Car Accident Lawyer : Ask These 8 Questions First
Auto, Aviation & Transportation
Hiring A Car Accident Lawyer? Ask These 8 Questions First
You would deserve compensation for your losses if you were recently injured in a car accident. A qualified car accident lawyer can ensure the insurance company pays you appropriately. But hiring the right attorney for your case will take some research.
You can think of your initial consultation with an attorney as an interview. If you want to learn more about car accident lawyers before you hire them for your case, you need to ask the right questions. Below, we have eight of the best ones to ask.
1. What Type of Law Do You Specialize In, and How Long Have You Practiced?
The lawyer you’re considering should specialize in personal injury claims, and they should have several years of experience.
Ideally, they should also be local to the area of the accident. So, if your accident happened in Orlando, your attorney should practice in the Orlando area. That way, they will be well-versed in local jurisdictions that could affect your case.
2. Who Will Represent Me?
This seems like an obvious question, but in larger law firms, the person you meet with initially may not be the person who represents you during settlement talks or in court. It’s crucial to know if the firm will be assigning someone else to your case so you can ensure you’re comfortable with them.
3. How Many Cases Like Mine Have You Won?
Asking how many cases the attorney has won will help determine whether they can help you win your case. You can expect a better outcome if the lawyer has a good track record with cases like yours.
4. What Do I Need To Do?
Understanding what the car accident lawyer will expect of you throughout your case is essential. You need to know which documentation they’ll need and when they’ll need it. You’ll also want to see if they recommend undergoing additional medical exams to help prove your injuries.
An excellent personal injury attorney will walk you through the process so you aren’t surprised later.
5. How Do You Charge For Your Services?
Ideally, your car accident attorney will charge on a contingency fee basis. That means they won’t seek any payment upfront. Instead, they’ll collect payment after you win your settlement.
Some attorneys charge an hourly fee instead of working on contingency. However, hourly fees can add up quickly, and you’ll have to pay even if you lose your case.
6. What’s The General Timeline For The Case, and Are There Any Deadlines I Need To Know About?
States have varying deadlines for filing claims with insurance and for filing personal injury suits. You want to make sure you’re acting within those deadlines.
Knowing how long the lawyer expects the case to take is also crucial. You’ll have to cover expenses until you receive your settlement. So, this is crucial for responsible financial planning.
7. What Should I Say If Insurance Companies Call Me?
Your car accident lawyer should be handling communications with insurance companies and any other parties involved in the lawsuit. However, there are some instances when an insurance company may need to speak directly to you.
Your lawyer should advise you on what to say and how to handle those situations. They’ll likely advise you to avoid any small talk while answering questions simply but truthfully.
8. How Will You Provide Progress Updates?
A good car accident lawyer will regularly update your case’s progress. This might be through weekly phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings.
You’ll also want to know if you’ll receive communications from your attorney directly or if they’ll come from someone else. For example, in some law firms, client updates are handled by paralegals, not attorneys.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a car accident lawyer is crucial when you’ve experienced injuries or losses after a car accident. First, however, you need to vet any lawyer you’re considering. Asking the abovementioned questions will help you find an experienced lawyer that can help you win your case.
