The Questions Every Abilene Resident Should Ask Their Personal Injury Lawyer

Choosing the right personal injury attorney can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies. Many injured people focus solely on finding someone to take their case without asking the critical questions that reveal whether an attorney truly fits their needs and will prioritize their interests throughout the legal process.

At The Law Firm of Chaile Allen, we believe informed clients make better decisions about their legal representation. Attorney Chaile Allen, who currently serves as Abilene’s temporary municipal judge while maintaining her civil practice, encourages potential clients to ask thorough questions during consultations. We understand you’re evaluating whether we’re the right fit for your case, and we welcome your questions about our experience, approach, and commitment to your recovery.

Understanding the Legal Process and Timeline

“A lot of clients are overwhelmed by the process when they first come in, and they don’t quite understand how everything’s going to work,” Chaile Allen explains. “They’re thinking about the right now.” This makes it crucial to ask for a clear explanation of each stage your case will go through, from the initial demand letter through potential litigation.

The legal process typically involves sending a demand letter, waiting for a response, continuing medical treatment, and potentially filing a lawsuit if negotiations stall. Your attorney should provide updates at each milestone, explaining what comes next and what you can expect during that phase.

“I tell a lot of clients it’s like taking an entire college course in a one-hour meeting, and that’s unreasonable to ask,” Chaile Allen shares. “So if they forget to ask a question or anything like that, please call us back and we’ll have the answer.” Don’t worry if you can’t absorb everything during your first meeting. A good attorney welcomes follow-up questions as you process the information and think of new concerns.

Evaluating Attorney Experience and Dedication

“There are a lot of attorneys who may do personal injury, but in reality they do it as a side thing to what they do in the other areas they practice, like criminal law or family law,” Chaile Allen points out. Ask prospective attorneys how long they’ve been practicing specifically in personal injury law and how many cases they’ve handled from start to finish. You want someone who focuses on this area rather than dabbling in it occasionally.

“Another very important thing to ask is who is going to be working on my case,” Attorney Chaile Allen emphasizes. “Are they going to be referring it out? There are attorneys I’m aware of that they’ll take a case and they will meet with you and sign you up, but they’re not actually the ones, and nobody in their firm is the one that’s actually going to work on your case.”

At The Law Firm of Chaile Allen, you’ll receive direct attention. “At my law firm, we are the ones who work on your case. We never refer it out. There are no other attorneys that it’s going to be turned over to,” Chaile Allen states. “When you call, you can always talk to me or one of my staff members who are absolutely the ones working on your case.”

Clarifying Fees and Costs

“Don’t be bashful. If an attorney doesn’t want to discuss fees, I would say that’s a red flag,” Chaile Allen advises. Your attorney should clearly explain their fee structure and why it’s justified.

For personal injury cases, you should never pay fees up front. “We charge a reasonable fee. For personal injury cases, our clients don’t ever have to pay anything up front. It’s only incurred if we are able to get a settlement or a judgment in your favor,” Attorney Chaile Allen explains. “There’s never going to be a situation where clients have to write us a check.”

“Ask your attorney, what does the percentage I’m being charged come out of?” Chaile Allen recommends. “Because for us, we only take that fee out of the money the insurance company pays you for your injury and your settlement. We don’t charge a fee for lien negotiation. So if you have liens held by a hospital or anything like that, we do not charge a fee on that. We do not charge a fee on any personal injury protection funds you get. And frankly, I think it’s unconscionable to do that.”

When evaluating fee structures, consider these key questions:

• What percentage will the attorney charge, and from what funds?
• Are there different rates depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial?
• Will you be charged for costs like filing fees, expert witnesses, and medical records?
• How are liens and subrogation claims handled in the fee calculation?

“It’s a red flag if an attorney doesn’t want to explain that to you and doesn’t want to answer questions because I want clients leaving my office understanding every bit of how my fee is earned and feeling that it’s justified,” Chaile Allen states.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With The Law Firm of Chaile Allen

Asking the right questions during your initial consultation helps you find an attorney who will prioritize your case and provide the dedicated representation you deserve. At The Law Firm of Chaile Allen, we encourage you to come prepared with questions about our experience, approach, and fee structure. Attorney Chaile Allen’s commitment to transparent communication and personalized service means you’ll never wonder about your case status or feel like just another file number. As a local attorney deeply invested in the Abilene community, Attorney Chaile Allen understands the courts, the judges, and the local legal landscape in ways out-of-town firms simply cannot match.

If you’ve been injured and need an attorney who will answer your questions honestly and work directly on your case, we’re ready to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn why choosing local, dedicated representation makes all the difference in your personal injury claim.