The simple answer is yes; most personal injury consultations are free.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be hurt, maybe seriously. You’ve missed work due to your injuries, and you have mounting medical bills. Perhaps you have never been in an accident before, and you’re not sure what to do next.

Television ads for injury attorneys pop up constantly, saying things like “free initial consultation” and “no recovery, no fee.” So, you ask yourself, “what’s the catch”?

The answer in most injury cases is yes; most initial personal injury consultations are free.

But nothing in life is free, right? So, how do lawyers offer free consultations? Case discussions are for the benefit of both the attorney and the potential client. First, it’s the lawyer’s chance to hear your story, listen to the facts, and determine if you have a potential legal claim. Second, it’s your opportunity to determine if the lawyer is a good fit for you and your situation.

In the U.S., attorneys can handle cases on a contingency basis. This means that your attorney will only get paid (generally a percentage of the case) if they obtain a recovery in the case. “No recovery, no fee” is real.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will know if a case is valid. If they don’t think it’s a valid claim, most likely, they will turn the case down. If they accept the case, it’s not a guarantee of a recovery, but it gives you the best chance to get a recovery.

The initial case consultation is free, with no strings attached. If they move forward with your case and tell you that there are no fees until you recover, it’s the truth.

Look for an experienced personal injury attorney who has a successful record as a trial lawyer. If you’ve been injured in an accident and someone else is potentially at fault, it’s in your interest to get a free case consultation.

Choose wisely.