Accidents are always unpremeditated. When they occur, they leave victims helpless and confused about what to do.
There will be great uncertainty if you are hurt in a car accident. You will have to make so many decisions immediately.
That is why you should seek the help of a skilled and knowledgeable car accident attorney. But how can you tell which lawyer would be the best for your case?
To be sure you have the correct individual for the job, you should ask your personal injury lawyer a few questions.
This article discusses 15 of the most important questions to ask car accident attorneys.
1. Should I Pursue the Case?
The main reason to pursue a car accident case is to receive compensation for your injuries. However, some cases do not have much chance for compensation.
A skilled and trustworthy personal injury lawyer should advise you on the viability of your claim and tell you how much to expect from the insurance companies.
Your lawyer will assess your case, weigh your options, and advise you accordingly. Untrustworthy lawyers may pressure you to pursue the claim so they can get paid.
2. How Much Do You Charge?
This is one of the most important questions to ask car accident attorneys. You may need the help of a car accident lawyer but are concerned about the hefty legal costs if you lose.
Luckily, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means the lawyers are only compensated if you win.
Contingency fee attorneys charge a specific percentage of the settlement. The typical contingency fee is 33 percent, but it can differ from state to state or from lawyer to lawyer.
3. Have You Handled Similar Cases in the Past?
This is a crucial question to ask. Just because a person is an accomplished lawyer does not imply that they are an expert in auto accident cases. They can be novices in the field of practice, practice part-time, or lack experience.
Most jurisdictions allow personal injury attorneys to share details about their previous cases and outcomes, so you should ask when you can.
Of course, prior performance is not a guarantee of future outcomes. Even so, you will at least have a clearer idea of what this specific lawyer or business has been able to do.
4. How Long Have You Practiced Personal Injury in My State?
Laws covering car accidents and personal injury cases are quite complex since they include all sorts of injuries. Product liability, medical malpractice, medical negligence, and slip-and-fall are all covered by the same laws that apply to traffic accidents.
These laws also vary across states, meaning attorneys can only handle car accident claims in the state where they practice. For this reason, you must engage a personal injury lawyer who practices in the state where the accident occurred.
Additionally, you want a lawyer with a solid track record of success in your state. That will enable them to successfully traverse your state’s intricate personal injury regulations so that you receive favorable outcomes.
5. What Deadlines Do I Need to Meet?
Another critical question to ask a car accident lawyer is your case’s deadlines.
Some states demand that you report a major accident to the police. There could also be deadlines for filing a claim with your insurance provider or the other driver’s insurance.
Apart from this, states have statutes of limitations that restrict you from filing a personal injury case within a specific period. The countdown usually starts on the day of the accident.
If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your chance to take legal action against the at-fault party.
6. Are You the Attorney Who Will Be Working On My Case?
After carefully vetting and engaging a lawyer, many individuals are shocked to learn that a junior partner or a paralegal essentially oversees their case.
Although young junior lawyers and paralegals may be qualified to handle your case, you may want to know who will work on it beforehand.
The personal injury attorneys you vet should be honest about who will cover your case.
7. Do You Specialize in Auto Accidents?
Not all personal injury lawyers can handle car accident cases. Some specialize in other areas, including premise liability and medical malpractice.
You may want to ensure that your attorney has specialized skills to help you get a favorable outcome. So, this should be one of the questions to ask car accident attorneys whom you are vetting.
8. How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Case?
Your medical bills could pile up if you suffered severe injuries following your car accident. Your financial situation may worsen if you cannot return to work after the accident.
It is crucial to know how attending court appearances, medical examinations for the investigation, etc., will interfere with your life.
You may not get an accurate timeline because the length of a trial will depend on various factors. However, your lawyer will give you a rough estimate based on how long cases similar to yours have lasted.
9. How Can I Improve the Odds of Success for My Case?
Your car accident attorney should know how to increase your chances of success in your case. So, this is one of the questions you cannot hesitate to ask.
Too many individuals mistakenly think that all they need to do after hiring a lawyer is to wait for the check. Instead, you need to be proactive in your case.
Your lawyer may ask you to consult with more doctors, talk to investigators, and be wholly involved in your case until it is resolved.
10. How Often Will You Communicate With Me About My Case?
Of all the questions to ask car accident attorneys, this is the least commonly asked. This could be your first time working with a lawyer, so you might not know how some personal injury law firms handle their customers.
You must inquire whether the lawyer will provide regular check-ins and updates on your case. Ask if these check-ins will involve calls, emails, or face-to-face interactions.
It is also crucial to find out whether the lawyer will be updating you directly or if you will be speaking with a paralegal most of the time.
To prevent future problems and tension, define some basic communication standards you want for your case.
11. What Can You Do for My Case?
Since this is your case, you ultimately stand to gain or lose the most. Therefore, do not hesitate to question a car accident lawyer about how they intend to defend you and what they can do for you.
This will allow your lawyer to detail how they will handle your case and explain why they are the best fit for you and your claim. Make sure the lawyer can articulate a step-by-step strategy for your case.
12. Will My Case Go to Trial?
When choosing questions to ask car accident attorneys, this one can tell you more about the attorney you are vetting. The truth is that most personal injury cases settle out of court, and most plaintiffs never enter a courtroom.
Your lawyer will likely inform you of this upfront, but you should also confirm whether they are putting trial preparations in place.
A lawyer should demonstrate assurance in their capacity to negotiate with the insurer outside of court and willingness to challenge the insurer before a jury, if necessary.
13. How Many Cases Can You Handle at a Time?
Asking an accident lawyer how many cases they are currently handling is a crucial follow-up question to know their schedule.
If the lawyer is already overbooked and unable to handle other cases, it might take months before your claim is filed.
As mentioned earlier, there is a statute of limitations, so you should choose only a lawyer with enough time to file a lawsuit on time.
14. How Much Compensation Will I Get?
The next question you may want to ask your lawyer is the compensation you will receive from a settlement or court-awarded offer. Car accidents often leave victims with severe injuries that require hospitalization and extensive care.
The cost of medical treatment, aside from the lost wages you may suffer if you cannot return to work, can cripple your family financially.
Although compensation will vary by case, a car accident lawyer can estimate your total losses and seek fair compensation for your damages.
15. What Do I Do If the Insurance Company Makes an Offer?
Never accept an offer from an insurance company without consulting your lawyer. Insurance adjusters often attempt to pay the least amount possible.
They aim to protect the insurance company’s interests, so they may not offer a fair settlement at first. Ensure you have the support of someone who has your best interests in mind.
Seek Legal Representation Today
Asking questions is very important when choosing a law firm. Create a list of your top legal questions, and ask your potential lawyer for any advice that is typically offered to persons in your situation.
Remember that legal experts are accustomed to receiving all questions, so do not be afraid to ask what is in your mind. The lawyer knows that the more informed you are, the better work the firm can do for you.
We hope you never need a car accident lawyer, but Legal Giant is ready to help if you do. Contact us for a free consultation, and we will gladly answer all your questions.
