Your Guide to Debt and BankruptcyYour Guide to Debt and Bankruptcy


About Me

Your Guide to Debt and Bankruptcy

About 10 years ago, I secured my dream job with one of the largest corporations in the country. The job came with a substantial increase in pay and I soon looked for a large house for my family. After living the life I dreamed of, I was let go from my current position. I had a large amount of savings, but the economy took a turn for the worse and savings were quickly drained. I soon became stressed about finances. I could not pay the mortgage and bill collectors started to call my house. I refused to be defeated though, so I met with a bankruptcy attorney instead. I live a much simpler life now with my family, and I want you to know that financial stress does not have to affect you for years. Read my blog to learn about bankruptcy, debt laws, and how to hire an attorney.

What To Ask Your Attorney

When it comes to personal injury cases, choosing the right lawyer to represent you can make the difference between winning and losing your case. Therefore, it's important that you're prepared when you come to an interview with a prospective attorney. This means bringing doctor's reports, correspondences with insurance companies, as well as police reports. This interview also offers you the opportunity to ask the attorney questions. A qualified attorney should be willing and able to address these questions. Your attorney should also take the time to fully answer your questions and not rush you through the interview.

Determining an Attorney's Qualifications

There are several points you need to clarify regarding a potential lawyer's qualifications. The first is to determine how long the attorney has been practicing while another is to find out the number of personal injury cases he has won (versus how many he's lost). This is simply a matter of percentages, but is a key consideration as to whether you want to hire a specific attorney. Also, determine the number of cases that were similar to your specific case. Additionally, ask the attorney if he prefers to represent defendants or the party that is injured.

Gaining an Understanding of the Process

It's important that you fully understand the process of filing a personal injury case and the different possible outcomes (as well as the options available to you). Inquire about the process and what types of potential problems that may arise. You'll want to know how the attorney would handle these situations. Lastly, ask about how long the entire process should take, from filing a case to its final resolution.

What are the Costs for Services Rendered?

Sometimes it's possible that you will hire an attorney and then be presented with unexpected costs. That is why you should determine upfront what the cost of an attorney's retainer will be and if any unused portion of your retainer is refundable. Also, ask which expert witnesses the attorney intends to use, along with what these witnesses will charge. Inquire if the attorney works on a contingency basis. What this means is that he or she will take the case and only be paid if you win. This will keep you from having to pay money upfront for an attorney's services. Whichever payment method the attorney requires, ask if you can get an itemized account of your billing so that you can properly keep up with any and all expenses.  

With these questions on on your mind, contact a lawyer like Vaughan & Vaughan to start your personal injury case.