Car accidents are pretty common in the US, with over 40,000 deaths every year. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, it is important to hire a lawyer to help you through the claims process.
Legal assistance is crucial as, after a car accident, there can be steep costs, and without financial assistance, debt can quickly snowball. Hiring the right attorney can have a significant impact on your case. The right attorney will answer all the questions directed at them, no matter how silly they are.
This article aims to guide you through the list of questions you can ask a car accident lawyer if you’re thinking of hiring one.
Questions to ask your car accident lawyer
Lawyers usually have one free consultation where you can discuss the basics of your case to see if a claim can be filed. Going prepared for this consultation ensures that you select the best possible lawyer for your cause. While this list of questions to ask your lawyer is not comprehensive, it’s a good place to start.
What is your area of expertise?
For your lawyer to be able to handle your case well, they should have relevant experience in that area of law, in this case, car accidents.
Generally, the more experience they have, the higher the chance of them winning the case. With more experience, they would’ve also had the chance to handle more challenging cases. Hiring such a lawyer is beneficial for your case.
How much do you charge?
Lawyers typically don’t charge a fee for their first consultation. Most lawyers also don’t get a fee if they don’t win the case and only charge a portion of your winnings. However, this can sometimes be as high as 40%, so you need to check their rates before you sign them on as your counsel. Knowing how much they charge ensures that you have a financial plan in place and aren’t blindsided later.
What is your opinion on my claim succeeding?
An experienced lawyer will be able to tell you what your chances of winning your case are. Typically, it isn’t advisable to pursue a case that has very little chance of winning. It’s also not wise to pursue a claim that will not give you much by way of compensation, as the legal fees alone could be high.
How long will it take for the case to conclude?
It is important to know the timeline for your case, as the costs can go up if the case drags on. The time it takes for a case to conclude can vary significantly depending on the specifics of the case. If new information is discovered during the course of the case, it can take longer for the case to conclude.
Do you have a strategy for my case?
Lawyers usually have a plan of action. This shows that they know what they’re doing and can handle any new information that surfaces during the course of the case. Knowing your lawyer’s strategy ensures that you are adequately prepared for the possible outcomes of the case.
Hiring an attorney can come with multiple benefits. Filing a claim for a car accident involves gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies. This can be a very confusing and drawn-out process for those without legal expertise.
Conclusion
When you’re considering hiring a lawyer, it’s important to do your research. Lawyers can be a valuable resource and be the difference between winning or losing a case. If you’re ever in a car accident, be sure to hire a good lawyer to help with your case.
