During your initial consultation with an auto accident lawyer, you should expect the attorney to ask most of the questions, as they need to find out if you have grounds for a claim and decide whether they will take on your case.
However, it is just as important that you ask your prospective attorney questions as well. There are a lot of lawyers out there—so why should you entrust this one with your case?
How Can You Choose the Right Lawyer for Your Case?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that you evaluate a prospective lawyer’s case portfolio to find out if they have successfully handled cases that are similar to yours.
Your case is important to you, and rather than get stuck with an overworked attorney who has not handled cases that are similar to yours, why not choose one who has extensive litigation experience and plenty of time to give you excellent service? Don’t settle for anything less!
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Seven Questions to Ask Your Prospective Auto Accident Attorney
During your initial consultation with a lawyer, there are several questions you should consider asking. Here are some examples.
Do You Work On a Contingency-Fee Basis?
Most personal injury law firms work on a contingency-fee basis. This means they only charge legal fees if they win your case. After a settlement or judgment in your favor, the attorney will receive a percentage of the money they recover for you. They do not ask for a retainer or charge clients an hourly fee like some other attorneys do.
Contingency fees can range from 25 percent to 40 percent of your monetary recovery. Ask the attorney exactly what their payment structure is. Also note that the percentage may increase if your case goes to trial.
Will You Charge Advanced Case Costs if We Lose?
Your attorney’s contingency fees may not be the end of the money you have to pay for your case. Lawyers may also charge their clients for court fees, witness subpoenas, investigators, and other expenses. The bottom line is to ask for details on everything they may charge you for at the end of your case.
In general, settling outside of court will incur fewer fees than going to trial. However, your law firm will have rules about how they handle these expenses and how much you will pay regardless of the outcome of your case.
What Is Your Success Rate for Similar Personal Injury Cases?
Not all attorneys have experience handling motor vehicle accident claims. In fact, many focus on other areas but occasionally do personal injury on the side. It’s better to hire a personal injury attorney who knows how these cases work in your area and has experience recovering compensation for others in the same situation.
Ask your lawyer to explain the outcomes of previous cases that were similar to yours. They should provide general case results, testimonials, and other information about their experience in cases like yours. Most of their cases should be personal injury claims, and you will want someone with trial experience if your case requires a lawsuit.
Are You Able to Work On My Case Right Now?
Many lawyers are overworked. Do not hire an attorney who does not have the time to give your case the individual attention it deserves. You can ask for testimonials or look up reviews for your attorney online in addition to asking them about their caseload. This will allow you to see what previous clients say about the level of availability of the attorney and the attention their cases received.
When Will You File My Lawsuit?
There is a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits in Louisiana. Pursuant to La. Civ. Code Ann. Art. 3492, in most cases, the plaintiff’s attorney must file the lawsuit within one year of the date when the injury happened. Otherwise, the defendant’s attorney will file a motion to dismiss the case, and the court will probably grant it.
However, it is crucial to understand how personal injury cases work. Most do not require filing a lawsuit, and even fewer go to trial. Most end when both parties agree to a negotiated settlement. The insurer representing the liable party pays the victim the agreed-on amount, and the victim signs paperwork saying they will not seek additional damages. A lawsuit may only be necessary when one or more of the following occurs:
- The insurer or liable party will not take responsibility
- They will not agree to an appropriate settlement amount
- The filing deadline is approaching
What Is My Claim Worth?
Your attorney cannot guarantee a monetary recovery, let alone a specific amount. However, they can explain the outcomes of previous cases to give you an idea of what your case might be worth. The lawyer can also explain the types of recoverable damages in these claims and how they calculate their value.
An attorney may be able to file a claim on your behalf and demand a fair settlement that includes:
- The accident-related expenses and losses you incurred
- Your future treatment and care needs
- Losses related to long-term or permanent injuries
- Intangible damages, including pain and suffering
What Will I Need to Do for My Lawsuit?
A successful claim relies on excellent teamwork between the victim and their attorney. Ask your lawyer if there is anything you can do to support your claim. They will likely offer several tips to protect your rights and ensure they can build the strongest possible case on your behalf. This could include anything from continuing your medical care to avoiding social media until the conclusion of your case.
Speak With an Attorney from Morris Bart, LLC for Free Today
You can talk to a lawyer from the Morris Bart law office near you for free today. We provide complimentary case reviews for personal injury victims interested in our representation. We can assess your legal options, answer your questions about the case, and explain our experience and services.
Call our team today at (800) 537-8185 to discuss your case with a Morris Bart law firm personal injury attorney.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
