5 Questions to Ask an Aviation Lawyer
Not all aviation lawyers are created equal. Aviation accidents can lead to incredibly complex cases, and victims often have a lot at stake. It is imperative to thoroughly vet your choices for aviation attorneys in Phoenix to choose the right one for your case. Ask these five questions before retaining an aviation lawyer, so that you can feel confident in your decision.
1. What Is Your Experience in Aviation Law?
You do not want to be an attorney’s very first aviation accident case. The lawyer you retain should have prior experience representing clients in your practice area. Ask the attorney how much experience he or she has in aviation law, as well as how many aviation accident cases he or she has taken. If the lawyer can share any settlement or judgment award won with you, ask to see them.
Experience in aviation law can give your attorney an edge during negotiations with an insurance company. If the law firm has a history of taking aviation accidents to trial in Maricopa County and winning, for example, this can signal to an insurance company that the lawyer isn’t afraid to go to court again. This can motivate the insurer to treat your claim fairly.
2. What Types of Cases Do You Specialize In?
Ask the aviation lawyer about the types of cases that make up his or her specialty. Ideally, the lawyer you choose will specialize in an area that is relevant to your case, such as a helicopter or private plane accident. This will give you the peace of mind that the lawyer is capable of handling the unique and complex issues related to your specific aviation accident. Ask the lawyer if he or she has any relevant on-the-job experience, training, or education that could help your case, as well.
3. Do You Belong to Any Trial Associations?
It is not easy for a lawyer to join a trial association in the aviation accident law industry. Joining a trial association or another industry-specific group requires a high level of experience and expertise. If an aviation lawyer belongs to a trial association or group, it is a good indication that the lawyer has an exceptional level of knowledge, skill, and experience that will be helpful to your aviation accident case.
4. Will You Be the Person Litigating My Case?
During your free consultation, ask the lawyer you are speaking with if he or she will be the person litigating your case. If not, ask to talk to the lawyer who will be handling your case. The law firm should offer this information openly and should allow you to communicate with your aviation lawyer as frequently as you need to throughout your case.
5. What Is Your Plan for Handling My Case?
Ask the attorney how he or she plans on handling your case. The aviation lawyer you choose to represent you should not use a one-size-fits-all approach. This will not garner the best possible results for your specific injuries and losses; nor will it give you the personalized legal experience you deserve.
The lawyer you hire should be able to give you a detailed answer, including the tools, resources, technologies, and experts the lawyer plans on using to strengthen your claim. The strategy your attorney uses can make all the difference to the outcome of your case and your future.
Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you wish during your initial consultation with an aviation lawyer. The right lawyer will put you first and be dedicated to achieving the best possible results for your case. If you’re ready to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix, AZ aviation lawyer from Gallagher & Kennedy, call (602) 530-8400 today.