12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

Hiring the right lawyer for your car accident case is the first step to getting fair compensation. Here are key questions to ask a car accident lawyer before you hire them.

After a car accident, you may have to pay for expensive medical treatment or costly car repairs.

Hiring the right car accident lawyer for your case is essential to recover compensation for those damages.

A good lawyer will help you submit an auto insurance claim and ensure the insurance company doesn’t deny your coverage in bad faith.

If your injuries are severe, the insurance policy limits may not be enough to cover your medical bills. In that case, you’ll need a trial attorney to file a lawsuit against the other driver for the excess costs.

However, not all car accident lawyers are created equal. An inexperienced lawyer or an attorney who doesn’t understand your case may fail to negotiate a fair settlement and could lose at trial.

Asking the right questions in your initial consultation will help you make an informed decision and be confident that the lawyer you choose is qualified.

Here are 12 questions you should ask a car accident lawyer before hiring them to represent you.

1. Do you have experience handling car accident cases similar to mine?

Experience matters when it comes to legal representation. An attorney who has handled cases like yours will better understand the nuances and challenges involved, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.

2. How many car accident cases have you taken to trial and what is your success rate?

While many car accident cases settle out of court, some may require going to trial. Asking about the lawyer’s trial experience and success rate can give you insight into their courtroom skills and ability to effectively advocate for your rights.

3. Do you work on a contingency basis? What is your fee structure?

Understanding how the lawyer charges for their services is essential. Many car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case, usually taking a percentage of the settlement or award.

4. Will I have to pay expenses like court fees or discovery costs?

In addition to legal fees, there may be other expenses involved in your case, such as court fees, expert witness fees, or investigation costs. Knowing how these expenses are handled can help you budget accordingly.

5. How long do you expect my case will take?

The amount of time it takes to resolve a car accident case can vary depending on factors like the complexity of the case and the willingness of the parties involved to negotiate. Getting an estimate can help you manage your expectations.

If an attorney estimates a short amount of time for resolving your case, like less than 3 months, they may be planning to accept the first settlement offer rather than negotiating for the full amount you deserve.

6. What is your strategy for negotiating with insurance companies?

Understanding the lawyer’s approach to dealing with insurance companies can give you insights into their negotiation tactics and ability to advocate for your best interests effectively.

Some accident lawyers settle for the policy limits. If your lawyer suggests that the policy limits are all you’ll be able to recover, seek a second opinion. In many cases, insurance companies offer the policy limits as a low-ball first offer when they know the claim is worth more.

7. Will you be the attorney handling my case, or another lawyer in your firm?

Some law firms may assign your case to a different attorney or paralegal once you’ve hired them. Knowing who will be working on your case can help ensure you’re comfortable with the person handling your matter.

Make sure you meet with the attorney who will be leading your case and that they understand your needs and expectations.

8. How will you keep me up-to-date on developments in my case?

The firm should have an established process for providing case updates to clients. A good car accident lawyer will make time to meet with you regularly to answer questions and fill you in on the status of your case. If the attorney doesn’t have a system for communicating with clients, that may be a red flag.

9. How will I be able to contact you? Will you be available outside of business hours?

It’s important to know how accessible your lawyer will be throughout the case. Ask about their availability and preferred methods of contact to ensure you’ll be able to reach them when needed.

Ask who you will be able to talk to if your primary attorney is unavailable. A paralegal, legal assistant, or staff member should be informed on your case and available to answer your questions.

10. What kind of documents and evidence will you need from me?

To build a strong case, lawyers typically require various types of documentation and evidence, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements. Understanding what you need to provide upfront can help ensure a smoother process.

11. Do you have any potential conflicts of interest?

Conflicts of interest can arise if the lawyer has a business or personal relationship with the defendant that could prevent them from being fully committed to your case. The legal team handling your case should identify any potential conflicts of interest and inform you if anything affects their ability to represent you.

12. Can you provide testimonials and reviews from past clients?

Talking to past clients can give you valuable insights into the lawyer’s communication style, professionalism, and overall client satisfaction. Reputable lawyers should be able to provide testimonials or reviews from previous clients.

By asking these questions, you can gain a better understanding of a potential car accident lawyer’s qualifications, experience, and approach to handling your case.

Remember, hiring the right lawyer for your case is the most important factor to reaching a successful outcome in your case. You should interview multiple candidates to find the lawyer or law firm that best fits your needs.

Our car accident lawyers offer a free initial consultation and case evaluation. We have a proven track record in car accident litigation and we’ll happily answer any questions you have. Call today to discuss your legal options with a car accident attorney.