So you were in a car accident and you have no clue what questions to ask your lawyer?
No worries. Thousands of people are injured in motor vehicle crashes every day and most have no idea what to look for in legal representation.
The problem is that most people just hire the first car accident attorney they find online or the one with the biggest billboard. Huge mistake. The lawyer you choose can make or break your case.
You don’t believe me? 91% of victims who were represented by an attorney received compensation, as compared to only 51% who were not represented by an attorney.
That’s a huge difference.
In this guide, you will learn:
- How Experience Matters in Car Accident Cases
- Questions to Ask About Fees and Costs
- Questions to Ask About Your Case Strategy
- Red Flags That Mean You Should Run
Experience Matters More Than You Think
The first question that separates good car accident lawyers from the rest of the field?
“How many car accident cases have you handled in the last year?”
Let me explain why this is such an important question. Car accident law is not something that a lawyer can just wing. There are specific strategies, insurance company tricks, and negotiation tactics that only come with experience.
General practice lawyers who do divorces, wills, and the occasional car accident? Yeah, they’re not going to stand a chance against an experienced insurance adjuster.
But there’s more to experience than just numbers…
You want to push the lawyer on specific examples. What were the settlement amounts? Did any cases go to trial? How long did they take to resolve?
The best Queens car accident lawyer has no problem sharing recent case results and explaining in detail how they approach different types of accidents.
The best attorneys track their results and can tell you exactly what their average settlement amounts are, what their success rates are, and how long their cases typically take to resolve. If they’re being cagey or dodging your questions about their experience level? That’s a red flag.
The Money Questions: Fees and Costs
Let’s be real here for a second…
Most people are kind of nervous asking lawyers about money. But this conversation is absolutely critical, and any good car accident attorney will be completely transparent about their fees.
You need to ask these money questions:
- What percentage do you charge as a contingency fee?
- Do you advance all case expenses?
- What happens to costs if we lose?
- Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
Most car accident lawyers work on contingency, which means they only get paid if you win. The standard rate is usually 33% of your settlement.
But here’s a little-known secret…
Some lawyers take their fee out of your gross settlement before expenses are deducted. Others take it out after expenses. It makes a huge difference, and you need to know which one they do.
The truth is: A confident lawyer who knows their stuff will advance all of the case costs upfront and only get reimbursed if you win.
Questions About Your Case Strategy
This is where things get real fun…
You want to know exactly how your lawyer is planning on handling your case. And these aren’t just theoretical questions – they’ll also tell you whether your attorney has a real plan or is just going to wing it.
Ask these strategy questions:
- What’s your initial assessment of my case?
- How do you plan on proving the other driver was at fault?
- What evidence do we need to gather?
- How long do you expect this case to take?
- What’s a realistic settlement range for my case?
A good lawyer is going to walk you through their investigation process. They should tell you exactly how they’re going to gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other evidence needed to build your case.
Here’s the thing: If they’re promising you a specific settlement amount during the first meeting, run. No reputable lawyer can guarantee results until they’ve fully investigated your case.
Communication is King
The number one thing that kills most attorney-client relationships?
Poor communication.
You need to know exactly how your lawyer will be updating you on your case. Some attorneys are great at the legal work but are terrible at returning phone calls.
Ask these communication questions upfront:
- How often will you update me on my case?
- What’s the best way to reach you?
- Who else in your office will I be working with?
- How quickly do you respond to calls and emails?
The best car accident attorneys have a system in place to keep their clients informed, and they will tell you exactly what to expect and when.
The bottom line: If they’re too busy to clearly answer your questions during the initial consultation, they’re too busy to handle your case properly.
Red Flags to Look Out For
Not all car accident attorneys are created equal. Some are genuinely terrible at their job, and others are just looking to make a quick buck.
These are the warning signs you need to watch for:
Any attorney who promises you a specific outcome is lying to you. The legal system doesn’t work that way, and ethical lawyers know better than to make promises they can’t keep.
High-pressure sales tactics are another red flag. Good car accident lawyers will give you time to make a decision and won’t try to pressure you into signing a retainer on the spot.
Be especially wary of attorneys who:
- Won’t provide references from past clients
- Seem more interested in their fee than your case
- Can’t explain their strategy in plain language
- Don’t have experience with cases like yours
The Bottom Line Questions
Before you make a final decision, there are a few bottom-line questions that will tell you everything you need to know about whether this attorney is right for you.
Ask these final questions:
- If you were in my situation, would you hire yourself?
- What’s the worst-case scenario for my case?
- What makes you different from other car accident lawyers?
The answers will tell you whether you’re dealing with someone who truly cares about your case or someone who just sees you as another paycheck.
Remember, people with legal representation receive settlements nearly 3.5 times higher than those without. But only if you choose the right attorney.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right car accident lawyer is not just a matter of finding someone with a law degree. You need someone with specific experience, a proven track record, and a communication style that works for you.
Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. A good lawyer will respect your due diligence and will provide clear and concise answers.
Most importantly, trust your gut. If something feels off during the consultation, keep looking. Your case is too important to settle for a lawyer you don’t trust.
The questions you ask could determine whether you receive the compensation you deserve or settle for far less than your case is worth. Make them count.