When you’re injured in an accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Not only are you dealing with physical pain, but you may also be faced with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and an uncertain future. In Buffalo, if you’re considering legal action, reaching out to a personal injury law firm is the first step. At Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC, we understand how difficult this time can be, and we want to help guide you through the process.
Robert Friedman
Michael Ranzenhofer
Justin Friedman
John Dracup
One of the most important things to understand is what to cover during your first phone call to a law firm. This initial conversation is key to setting the stage for your case, and it’s essential to be as prepared as possible. Below, we’ll break down the crucial topics you should discuss and the questions you should ask to ensure you get the legal help you need.
1. Describe Your Injury or Accident Clearly and Concisely 
The first step during your phone call is to provide a clear, concise description of your injury or accident. This will give the attorney a preliminary idea of your case. While it may seem overwhelming, providing specific details is crucial.
- The nature of the accident: What happened? Were you in a car accident, slip and fall, or injured at work? The more precise you can be, the better. For instance, did the accident occur because of a dangerous condition, such as wet floors or faulty equipment?
- Timeline of events: When did the incident occur? Be sure to provide the exact date and time, as this can be an important detail for the attorney.
- Immediate impact of the injury: How has the injury affected your daily life? Are you able to work? Have you had to miss work? Have you been receiving medical treatment, and what does that treatment involve?
For instance, if you were in a car accident and suffered neck pain, it’s helpful to mention the specifics: were you rear-ended or was the accident caused by road conditions? The more information you can give, the more your lawyer will understand.
2. Inquire About the Firm’s Experience with Personal Injury Cases
One of the first questions you should ask is about the firm’s experience in handling personal injury cases. Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC has decades of experience serving the Buffalo community and helping clients recover after accidents. It’s essential to work with a firm that has experience with cases similar to yours.
Ask about the following:
- Experience in your specific type of injury: Have they handled cases like yours? If you were in a motorcycle accident, have they successfully represented clients in similar situations?
- Case success rate: What is their track record with personal injury cases? Have they won substantial settlements for clients with injuries similar to yours?
- How many cases do they handle annually? A high caseload may indicate that they have the experience and resources to handle your case efficiently.
3. Clarify the Fee Structure and Payment Terms
It’s important to understand how the law firm charges for its services. In most personal injury cases, firms work on a contingency basis, which means they don’t charge fees upfront. Instead, they take a percentage of the settlement or award if you win the case.
During the call, make sure to ask:
- Do they work on contingency?
- What percentage will they charge if the case is successful? This percentage is typically between 25% and 40% depending on the complexity of the case.
- Are there any other costs or fees? Sometimes, there are additional costs for filing fees, expert witnesses, or administrative expenses.
Understanding the firm’s fee structure is important for planning your finances and setting expectations for the duration and outcome of your case.
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4. Confirm That They Offer a Free Consultation
Most law firms, including Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC, offer a free consultation for potential clients. This allows you to discuss your case in more detail without worrying about incurring any costs.
- What does the consultation include? Is it just an initial phone call, or will they conduct an in-depth review of your case?
- How long will the consultation last? Free consultations typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
- Do you need to bring any documentation? Be sure to ask if there’s anything specific you should prepare for the meeting, such as medical records, accident reports, or insurance information.
5. What Information Will You Need to Provide?
In order to evaluate your case, your attorney will need some essential information. Before making the call, gather the following:
- Medical records and bills: These are crucial for determining the severity of your injury and how much compensation you may be entitled to.
- Police reports: If applicable, a police report detailing the accident may be important for establishing liability.
- Insurance details: Have your insurance policy number, accident details, and contact information for the other parties involved in the incident.
Providing these documents will help the attorney make a more informed decision about your case and whether they can represent you.
6. Understand the Next Steps in the Legal Process
After the initial consultation, it’s important to know what the next steps will be. Your attorney will guide you through the process, but understanding the general sequence of events will help set your expectations.
Ask the following questions:
- What’s the next step after the consultation? Will they begin drafting legal paperwork, negotiating with insurance companies, or filing a lawsuit?
- How long will the case take? Personal injury cases can take months, or even years, to resolve depending on the complexity of the case. However, your attorney should be able to provide you with a rough timeline.
- What role will you play in the case? Will you need to be involved in court proceedings, provide testimony, or assist with gathering additional documents?
Knowing the next steps will give you a roadmap for how the case will unfold.
7. Clarify Communication Preferences and Frequency
During the legal process, it’s essential to maintain communication with your attorney. Discuss how the law firm handles updates on cases:
- How often will you receive updates? Will you be notified regularly about the progress of your case, or will you need to reach out for updates?
- Who will be handling your case? Some firms assign a paralegal or legal assistant to help with initial paperwork, while others may assign a lead attorney to work directly with you.
- Preferred method of communication: Do they prefer phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings for updates?
Clear communication is vital to ensure your case proceeds smoothly and you feel informed every step of the way.
8. Understand the Likelihood of Your Case’s Success
During your first conversation, it’s important to ask about the strength of your case and the likelihood of success. Although no law firm can guarantee a specific outcome, experienced attorneys like those at Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC can give you an informed opinion based on the details you provide.
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of your case? Understanding potential obstacles will help you prepare mentally for any challenges that may arise.
- How much compensation can you expect? While your attorney cannot give you a precise figure, they can give you a general estimate based on similar cases.
Your first phone call to a personal injury law firm in Buffalo is the first step toward receiving the compensation you deserve. By asking these important questions, you can ensure that you’re making an informed decision and are prepared for the legal process ahead. If you’re looking for a trusted law firm with years of experience, Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC is here to guide you through every step. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your case and how we can help you.