Navigating car insurance providers, medical bills, and rehabilitation can be overwhelming after a car accident. A car accident lawyer can take some burden from your shoulders as well as ensure fair treatment.
However, not all lawyers are the same, and the selection of the right one can prove a deciding factor in your case. Before the decision, it is crucial that you ask the right questions to ensure you choose the right lawyer.
The following are six questions through which your search should be guided.
1. What Is Your Experience with Car Accident Cases?
Experience matters, especially in personal injury law. So, get a lawyer who has experience in car accident cases.
In some places, such as Roanoke, where the legal landscape and insurance systems can be quite unique, experience truly matters. A Roanoke auto accident lawyer can add real value to your matter, mainly if they’ve worked on similar cases and understand Virginia’s unique legal and insurance systems.
2. How Will You Handle Communication and Updates?
A good attorney-client relationship relies on clear communication. Find out how frequently you’ll get reports and if they deal with the lawyer or their assistants.
A few firms turn clients over to paralegals or case managers once they sign the contract, resulting in delays or confusion. You should find someone available and dedicated to keeping in touch during your matter.
3. What Are Your Fees and Payment Structure?
Most car accident attorneys represent clients on a contingency fee arrangement, receiving payment if, but only if, their clients win their cases. However, also clarify the percentage of your settlement they take, as well as if there are any additional fees.
Hence, find out if you’ll cover the costs of your case, such as court filing fees or expert witness fees, and if they get deducted before or after they take a portion of your payout.
4. Do you have trial experience?
Although most cases involving injuries are settled outside of court, some are litigated. It’s important to ask if your attorney has ever tried cases. Attorneys who consistently take cases to trial tend to receive more favorable settlement negotiations since insurance companies are aware they are not reluctant to litigate.
5. What Is Your Assessment of My Case?
A good lawyer should offer an honest initial assessment based on what you tell them.
You can’t expect any attorney to ensure a specific outcome. Still, they should be able to identify the merits and flaws in your case, estimate a possible award, and define the problems or difficulties that could occur.
6. Can You Provide References or Reviews from Past Clients?
Client testimonials are a good indicator of an attorney’s reputation. Request testimonials or read online reviews to find out how previous clients felt about the experience. A professional lawyer should be able to give references or point you toward a public record of successful client results.
Final Thoughts
Getting a car accident attorney is vital to defending your rights and getting fair compensation. However, before agreeing to sign on the dotted line, take a minute to ask questions.
Knowing a lawyer’s background, style of communicating his or her fee, and courtroom prowess are all factors, but they can also help keep you at ease and ensure a better chance of a successful resolution.
