Lawyer interview worksheet
Ask the same hard questions. Write down the actual answers.
Print one copy for each lawyer or firm you interview. The goal is not to collect polished promises. It is to compare who would do the work, what the plan would be, how communication and fees would work, and whether the answers fit your crash.
Use your browser's Print command to print this page.
Rider First does not receive, submit, save, or measure anything you write on the printed worksheet.
Question 1
Who would be responsible for my case, and who would handle the work day to day?
The person in the advertisement, the person who reviews the case, and the person who communicates with you may not always be the same. Ask for names, roles, and how responsibility would be stated in the written agreement.
Question 2
What would you investigate first in this particular motorcycle crash?
A useful answer should identify the time-sensitive evidence suggested by the facts—not recite a generic list. Listen for the scene, witnesses, cameras, vehicles, roadway, records, and competing accounts that actually fit the crash.
Question 3
What should happen to the motorcycle, helmet, gear, phone, and camera now?
Repair, salvage, teardown, disposal, cleanup, downloads, and storage moves can change or scatter evidence. The answer should account for custody, cost, safety, lawful access, and proportional preservation.
Question 4
How would you test speed, visibility, lane-position, or helmet accusations?
Rider-blame assumptions should be tested against physical evidence, sight lines, video perspective, witnesses, traffic controls, medical records, and qualified analysis—not accepted or rejected by slogan.
Question 5
Which insurance policies and written claim records would you want to review?
The first adjuster or insurance card may not show every policy, limit, exclusion, notice issue, UM/UIM question, health-insurance payment, lien, or property-versus-injury release that needs attention.
Question 6
How will treatment, work loss, daily-function changes, bills, and liens stay organized?
Serious injuries develop over time. A credible process should connect providers, symptoms, restrictions, future-care questions, employment records, expenses, family observations, and payment or lien records without exaggeration.
Question 7
How and when would your team communicate with me, and who answers questions?
Ask about the ordinary update process, the person responsible for communication, the channels the team uses, and what happens when the assigned lawyer is in court, unavailable, or needs more information.
Question 8
What do the written fee, cost, scope, and ending-the-relationship terms say?
A contingent fee does not answer every money or responsibility question. Read who pays or advances costs, how recovery affects the fee, what work is included, who the client is, and what happens if representation ends.
Question 9
What is the plan if the evidence, coverage, or settlement position is disputed?
The answer should explain how the team evaluates weaknesses, obtains missing records, decides whether litigation is warranted, prepares for depositions or experts, and keeps the client involved in major decisions.
