our attorneys prepare each case as if it will go to trial, not just for a quick settlement offer. This strategic approach is exactly what insurance companies fear—and what gets results for injured clients.

Founder Matthew McGahren personally litigates cases and loves jury trials. In fact, McGahren Law Firm is a verified

Best of the Bar member for winning one of the Top 100 verdicts in Georgia in 2024
.
The firm’s commitment to trial advocacy is further demonstrated by Matthew McGahren’s role as a mock trial coach, where he has taught trial skills to high school students for years.

What truly sets McGahren Law apart is their boutique approach that ensures personal attention. We limit our caseload so every client receives focused attention from our trial-ready legal team, leading to
5-Star client reviews across the board.

Awarded Best of Gwinnett in the category of “Best Personal Injury Firms in Gwinnett” for many years, and selected for
Super Lawyers from 2022-2026, McGahren Law has built their reputation not through flashy advertising, but through results and client satisfaction.

Since 1993, McGahren Law has stood beside injury victims throughout Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Arizona as a trusted personal injury law firm committed to justice and accountability. Our injury trial lawyers represent people harmed in car accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death cases and other serious or catastrophic incidents caused by negligence.

If you’re seeking an attorney who can confidently answer “yes” to all the critical questions outlined in this article—trial experience, courtroom victories, personal attention from senior attorneys, and direct access to your legal team—contact McGahren Law Firm at 770-729-1795 for a free consultation.