Questions to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer

Catastrophic collisions and injuries lead to large sums of money being lost, due to increasing medical bills and some even being forced to take a leave of absence from work. If you have fallen victim to a traffic collision, you will want to consider hiring a car accident lawyer. A great personal injury attorney will get you maximum compensation for an accident.  However, how do you go about finding the most qualified lawyer? Here are the seven key questions you must ask your potential car accident lawyer.

1. What Should I Do Regarding My Car Accident Case?

People talk to car accident lawyers at different life stages post-accident. Some call right after the accident, which is what you should do if you can. Even if you’ve left the scene of the incident, you can still pursue a case. However, this must be done before your state’s statute of limitations has expired. 

No matter when you call, you should ask your potential attorney what your next steps should be. If you haven’t received medical attention, for example, they might recommend you see a doctor. This will ensure you heal as quickly as possible. Also, the bills will help establish a solid case.

2. How Viable Do You Think My Case Is?

While some people pursue car accident lawsuits, some cases stand a better chance out of court than others. A good lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and tell you if they think your case is stronger going through litigation.

Understanding your chance of winning your case is crucial when it comes to pursuing a lawsuit or filing a claim. Personal injury cases can take years to resolve, and you’ll want to make sure the compensation amount will be worth the years and money invested.

3. What Will You Need From Me?

A thorough car accident lawyer will approach your case in a series of stages. First, the firm will submit an initial contract stating terms and conditions and request you sign it. Then, they’ll open an investigation into your case.

At this point, your potential attorney will be trying to establish grounds for a case. Because personal injury cases fall under civil law, they will need to establish that the defendant violated his/her duty to keep you safe. As a result, this ended in personal injuries or losses for you. 

To accomplish this, the car accident lawyer will need to interview you and any witnesses. Other forms of proof, such as medical bills, may also be requested. When you meet with your potential attorney, you should ask what specifically will be needed from you. Having a list of items to collect and send will expedite the process.

4. How Long Have You Been in Practice as a Car Accident Lawyer?

Young attorneys, fresh out of law school and who have recently passed the bar, likely have the potential for a promising career. However, that doesn’t mean they’re the best to take on your case. Instead, you should favor hiring someone who has been in the field for a long time.

Attorneys who have worked for a longer period of time have more familiarity with the legal system. They may have seen more cases like yours and learned how to effectively handle them. As such, your chances of success increase when you hire a car accident lawyer with lots of experience.

5. Have You Worked On Cases Similar to Mine?

Next, you will want to know whether your potential attorney has ever handled cases like yours in the past. If you can find someone who has helped clients like you, they might be able to manage your case better.

If the attorney says they have taken on cases like yours, ask if the settlement resulted in the client’s desired outcome. This shows you how well the lawyer can negotiate on their client’s behalf. It also provides an indicator as to how well your case will go.

6. What Is Your Contingency Fee?

Are you worried about how you’re going to pay your lawyer? Established personal injury attorneys don’t ask for payment unless they win your case. This is known as a contingency fee.

As such, you should always ask your attorney about their contingency fee. Lawyers take anywhere between 22% and 40% of the winnings. If someone asks for a higher amount of money, you might want to look elsewhere. At this point, you should also ask about any other payments you might have to make, such as court fees.

7. How Much Is Your Average Settlement?

Many lawyers pride themselves on their winning track record, so don’t be afraid to ask this question. In fact, asking how often a firm usually wins cases similar to yours can help determine whether or not you want to work with them. If attorneys can support their sales pitch with testimonials and client reviews, you will feel more confident in your selection.

Ready to Hire a Great Car Accident Lawyer?

If you have been in search of local car accident attorneys in your area, you will want to ask these vital seven questions before hiring them. Our award-winning team at Alpha Accident Lawyers has the resources and experience to recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you. Contact us today for a no-risk, complimentary case evaluation.