7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accident Lawyer

You can be the safest driver on the road, and because of another person’s negligence, you can also be the victim of a car accident. When recovering from an accident, the last thing you should have to deal with is pushback from insurance companies and the responsible party.

Working with a car accident lawyer will help you navigate through the complicated claims process. However, not every available attorney will be the best fit for you and your case. 

Before hiring a law firm to represent you, it’s important to screen and interview multiple candidates. Here are the seven most important questions to ask your potential car accident attorney. 

 

1. How Long Will It Take?

Sometimes car accident victims go in with the expectation that their lawsuit or claim will be resolved quickly and seamlessly. While this is always the goal, case results and timelines always vary based on the severity of the traffic accident. 

When meeting with an attorney, you need to ask about the expected timeline for your case. That will give you a better idea of what to expect and when you could potentially receive your car accident settlement. 

Various factors can also affect the turnaround time of your case, such as:

• Caseload and high volume of clients
• Experience with your type of case
• Available resources to prevent delays

When meeting with an attorney, be sure to also ask about these delays and how he/she would still be able to manage your case.

An experienced lawyer can anticipate roadblocks and prepare for them in advance, so your case doesn’t fall tremendously behind. 

 

2. How Do I Pay You?

One thing you don’t want to do is pay your attorney by the hour. Your case could potentially take months to complete. You’d end up paying more in attorney fees than what you actually get back as compensation. 

Ask your car accident lawyer what their payment schedule is like and if they offer a flat fee or percentage of the settlement. 

Established personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means that they don’t get paid until your claim is settled. 

There may be various fees that you could run into through the claim process. You’ll need to ask if you’ll need to pay out of pocket for those fees when they come in or if they’ll be added to your overall bill at the end of your case.

 

3. Have You Handled Similar Cases to Mine?

You should ask your car accident lawyer how many cases they typically handle. You’ll want to know if they have experience dealing with accidents and injuries that are similar to yours. 

Also, the best car accident lawyer should have experience in a variety of auto collision cases. This can involve pedestrian accidents, bike accidents, motorcycle accidents, Uber/Lyft accidents, truck accidents, serious and catastrophic injury, and wrongful death cases.

An experienced auto accident lawyer will be familiar with the various legal nuances in your state and city. The more experience a lawyer has, the better chance you’ll have at succeeding. 

 

4. What Is Your Car Accident Case Experience?

While you should ask how many similar cases each lawyer has handled, you should also inquire about their overall car accident case experience. Asking specific questions will help give you a better understanding of how qualified an attorney is. 

Some questions you can ask include:

• Have you received any awards?
• Will you be personally handling my case?
• How often do you go to trial with a car accident case?
• How many years have you been practicing in this field?
• Do you settle outside of court often?
• What are some of your success stories?

A qualified car accident attorney will happily answer those questions with no issue. If you don’t feel satisfied with their answers, they may not be the best fit for your case. 

 

5. What Do I Need to Do?

Knowing what role you will have to play during the process of your case is important. Typically, you will only have to directly communicate with your attorney. When it comes to talking to insurance adjusters, your lawyer will speak on your behalf. 

You’ll need to explain in detail to your lawyer what happened during the auto accident. You’ll also have to provide them with medical records and other accident-related documentation for the case. This can include lost wage notification from your employer, employment records, and auto repair bills. 

Conversely, you want an attorney that will effectively communicate with you. They should respond in a timely manner to any inquiries you have and keep you informed about the momentum of the case. 

It’s also important to ask what mode of communication is preferred. For instance, if you are not too tech-savvy, you will not want to work with someone who prefers to speak via text messages or e-mail.

 

6. Will This Affect My Car Insurance?

Having multiple car accidents on your driving record may increase your car insurance premiums. Because of this, you need to contact a car accident attorney immediately after you’ve been in an accident. 

Your car insurance company will likely have you fill out an accident and medical report after your accident. These reports are vital because they help determine how much compensation you’ll receive after you file your claim. If the claim isn’t filed properly, you may pay more than you need to. 

If your insurance company determines you were at fault for your accident, that may result in an increase in your premium. Your attorney can look at your entire claim and let you know if you should expect an increase in your premium.

 

7. Do I Have to Pay Car Accident Lawyer Fees if I Don’t Get a Settlement?

Most qualified car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. With that being said, you shouldn’t have to pay your lawyer a fee if you don’t receive a settlement.

However, your attorney may have absorbed some of the out-of-pocket costs during the process. They may charge you for those at the end, even if you don’t receive any compensation. 

Clarify these payment details before committing to a law firm. 

 

Partner With the Best Car Accident Lawyer

Being in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. Your whole life can get turned upside down in just a few moments. 

Work with an experienced car accident lawyer immediately to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. To get started, contact The Law Offices of Daniel Kim today for a free consultation. 

CALL NOW

 

 

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