After a car accident, finding the right lawyer is key. But with medical bills and insurance claims to sort through, this task may seem overwhelming. Especially when recovering from an injury.
Keep in mind that the attorney you choose can have a major impact on the outcome of your car accident case. That’s why asking the right questions before making your decision is so important.
This blog includes the most important questions to ask when finding the right attorney, so that you are ready to make the best decision for you.
Accident victim in Greenville? Read on to learn more.
Why Choosing the Right Car Accident Lawyer Matters
Because your lawyer serves as your advocate, the one dedicated to helping you and guiding you through your case, it’s important to find one familiar with cases like yours. By asking the right questions, you can see if the law firm’s experience and legal approach meet your needs.
Essential Questions to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer
Here at Armada Law, we understand that accident victims often face a long, difficult recovery. To ensure you have the best attorney by your side, we recommend asking the following questions:
1. What is Your Experience with Collision Cases Like Mine?
- Focus Area: Remember that not all personal injury lawyers handle a wide variety of cases. Choose one who specializes in car accident claims instead of slip-and-falls, workers’ compensation cases, etc.
- Track Record: Ask about how many crash cases they handle regularly and find out their win percentage.
- Similar Cases: Determine whether the firm has the relevant experience by asking about cases similar to yours. Especially if your case involves unique circumstances, like a collision with a large commercial vehicle.
2. Have You Helped Clients with Injuries Like Mine?
- Injury Expertise: Detail the specific nature of your injuries and ask about the attorney’s experience with similar situations. This is particularly important in cases of the following:
- Catastrophic injury
- Significant wage loss
- Diminished earning capacity
- Injuries that are considered hard to prove (such as soft tissue injuries like whiplash)
3. Who Will Actually Handle My Case?
- Team Communication: Find out who will serve as the main attorney on your case, so you know who to contact for updates and case details. While support staff will likely be assigned to help, you should know if the attorney you meet with will remain on your case from start to finish.
4. How Are Payments and Expenses Handled?
- Contingency Fees: Since they usually work on a contingency basis without a retainer fee, accident attorneys often require you to pay them a percentage of the amount recovered. If they do not recover anything, you typically do not pay.
- Case-Related Expenses: Learn about “out-of-pocket costs” or relevant expenses, such as expert witness fees or court filing fees. Ask if you are responsible for covering these, even if your car accident lawyer does not win your case.
5. Can I See Reviews or Testimonials from Past Clients?
- Client Feedback: Most trusted law firms provide testimonials or point you toward client reviews. If feedback is limited or hard to find, this may indicate a poor track record or history of unhappy clients.
6. What is the Expected Timeline for My Case?
- Process Outline: While there’s no way to know exactly how long your case will last, rest assured that our team will get to work right away. Plus, we’ll provide a general outline of the process and keep you updated each step of the way.
- Statute of Limitations: The statute of limitations for your case helps determine the deadline for filing a lawsuit. These statutes vary from state to state and can play a major role in the outcome of your car accident case. Check out South Carolina’s limitations here.
7. Is My Case Likely to Settle or Go to Trial?
- Trial Willingness: Because no two cases are the same, it’s impossible to know for sure whether yours will go to trial or settle outside of court. But your attorney’s past experience may reveal some insight and help them decide their strategy moving forward. It’s important to hire a car accident lawyer willing to go to trial to make sure you receive the best possible results.
At Armada Law, our experienced personal injury lawyer team is available through every step of the process, starting with your free consultation. Contact us to schedule yours today.
Making the Right Choice Starts With Asking the Right Questions
The car accident lawyer you choose can impact your case’s outcome. That’s why we recommend carefully choosing the right law firm. By asking the right questions about relevant experience, communication style, fees, and legal strategy, you’ll find out whether an attorney is the best fit for you.
Armada Law is committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and providing support and guidance every step of the way. Asking the right questions now can help ensure you have the trusted legal guidance you need moving forward.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content or contacting Armada Law does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every car accident case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Laws and deadlines vary by state and may change over time. For advice regarding your individual situation, consult a qualified South Carolina car accident attorney.
