Car accidents can traumatize you, especially if you suffer injuries or a loved one dies from their injuries. The staggering medical treatments and hospital bills can overwhelm you. You may even have to miss work—and lose income and other earnings—while you recuperate. If you sustained permanent or disabling injuries, you may never return to work again.
You may feel relieved when the insurance company offers a settlement to compensate you for your medical expenses and lost income. Or, perhaps you have taken the advice from a friend or did enough research to know not to accept that offer without talking with a car accident attorney.
Initial settlement offers from insurance companies often fall short of the full value of the damages you suffered, and so consult a car accident attorney first.
So, you’ve set up a free consultation with a car accident lawyer. Now what?
What Questions Should You Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer?
When you meet with a car accident attorney for the first time, ask the right questions to ensure they have the right qualifications for your case and that you feel comfortable handing over the legal aspects of your case to them.
Here are some questions, divided into categories, you may ask your lawyer during a first consultation:
Experience
You need an experienced attorney for several reasons. Car accident cases can require a lot of research and involve several liable parties. A lawyer with years of experience practicing personal injury law, and specifically car accident cases, will understand the statutes, case law, and legal strategies relevant to your case. They will also have more experience negotiating with insurance companies and so they can overcome insurers’ tactics to undervalue your claim.
Questions to ask:
- How many years have you practiced personal injury law?
- How many car accident cases have you handled?
- What is your record for verdicts and settlements?
- Can you provide testimonials or references from previous clients?
Fees and Costs
Your lawyer should tell you their fees and costs for handling your car accident case so you know what to expect. This allows you to budget, plan, and determine whether you can afford their services. Most car accident lawyers, like those at the Francis Firm, work on a contingency fee basis. The initial consultation is free, and we do not get paid unless we recover compensation for you.
Still, you'll want to know what percentage your lawyer will want from your settlement and if you need to pay any additional expenses.
Questions to ask:
- What is your fee structure?
- Will you handle my case on a contingency fee basis?
- Do I need to pay any upfront costs or hidden fees?
- Will you charge me for anything if we lose the case?
Case Assessment
During the initial consultation with your lawyer, they may ask questions about your car accident and your injuries.
You’ll want to know their impression of your case, such as its strengths and challenges, and whether you should take legal action. This can give you a good idea if your lawyer thinks your case is viable and the potential value of your claim. Knowing this can help you set realistic expectations about your car accident claim.
Questions to ask:
- Do you think my case is worth pursuing?
- What are my case’s strengths and weaknesses?
- What is your estimated timeline for resolving my case?
- How much compensation can I recover?
Communication and Availability
Your car accident case can take time to resolve. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company for maximum compensation on your behalf. You'll want to know how the lawyer will keep you up-to-date on the progress of your case and whether they will make themselves available if you have questions.
Questions to ask:
- How often will you update me on my case?
- What is the best way to reach you if I have questions?
- How quickly can I expect responses to my calls or emails?
- Will I work directly with you or another attorney, paralegal, or associate?
Settlement and Trial Strategy
Most car accident claims settle through negotiations with insurance companies.
After investigating your accident and determining the full extent of your damages, your lawyer will send a demand for compensation. The insurance company will likely make a counteroffer.
These negotiations can take time to complete. Trust your attorney and respect their opinion if they recommend accepting a settlement or if they advise you to take your case to court. Understanding your car accident attorney's strategy will give you confidence in their ability to recover maximum in your case.
Questions to ask:
- What is your approach to settling car accident claims with insurance companies?
- How do you determine when to settle and when to go to trial?
- How much experience do you have negotiating settlements with insurance companies?
- Do you have experience representing car accident victims in court?
Client Involvement
You may want to play a role in all aspects of your case. Or, you may prefer to leave those details to your lawyer. Either way, your lawyer's style must match your preference. You need to understand the level of involvement your lawyer will offer you and what you can do to help them secure a favorable outcome in your case.
Questions to ask:
- How involved will I be in my car accident case?
- Will you regularly update me on the progress of my case?
- Will I have a say in whether to accept a settlement offer?
- How can I best support you with my case and help it succeed?
What Questions Will Your Car Accident Lawyer Ask You?
When you meet with your car accident lawyer for the first time, you can expect them to ask you questions as well. Your answers help your lawyer understand the details of your car accident and determine your legal options for pursuing compensation.
Some questions, based on category, your lawyer may ask you include:
Details of the Accident or Incident
Your lawyer will likely ask you for a detailed account of what happened before, during, and after your car accident.
Questions they may ask:
- When and where did the accident occur?
- What were you doing when the car accident occurred?
- Did anyone witness the accident?
- Did you notify the police and have them file a police report?
- Did any road hazards or lack of warning signs contribute to the accident?
Medical Treatment and Expenses
Your lawyer will also want to know about your accident injuries and any medical treatment you received.
Questions they may ask:
- Have you seen a doctor since the accident?
- What injuries did you suffer in the car wreck?
- Have you had any surgeries or other medical procedures related to your accident injuries?
- What medications do you currently take for your injuries?
- Did your injuries cause you to miss work?
- What medical expenses did you incur due to your injuries?
Impact on Daily Life and Work
Your lawyer will want to understand how your injuries have affected your daily life, your family’s life, and your ability to work.
Questions they may ask:
- How have your injuries affected your ability to perform daily tasks?
- Do you need to make any modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate your injuries?
- How much work have you missed due to your injuries?
- Can you work in the same capacity as before your car accident?
- Has your accident or injury caused you any emotional distress?
Insurance and Other Parties Involved
Your lawyer will also want to know about your insurance policy and that of any other parties involved in your accident.
Questions they may ask:
- Does your insurance policy cover your injuries?
- Have you already filed a claim with your insurance company?
- Did any other parties contribute to the accident?
- Did any insurance company or attorney representing other parties in the accident contact you?
- Did you sign any documents or provide statements to insurance companies or attorneys?
How to Prepare for Your First Visit
Before your initial consultation with your car accident lawyer, you’ll want to prepare so you can make the most out of your time together.
Here are a few tips to prepare you for your first visit.
Gather Relevant Documents and Information
Before your first visit with a car accident lawyer, gather all relevant documents and information related to your case. Having information organized and easily accessible can help your lawyer better understand your case and provide you with more accurate advice.
Information you may want to gather includes:
- Police reports
- Medical records and bills
- Insurance policies
- Eyewitness statements
- Photos or videos of the accident scene
- Any correspondence with insurance companies or other parties involved in the case
Write Down Your Own Questions and Concerns
Before your initial meeting with your lawyer, write down any questions or concerns you want to ask them. You’ll also want to bring a pen and paper to your meeting to jot down what you and your lawyer discuss and any questions that arise during your meeting.
Why Should You Choose a Car Accident Lawyer?
When you retain a car accident lawyer, you trust them to see your case through the legal process and fight for your full and fair compensation. You need to understand their legal strategy and feel confident in their abilities to represent you in front of insurance companies and, if necessary, in the courtroom. Never be afraid to ask your lawyer questions, and always expect them to give honest, upfront answers.
Look for a car accident attorney who has helped thousands of car accident victims just like you recover the compensation they need and deserve. Contact a personal injury lawyer today online or by phone (817) 270-6418 for your free consultation, and let them evaluate your case and explain your legal options.