What Questions Should I Ask My Car Accident Attorney?

After a collision, you will have many questions running through your head. Most of those questions you can ask your lawyer, and others are better for your medical team. When you meet with your lawyer for an initial consultation or to sign up with the firm, you can ask all the questions on your mind. You can also contact the firm as new questions arise. Finding the right car accident lawyer for your collision claim will only make your path to financial recovery smoother.

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What are your fees?

Because of the possible costs, first-time car crash victims are often uneasy about hiring a lawyer. They worry they will need to have money for legal fees before they sign up with a law firm.

Most local personal injury lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay upfront fees for hiring a lawyer. You only pay after your settlement. Initial consultations are free, and you can ask about how their attorney fees work during this meeting. Though you never need money to ask questions of a car accident lawyer.

Do you have a preliminary strategy?

It will take some time to craft a strategy and build your case, but your lawyer can give you a preliminary strategy. They must review the facts of your accident and find ways that they can help you have a solid argument for compensation. As their investigative efforts continue, they can inform you of a more detailed plan for your claim.

How many cases have you handled?

A lawyer can say they know about various legal topics, but you must ask about their track record with car accident claims. Knowing in theory how to handle a case is different than having concrete experience. Ask about their history of handling cases similar to yours and the outcomes. Car crash lawyers cannot give you specific details about other clients, but they can discuss general information and case results without revealing identities.

How long will my car accident case take?

Your car accident claim will take time to resolve, and the timeline will depend on various factors. You begin to feel pressure as your medical bills pile up, and you’re beginning to receive late notices on other accounts. These financial struggles can leave you wondering how long you must wait. A skilled car crash lawyer can provide an estimated timeline based on your injuries, evidence, and insurance company cooperation. If delays arise, the timeline can move, and if new evidence appears, it can push the case further.

How will you determine my compensation?

The damages you incur from your car accident claim will vary depending on your injuries, and they are challenging to calculate in the initial stages. You must wait until you get medical treatment and a future prognosis to determine the total worth of your claim. Your lawyer will calculate your medical expenses, lost wages, and more to determine your case value. You will want a payment that considers future losses, too.

What deadlines should I be aware of?

Many deadlines come with car accident claims, and the first to consider is how long you have to start your claim. Depending on the insurance policy, you might need to move quickly to start a claim. Other claimants wait some time before starting the process as part of their legal strategy.

The next big deadline is the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. Depending on your state, it can be between one and five years. Once the deadline passes, no legal resources are available for your car accident. Your lawyer can tell you what deadlines apply to your case.

How much communication will there be?

Every law firm is different, and if you have never needed a personal injury firm before, you are likely unaware of how they work. Some clients want to avoid communication, while others prefer regular check-ins, and law firms have the same varying processes.

How a law firm treats its clients and the communication they offer can also be indicative of how they handle cases. Ask how often they will communicate updates and how you can expect these checks. You should also ask who will communicate with you, the paralegal, the attorney, or someone else.

What damages are available for my claim?

Damages available will vary by case, and you must ask which ones you can request for your claim. Most car accident claims include lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering. Depending on your losses, many categories of economic and non-economic damages are available. You must review your injuries and other losses with your lawyer. Determining the damages you can recover can take time, as some are apparent from the beginning and others develop later.

What if the insurance company makes an offer?

Refrain from taking the first offer the insurance company offers you, and always consult with your lawyer about the strengths and weaknesses of an offer. Never take an offer without the advice of an attorney.

Insurance adjusters are notorious for offering lowball offers early on when the victim is unaware of their losses. They are working to protect their best interest. When you get an offer, speak to a lawyer if you have not already done so.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?

You want someone honest about your situation who does not lead you on. Through an objective lens, your lawyer can look at the strengths and weaknesses of your claim. They also need to look at all aspects to prepare your case better.

Do not go in-depth about why you have a good case, but your attorney should have a few reasons why they believe they have a good chance of recovery for you. Staying positive is good, but you also want to know what hurdles you might face. Even strong cases will have one area of concern. It might not be a dealbreaker, but it is good to learn any weaknesses the defense will attempt to harp on.

How many cases do you handle at once?

You must ask how many cases your lawyer handles. Some law firms take on more cases than they can handle, offering inadequate representation and prolonging your claim. If they already have their hands full, it can take months or years to resolve your claim because they do not have the staffing.

While your case can take a long time, it is often due to the legal processes. Their caseload is also important because you must file a lawsuit within your state’s statute of limitations. You can also ask how many cases they have in litigation since that process is time-consuming. Ensure the law firm and lawyer you work with have time for you.

What is the likelihood of a trial?

Asking this question will give you a good idea of the car crash lawyer’s intentions because most cases settle before trial. Plaintiffs rarely set foot into a courtroom, especially when their attorney takes the appropriate steps to circumvent that possibility. While most attorneys will inform you of these outcomes, they must always prepare your case for trial.

In severe accidents, the lawyer can advise you from your initial meeting that the chances are higher for your case to go to trial, such as when you seek compensation from commercial truck companies. Judge the attorney by their confidence and ability to craft a strategy that involves settling in or out of the courtroom.

What should I say when speaking to the insurance company?

You must ask your lawyer what you should and shouldn’t say to the insurance company. The insurance adjuster will want to get as much information as possible, and that means speaking to you without your lawyer present. While you’re working to find legal representation, the insurance adjuster is closing in on you. They want a statement, and they want it fast.

During your initial consultation, ask your attorney what you can and cannot say regarding your accident. Once you retain a lawyer, they will handle all communications with the adjuster, but there are times when you must speak for yourself. Everything you tell the adjuster will come up later in your claim.

How much of your practice involves collisions?

Many clients assume that all personal injury firms handle car accidents. While car accidents are prevalent and the bread and butter of many firms, you must ask about their experience.

Lawyers might have experience in different areas of law. Some law firms focus on other areas, and you must know how much of the firm is dedicated to collisions and injuries. You should also confirm if the law firm you are speaking to handles your accident instead of something unrelated, like immigration or family law.

How hands-on will you be with my case?

Some law firms will take on a slew of cases but will not be very hands-on. The lawyer you speak to might not be the one handling your case. Some victims are shocked that a paralegal or junior partner will handle most of the claims process.

It is not to say these parties are less qualified to handle your claim, but you should know who is fighting for you. If you have an initial consultation with a car crash lawyer and thoroughly vet them, they should be the ones handling your case. They made you feel comfortable with their experience. Ask them how hands-on they will be with your case and if anyone else will handle specific aspects.

How much participation do you need from me?

Car accident lawyers are defending injury clients, and while they will handle the brunt of the work and investigation, you might have to participate. Ask how much the lawyer needs from you and how available you should be throughout the process. They can gather the facts of the case themselves and use their available resources, but they are representing you, and to do that, they need to get to know you.

You will need to meet with the lawyer and speak to staff about different case aspects throughout the claim process. Some attorneys want clients to have a high level of involvement, while others prefer to do most of it themselves. Determine how much they expect from you and if that is something you are comfortable with. Most of the time, your involvement will include providing receipts and proof of pain and suffering. Ensure you outline who is responsible for what before moving forward.

Do I have a case?

This one might seem strange, but only some accidents require the help of a lawyer. An initial consultation is where the attorney can decide they want to work with you and if you have a viable case. You must provide any facts you have, details, and injuries to the best of your knowledge.

Sometimes they will take your case immediately, and other times, they must do some research before committing. At the end of the exchange of information, ask the lawyer if you have a case and if they are willing to represent you. Refrain from assuming that every lawyer is willing to help.

Speak to a car accident attorney today

Being in a car accident is detrimental to your life, and you want to find someone willing to fight for you. However, you want to ensure they are the right fit and can answer all your questions. You always want a law firm that is communicative and there to answer additional questions through your claim. Even if the collision lawyer you speak with cannot provide specific details like your final claim amount, they can give you a ballpark, so you know what to expect.

Avoid attorneys who take on your case and give you no information. Instead, call a local car accident lawyer for a real case review.

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Boohoff Law, P.A. — Auto Accident Lawyers – Tampa Office

829 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd,
Tampa, FL 33603
Phone: (813) 725-5606