7 Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer | The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC

Why Choosing the Right Lawyer Matters So Much

Hiring a personal injury lawyer isn't just a formality — it directly impacts your physical recovery, your financial future, and your peace of mind.

An experienced, committed lawyer can:

• Maximize your settlement or court award.
• Shield you from insurance company tactics.
• Help you get better medical care through strong case support.
• Give you time and space to focus on healing — not paperwork.

Rushing to hire someone without asking critical questions could leave you with a lawyer who pressures you to settle early, communicates poorly, or misses key evidence. The wrong choice can cost you thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of dollars.

That’s why careful vetting is key — and why so many injury victims in New York trust The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC to protect their rights and fight aggressively for what they’re owed.

7 Essential Questions You Must Ask

When you're interviewing potential personal injury lawyers, here are the questions you should always ask — and what the strong answers (and red flags) look like.

1. How Much Experience Do You Have Handling Cases Like Mine?

Why It Matters:
Not all personal injury cases are the same. A lawyer experienced in car accident claims might not be the best choice for a medical malpractice case — and vice versa.

What You Want to Hear:

• They have years (preferably decades) of experience handling cases similar to yours.
• They can give examples of past cases they've won that mirror your situation.

At The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC: We bring over 30 years of experience to every case — from car crashes and construction site accidents to nursing home negligence and beyond.

2. What Is Your Success Rate in Personal Injury Cases?

Why It Matters:
A lawyer’s win rate speaks volumes about their skill, strategy, and dedication. If they won’t share it, be cautious.

What You Want to Hear:

• A clear success rate (preferably over 80%).
• Confidence in their ability to handle tough cases.

At The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC: Our team proudly holds a 92% win rate — a reflection of thorough preparation, aggressive advocacy, and deep commitment to our clients' outcomes. Learn more here.

3. Who Will Actually Be Handling My Case Day-to-Day?

Why It Matters:
At some law firms, a senior lawyer signs you up, but your case is then handed off to a junior associate or even a paralegal. You deserve to know who will be in your corner throughout the process.

What You Want to Hear:

• Your case will be personally managed by an experienced attorney.
• You'll have direct access to your lawyer, not just their support staff.

At The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC: We treat every case like it’s our only case. When you hire us, your case gets direct attention from seasoned attorneys — no handoffs, no surprises.

4. What Are the Costs, and How Do You Get Paid?

Why It Matters:
Understanding how legal fees work prevents unpleasant surprises down the road. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless they win.

What You Want to Hear:

• No upfront costs.
• A clear contingency percentage.
• No hidden fees.

At The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC: We operate strictly on a contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront — and we only get paid when we recover money for you.

5. How Often Will You Update Me About My Case?

Why It Matters:
Poor communication is one of the biggest client complaints in the legal field. You need to know where your case stands — without having to chase down updates.

What You Want to Hear:

• Regular check-ins (at least once a month, or when major updates occur).
• Clear methods of communication (email, phone, in-person meetings).

At The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC: Client communication is a priority. We keep you informed at every stage, answer your questions promptly, and make sure you never feel out of the loop.

6. Are You Willing to Take My Case to Trial If Needed?

Why It Matters:
Some lawyers are quick to settle because trials are expensive and time-consuming. Insurance companies know who’s willing to fight — and they offer better settlements accordingly.

What You Want to Hear:

• Confidence in going to trial if necessary.
• Experience in courtroom litigation.

At The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC: We are trial-ready at all times. If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we have no hesitation about taking your case before a jury — and winning.

7. Can You Provide Client Testimonials or References?

Why It Matters:
Past clients' experiences tell you a lot about what it’s like to work with a lawyer.

What You Want to Hear:

• Willingness to share client reviews or references.
• Strong testimonials that mention communication, results, and professionalism.

At The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC: We are proud of the trust our clients place in us — and the results we deliver. You can view testimonials and success stories directly on our website.

Why These Questions Matter More Than You Think

You wouldn’t choose a surgeon without asking about their experience and track record — why should your injury lawyer be any different?

Your financial recovery, access to medical care, and peace of mind all hinge on whether you have the right advocate fighting for you.

Choosing the wrong lawyer could mean:

• Accepting a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover future medical costs.
• Losing your case altogether due to poor preparation.
• Enduring months of frustration from lack of communication.

Asking tough questions now protects your future. And partnering with a firm like The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC ensures you have a team that checks all the right boxes — experience, results, communication, and client-first service.

How The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC Answers These 7 Questions

At The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC, we don’t just claim to be different — we back it up:

• 30+ years handling complex personal injury claims across New York.
• 92% success rate, even in tough, heavily defended cases.
• Direct attorney contact — your case won’t get lost in a pile.
• Contingency fees only — you pay nothing unless we win for you.
• Proactive, transparent communication every step of the way.
• Courtroom readiness — we never back down from a fight.
• Client testimonials showing our dedication to securing life-changing outcomes.

We take pride in not just winning cases — but in making our clients feel heard, valued, and fiercely protected.

Conclusion

If you’ve been injured and are searching for a personal injury lawyer, don’t settle for whoever picks up the phone first. Ask smart questions. Demand clear answers. Choose a team that’s proven, prepared, and passionate about fighting for you.

At The Selvin Law Firm, PLLC, we have the experience, resources, and heart to take your case all the way — and we’re ready to get started today.

Contact us now for a free consultation and find out why New Yorkers across the state trust us to deliver justice when it matters most.