Did you know that there are nearly 6.75 million car accidents in the US each year?
That means there are tons of injuries and even some situations that result in a car accident death. So if you get into a car accident, you need to find the best representation.
It’s important to know what questions to ask your attorney. This article will help you get started and answer some of the most common questions about finding a car accident attorney.
Keep reading to learn what to ask your lawyer if you ever find yourself in this situation.
Table of Contents
1. How Many Years Have You Been Practicing Law?
Your car accident attorney should have a good amount of experience before taking your case. While this won’t guarantee a positive outcome, it can help to work with someone who has handled cases like yours in the past.
A lawyer who has been practicing for a while will be more familiar with the laws in your state. More specifically, they’ll understand how these laws apply to car accident cases. Not only does this help them know what you can expect from the legal proceedings, but it also helps them grasp how to best present your case.
2. Do You Have a Proven Track Record With Cases of Car Accident Injuries?
It’s important to work with an attorney who knows what they’re doing. One way to gauge this is by looking at their past cases. Have they had success in court? If so, how many car accident cases have they won?
A car accident attorney with a good track record is more likely to get positive results for their clients. They’ve handled cases like yours before and know how the system works, which makes them better equipped to handle your case.
3. Can You Provide Me With References?
Referrals from past clients are another way to gauge whether an attorney is competent and trustworthy. While you can’t expect every attorney to have a long list of satisfied clients, asking about references is still a good idea.
This allows you to speak with former clients so that you can decide whether they were happy with the service. It’s also another way for you to learn more about the way an attorney will handle your case. In other words, it’s a chance to hear from someone who has been in a situation like yours.
4. Will You Be Representing Me Personally?
In court, there are several people involved in each legal case: attorneys for both sides, judges, and juries. However, you only have one chance to make a good impression. This is why it’s important to know who will be representing you in court. You want an attorney who is going to be personally invested in your case. If they’re not the ones handling your case, they may not be as motivated to get positive results. You want an experienced and motivated Lawyer like those at: houstoninjurylawyer.com
5. What Is Your Fee Structure?
An attorney’s fee can vary depending on several factors, such as the amount of work they put into your case or whether they win or lose. As such, you’ll want to ask about their fee structure so that you know what to expect.
Fees can be a major source of stress that could affect your case. You should never work with an attorney who doesn’t have their fee structure outlined in clear terms. If you don’t understand what you’re expected to pay, discuss this with the lawyer ahead of time so that there are no surprises during or after the case.
6. How Long Will The Case Take?
No one can predict the exact length of a legal case, but your attorney should have a general idea of how long they anticipate it will take. This is important to know so that you can make arrangements accordingly.
You don’t want your life put on hold because of a car accident. An attorney who can give you a good idea of how long the case will take will help to minimize the disruption.
7. What Type of Communication Method Do You Prefer?
Some people are more comfortable communicating via email, while others prefer to talk over the phone. Let your attorney know what communication method you’re most comfortable with so that they can be sure to keep you in the loop.
If you’re not getting the information you need, you’ll want to know upfront what the attorney’s preferred communication method is. This way, you can decide whether it’s working for you or if you should consider another option.
8. What Is Your Availability?
Since your case is going to take up a good deal of your time, you and your attorney need to have similar schedules. This way, they can be available when you need them most or know when not to call you with updates.
Your attorney should always be available to answer your questions and address your concerns. If they’re not, it may be time to find a new one.
9. How Much Time Will I Need to Spend in Court?
You may have to attend court hearings or depositions during your case. Your attorney should be able to give you a good idea of how much time you can expect to spend in court.
It’s important to know what to expect so that you can make arrangements accordingly. If you have job or family obligations, you’ll need to factor in the time commitment required to attend court.
10. What is Your Success Rate in Similar Matters?
Finally, when going to your search engine and browsing for a “car accident lawyer near me,” look for attorneys that have a high success rate. You should ask your attorney how many cases similar to yours they’ve won and lost over the years. This will give you a good idea of their performance history and determine whether they’re the right person for your case.
If you’re going to be working with someone, it’s best to know how much experience they have. While the success rate doesn’t necessarily mean that your case will turn out the same way, it does tell you whether or not this person is right for your case.
Finding the Right Car Accident Attorney Today
After a car accident, there are so many things to worry about that you don’t have time for. You need a car accident attorney by your side who can get things done without disrupting your life.
Knowing what information to ask them will help to put both of you on the same page and get you the results that you deserve.