FAQ: 7 Questions To Ask an Attorney after a Car Accident

FAQ: 7 Questions To Ask an Attorney after a Car Accident

What are the main questions you need to ask of a car accident lawyer following an accident? We asked an experienced accident attorney and these are the 7 key, questions.

Getting into a car accident can be a frightening experience. An experienced attorney can help navigate the post-accident steps, but how can you decide which attorney to choose? And once you find one, what are the questions you need to ask to be certain that you have the right one?

Remember that the questions may differ from those you may ask of other personal injury attorney enquiries.

If you are in a no-fault state like California, accident cases can get complex pretty soon. Situations like these call for professional help, so we asked a top Redding car accident attorney for insights on top questions to ask an attorney before hiring them. Read on to learn more. 

What Is Your Legal Area of Expertise? 

The first thing to ask is what legal field the lawyer specializes in. It’s best to go with a law firm specializing in motor accidents (including car crashes, truck accidents, and other motor vehicle accidents) and personal injury cases. Note that a law firm might specialize in a few areas. 

However, if the lawyer is a jack-of-all-trades or only dabbles in personal injury and motor vehicle accident cases, it might be best to avoid them. The more experience an attorney has in a specific practice area, the better they will be able to represent you and win your case. 

They’ll have seen cases similar to yours and know the most common tricks insurance agencies use to get out of paying their dues. 

What Is Your Experience and Track Record? 

Don’t be afraid to ask an attorney what their experience is like. You want to know whether they have years of experience dealing with cases like yours or are fresh out of law school. The more experience the attorney has, the better. Your lawyer might point to their track record of winning car accident cases as well. 

Can You Provide References? 

Any lawyer with their weight in salt will be able to provide references. Alternatively, ask if they have an online presence where you can read reviews from past clients. That can include a Google My Business, Facebook, or Yelp profile. 

Who Will Be Working on My Case? 

It’s also worth knowing who will be working on your case. Law firms often employ several attorneys, and the attorney you are speaking with might not handle your case directly. They may give your case to an associate attorney. 

That might seem like a letdown if you were speaking to the head attorney of the firm, but the other attorney might be just as capable. 

How Strong Is My Case? 

It’s also worth asking how strong the lawyer thinks your case is. Every case is different, and a lawyer can never promise you a specific outcome. However, they should be able to tell you how strong they think your case is in their professional opinion, based on their years of experience and the outcome of similar cases. 

Beware of lawyers who guarantee that you will win any case. There’s no way for them to know that. However, your lawyer can promise to do everything possible to ensure you get as much compensation as possible.

Do You Offer a Free Consultation? 

A car accident lawyer should not charge you for a consultation. If an attorney is trying to charge you for an initial consultation, find another one. Your initial phone call should be a way to learn more about the lawyer and an opportunity for them to learn the basics of your case and advise you on how to proceed. 

How Much Do You Charge? 

It’s also vital to discuss attorney fees upfront. Many car accident attorneys use a contingency agreement, meaning they do not earn anything unless you do. For example, they might charge a commission on your total compensation. 

That way, you don’t have to pay anything upfront. Furthermore, you know the lawyer will do everything to ensure you win – it’s in their best interest, after all. 

If your lawyer charges a fee upfront, ensure you know what it is and that there will be no hidden fees later. 

Conclusion

One of the most important things you can do after a car accident is to hire the right lawyer to represent you. By asking a few simple questions, you can get a clearer picture of how good the attorney is and whether they are suitable for you. 

Source: Reiner Slaughter Maizer & Frankel – Redding CA

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