15 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney in Las Vegas Before You Hire

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Choosing the right personal injury attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make after an accident. The difference between an experienced, dedicated personal injury attorney and one who's wrong for your case can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars and years of unnecessary stress. Most Las Vegas personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations — use that time wisely.

Come to your consultation with a list of questions. Pay attention not just to the answers but to how the attorney treats you, whether they listen, and whether they seem genuinely interested in your case or are just trying to close a retainer.

The 15 Questions to Ask

• How strong is my case, and what are its weaknesses?
  An honest attorney will give you a realistic assessment — not just tell you what you want to hear to win your business. Understanding the challenges (liability disputes, comparative negligence issues, insurance limits) from the start helps you make an informed decision. Be wary of anyone who guarantees a specific outcome without fully reviewing the facts.
• What is your contingency fee percentage, and does it change?
  Standard Nevada personal injury contingency fees are typically 33% (one-third) if the case settles before filing suit, rising to 36-40% if the case goes to trial. Some attorneys use a sliding scale; others charge a flat percentage. Understand the exact percentage before you sign anything — it directly affects what you take home from any settlement or verdict.
• What case expenses are separate from the contingency fee?
  Case expenses — filing fees, medical record costs, expert witness fees, deposition costs, accident reconstruction fees — can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in complex cases. Ask whether these costs are deducted before or after the contingency fee is calculated (this makes a significant difference in your net recovery), and whether you owe them if you lose.
• How many Nevada personal injury cases have you handled?
  Experience with Nevada courts, Nevada insurance carriers, and Nevada juries is directly relevant to your case outcome. An attorney who handles primarily Nevada cases will know the specific judges in Clark County District Court, the typical settlement ranges for your type of injury, and the tactics used by local insurance defense firms.
• Have you taken cases like mine to trial?
  Most personal injury cases settle, but the credible threat of trial drives better settlements. Insurance companies know which attorneys actually try cases and which always settle. An attorney with real trial experience — especially jury trial experience in Clark County — commands more respect from insurance adjusters. Ask for examples (general descriptions without client names are fine).
• Who will actually work on my case day-to-day?
  Large personal injury firms often use the named partner to sign clients and then hand cases to junior associates or paralegals. This isn't necessarily bad, but you deserve to know who you'll be talking to and who will be in the courtroom with you. Ask to meet the person who will be handling your case, not just the senior partner.
• How will you communicate with me, and how quickly do you respond?
  Communication failures are the #1 complaint clients have about their attorneys. Ask specifically: Do you return calls within 24 hours? Will I communicate with you directly or primarily with staff? Will I receive copies of all correspondence and filings? A clear communication policy protects both parties and keeps you informed about your case.
• What is the realistic timeline for my case?
  Personal injury cases in Clark County can take anywhere from a few months (simple settlement) to 3+ years (contested trial). Ask for a realistic timeline broken into phases: investigation, demand, negotiation, filing, discovery, mediation, and trial. An attorney who says "it'll be over in 6 months" for a serious injury case may be overpromising.
• What is your philosophy on settlement versus going to trial?
  Some attorneys settle nearly every case; others prefer to litigate aggressively. Neither approach is inherently right or wrong — it depends on the case — but you want an attorney whose philosophy aligns with yours. Ask how they decide when to settle and when to fight. The goal is maximum recovery, not just the fastest resolution.
• How many active cases are you currently handling?
  An attorney handling 200+ cases simultaneously may have difficulty giving your case adequate attention. Ask about their current caseload and how they ensure each client receives personalized service. There is no perfect number, but you want reassurance that your case won't get lost in a high-volume mill operation.
• What do you need from me to build the strongest possible case?
  Good attorneys view the client as a crucial partner in case preparation. They'll ask you to preserve evidence, document your pain and limitations, follow all medical advice, avoid social media, and stay accessible. Understanding your own obligations helps you actively contribute to a better outcome.
• How do you handle negotiations with insurance companies?
  Ask about their specific strategy with the relevant insurance carrier — some attorneys have established relationships and reputations with local carriers that help them get fair offers faster. Also ask whether they use medical experts to support the demand, and how they document pain and suffering damages.
• What happens if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?
  Nevada requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance ($25,000/$50,000), but many drivers are uninsured or minimally insured. Ask whether they'll pursue your own UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured motorist) coverage and how they approach cases where the recovery may be limited by available insurance. This is a critical issue in Las Vegas, which has high rates of uninsured drivers.
• What is the realistic value of my case?
  This is the question clients most want answered and attorneys are most reluctant to answer honestly early on. A fair response is a range based on documented economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) plus a reasonable estimate of non-economic damages (pain and suffering). Be wary of inflated estimates designed to impress you, and equally wary of low estimates designed to manage expectations downward to make settlement easier.
• What does your fee agreement say about my right to discharge you?
  You have the right to fire your attorney at any time in Nevada. However, if you discharge your attorney after they have done substantial work, they may be entitled to a portion of any eventual recovery based on quantum meruit (reasonable value of services). Understand this before signing. Also ask whether the fee agreement requires arbitration of disputes between you and the firm.