After sustaining severe injuries in an accident, the flurry of events doesn’t give you much time to make important decisions. One of those choices involves selecting the best attorney to represent you in your claim or lawsuit. While no one wants to make the mistake of hiring a lawyer that won’t succeed in winning their case, most people have no idea what kind of questions to ask this professional. At your next consultation, ask your potential attorney the following questions to determine if they’re the right fit to fight your case.
10 Important Questions for Your Car Accident Lawyer
If you are in a situation where you must immediately hire legal counsel, make sure you’re getting the best by asking a series of simple questions that will help you determine whether a particular lawyer is right for you.
Do you concentrate your practice on personal injury?
You don’t want your case in the hands of a divorce or construction litigation attorney. You want an attorney with specialized knowledge in personal injury law. Laws are intricate for each industry, so it’s vital to find a lawyer that knows precisely how to help you resolve your accident case.
Have you represented people in car accident cases?
Anyone experienced in car accidents should have some experience representing cases like yours. If you have sustained a back injury, be sure that the lawyer has helped people with the same condition recover compensation.
Will my case be assigned to a junior associate?
You should ensure that the firm’s head attorney or a partner in the firm will represent you. For the best outcome, only a qualified and experienced lawyer should conduct the work related to your case. You should not have paralegals engaging in work that an attorney should be doing.
How long is all of this going to take?
Some cases take longer than others, and it all depends on the circumstances and the court system in your state. Your potential car accident attorney should know the average time between the date of filing and date of trial and be able to inform you of this.
Do you work on a contingency fee basis?
Assuming so, you’ll want to see the attorney’s or law firm’s standard contingency fee agreement. A contingency fee means that your attorney only gets paid if they win your case and help you obtain a settlement.
What can I do to help my case?
With or without a lawyer, any investigation or lawsuit will examine you and your behavior. What you do after getting into an accident makes a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A personal injury attorney can tell you what looks useful to the court so that you have a better shot at winning redress.
What percentage of your cases go to trial?
You don’t want a settlement mill attorney representing you. A settlement is the simplest solution for individuals that get hurt in an accident and need compensation to settle their medical bills and other expenses; however, it’s not every case in which both parties reach a fair agreement. Your attorney should be confident in representing your case at trial if necessary.
Have you ever had disciplinary measures taken against you?
It’s important to know you’re in good hands. You don’t want a lawyer that’s engaged in unlawful behavior themselves or has reacted poorly to a judgment in the past. Make sure whoever you hire has a clean record.
How often would you update me on the progress of my case?
Attorneys must keep a client reasonably informed on the status of the client’s case. Law offices are busy places, but a true professional finds the time to contact their clients and speak to them regarding any developments.
What if I don’t want to accept a settlement offer?
A quality personal injury attorney will let you know what the best possible offer is and when it’s time to accept and avoid going to court.
Consult a Local Attorney About Your Case
When you’ve been hurt in a vehicle accident on Louisiana’s roads, you’ll want to consult with an attorney as soon as possible so as to give your case the best possible chance at a successful outcome. Our team of Louisiana attorneys has over 35 years of experience helping injured parties receive the compensation they deserve. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car or truck accident, we will take the proper steps to ensure you receive justice. Call E. Orum Young at 318-450-6453 for a free car accident consultation today.
