Anyone who has been involved in an auto accident knows just how overwhelming it can be. If you plan to hire an auto accident attorney to assist you with your claim, knowing which questions to ask can help you find the right attorney for your needs.
“What damages might I recover?”
One of the first questions on the minds of most accident victims concerns the type of settlement they may receive. Ask your prospective personal injury attorney about all types of compensation, including reimbursement for medical bills, compensation for missed work, and cash settlements for pain and suffering. Your attorney will help you set reasonable expectations and understand any limitations on your potential compensation.
“How much experience do you have?”
Always ask any attorney you are considering if he or she has a significant amount of experience with personal injury. Ask if they have represented any cases similar to yours. Choosing a lawyer backed by experience is more likely to result in a favorable outcome for your case.
“Do you foresee any problems with my case?”
Find out as soon as possible if the attorney you initially contacted foresees any problems with your case. If it is a complicated lawsuit, or or if he or she needs additional information from you, it is best to discover this immediately to streamline the process.
“Is the case likely to go to trial?”
If your case must go to trial, you may need to provide additional information and documents. Ask this question during your initial consultation so you can prepare yourself and reduce at least a little of your stress.
“What are your fees and when must I pay?”
It is vital to discover how much your attorney plans to charge to handle your case. Fortunately, many accident lawyers work on something referred to as “contingency,” meaning no upfront payment is required. Instead, the attorney’s fee is taken out of your settlement. However, in certain instances a retainer is necessary, and therefore asking about this in advance is essential.
“What kind of time frame do you anticipate for my case?”
To avoid frustration, ask your attorney for an approximate idea of how long it will take for your case to reach a settlement. Certain attorneys work faster than others, but the judicial system by nature is a slow machine.
Most auto accident attorneys represent clients aggressively to build strong cases and ensure that maximum compensation is received. If you are the victim of a car crash and need expert advice, get in touch with a team of qualified legal professionals like Bachus & Shanker Law without delay.
