10 Questions for Your Car Accident Lawyer

10 Questions for Your Car Accident Lawyer

Posted on March 15, 2020 | Written By: iadminlaw

When you’re injured in an automobile accident, it’s imperative that you seek robust representation. Not all car accident lawyers are created equal, and it’s very much your right to interview a few different teams and make sure you’re working with someone you trust. Use these questions to guide your decision-making, via I Accident Lawyer.

10 Questions for Your Car Accident Lawyer

When you’re injured in an automobile accident, it’s imperative that you seek robust representation. A team of qualified car accident lawyers can help you process your insurance claim, receive the compensation you’re due, and ensure that your legal rights are upheld. What’s more, a good car accident lawyer can handle the logistics on your behalf, freeing you to focus on making an expedient recovery.

Not all car accident lawyers are created equal, however, and it’s very much your prerogative to interview a few different teams and make sure you’re working with someone you trust. But how do you ensure you’re picking a competent and experienced car accident lawyer? Here are a few questions to guide your deliberations.

Interviewing Car Accident Lawyers: What to Ask

1) What areas of law do you practice?

You wouldn’t hire an ocular surgeon to deliver your baby, and you don’t necessarily want an estate planning expert to represent you in your car accident case. Seek an attorney whose practice is devoted to representing individuals who have been involved in accidents.

2) Do you have experience working on cases similar to mine?

Some car accident lawyers may specialize in rideshare accidents, in motorcycle accidents, or in accidents involving pedestrians. Be sure you pick an attorney whose expertise matches your particular situation.

3) Who will be representing me during the case?

You can’t always assume that the car accident lawyer you talk to will be the one who actually does the legwork on your case. Some attorneys may outsource your case to other attorneys. This is especially true if you choose a large, nationwide firm over a more regional one. You have a right to know exactly who’s going to be working your case for you.

4) How long will it take to resolve the case?

Car accident lawyers can’t see the future, and it’s impossible to expect them to give you a specific timeline. There are a number of factors that can affect the duration of the case, some of them beyond your lawyer’s control. With that said, you’ll likely be contending with medical bills and other issues while your case is ongoing, and you have a right to ask for a basic, estimated timeframe. Hopefully, you’ll find a car accident lawyer who can shoot straight and give you an honest answer, rather than beating around the bush.

5) Do you offer services on a contingency basis?

Most reputable car accident lawyers offer their services on a contingency basis. This means you don’t have to pay them, and won’t be billed until they resolve the case in your favor. This should help you feel much more confident in choosing the lawyer, knowing they have ample incentive to obtain the best possible result.

6) What can I do to increase the odds of a successful resolution?

You shouldn’t assume that, as soon as you hire a car accident lawyer, your involvement is over. There may be some simple steps you can take to increase the likelihood of a positive resolution. For example, the lawyer may encourage you to seek additional medical care, to engage in physical therapy, or to gather certain documentation. Be clear about anything you can do to help your lawyer represent your case.

7) How often do your car accident cases go to trial?

This is a critical question to ask the attorney, for a couple of reasons. One, going to trial can be stressful… and though it may sometimes be a necessary evil, it’s something you’d probably rather avoid if you can. Two, auto insurance companies tend to pay out more in settlements, not in trial situations. Again, your attorney may not always be able to avert going to trial, but you want someone who can at least boast a solid track record.

8) Have you ever been disciplined or censured by a legal committee?

Most of the time, the answer is going to be no. But it still helps to ask, and here’s why: A lawyer who’s had ethical issues in the past simply can’t be trusted to represent your interests in an appropriate way. If you hire an attorney with a history of ethical violations, you’re honestly asking for trouble.

9) If we have a disagreement over whether to accept a settlement, will you defer to my wishes?

Imagine this scenario: You’re offered a $1 million settlement. You’re happy with that number, but your lawyer thinks you should hold out for more. Will the attorney respect your wishes to settle? Or will they withdraw from representing you, leaving you in the lurch? You’re not especially likely to run into this scenario, but it’s still something to check on in advance.

10) Can you provide references from some of your past clients?

Last but not least: A good attorney should have a backlog of happy clients who are eager to sing their praises. If your lawyer is reluctant to provide you with any references, that’s probably a red flag.

These are just a few questions you can ask to help you assess the worthiness of a car accident lawyer. With that said, we’d also say that you should always listen to your gut. If there’s an attorney who doesn’t inspire comfort or confidence, that reason enough for you to look elsewhere. You deserve a car accident lawyer with whom you feel comfortable working.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in California

The car accident lawyers from I Accident Lawyer are here to consult on your case and to answer any questions you may have.

Here are just some of the reasons to choose our car accident lawyers:

• We only represent individuals who’ve been in accidents
• We always fight for the utmost monetary compensation
• We’re available to consult 24/7
• We won’t bill you unless we win the case
• We are a trusted law firm throughout California

To learn more about our services, or to schedule a consultation, reach out to I Accident Lawyer whenever you need us.