Car accidents can’t be shrugged off, though they are exceedingly common. Over six million auto accidents are occurring every year in the US. Yet, they can completely change your life.
Even small car accidents and fender benders can result in a serious or permanent auto injury. This, in turn, can affect your personal life, your social life, and your professional life. You deserve compensation for your injuries and losses.
Unfortunately, however, compensation is not always easy to obtain. That’s why you need an auto injury lawyer by your side to provide expert legal guidance.
But how do you choose the best attorney for your case?
We think it comes down to asking the right questions. Keep reading for the top six questions you should ask while hiring an attorney to identify the best car wreck lawyer for your needs.
1. Will You Give Me a Free Case Evaluation?
To learn more about your car accident case, you’ll need to seek immediate counsel. We recommend asking to get a free case evaluation from the top lawyers on your list to kill two birds with one stone.
First, sitting down with an experienced auto injury lawyer will give you the chance to ask important questions about your unique case. You can find out more about:
- Whether you have grounds to pursue a lawsuit/settlement
- What your injuries and damages are
- How much your injuries and damages are worth
- What you should do moving forward
Just as importantly, a free case evaluation will help you assess your auto injury attorney to see if they’re the right fit for you. For example, do they seem knowledgeable and competent? Are they patient with you while you ask questions and address your concerns?
These types of cases can take months to resolve. Hiring a lawyer who’s qualified and with whom you get along is essential.
2. What Type of Cases Do You Handle?
Before hiring an attorney, make sure they’re the best option for your particular case. Not all personal injury lawyers specialize or excel with car accident cases. Make sure the attorney you’re talking to is an auto injury lawyer specifically.
Furthermore, make sure they’re well-experienced in the field. For example, if you were involved in a unique case, such as one involving an Uber driver or semi-truck, is that something they have dealt with in the past? Do they have the necessary background and experience to handle your case competently?
3. Do You Have a List of References?
Before hiring a lawyer, get a better understanding of their reputation in the community. Find out what other car accident victims think of the attorney’s legal prowess. Ask the attorney if they have a list of references.
They might direct you to their website or social media page where you can find a list of client reviews and testimonials. Learning about the lawyer’s experience and expertise through the eyes of their previous clients will be incredibly insightful.
Make sure you hire someone who’s well-respected and comes recommended from the people they’ve helped in the past. To learn more about what our clients think about us, take a look at our testimonials. We pride ourselves on the reputation we’ve earned through years of helping people with car accident cases and personal injury claims.
4. Can I See Your Previous Case Results?
If you want even more information about the auto injury lawyer’s experience, ask to see some of their past case results. Look for cases that resemble yours to get the most accurate depiction of how the attorney will be able to help you.
In cases similar to yours, what were they able to do for their clients? What kinds of settlements were they able to secure and under what circumstances?
5. How Many Other Cases Do You Have Right Now?
When hiring an attorney, it’s important to ask difficult questions that may even seem awkward. For example, find out how many other clients or cases they have.
Because settlements and court cases take so long to resolve, it’s quite common for auto injury attorneys to juggle multiple cases at once. However, you don’t want to work with a lawyer who has too much on their plate.
If the car wreck lawyer you hire has bitten off more than they can chew, it means your case is going to end up on the back burner. Neither you nor your case will get the attention you deserve. Not only will this increase your stress and frustration, but it will also compromise your case results.
6. How Much Will You Charge Me to Represent My Case?
Finally, ask the auto injury lawyer how much everything is going to cost you when all is said and done. In most cases, they won’t be able to predict your costs in the initial consultation. They don’t have all the details, such as:
- Expert witnesses
- Evidence
- Court fees (if you don’t settle with the defendant)
- Your injuries and financial losses
- Etc.
Many of these details will unfold as the case progresses. However, most personal injury lawyers charge a contingency fee. This is a commission fee based on the value of your winnings.
In other words, if your case is unsuccessful, you won’t owe the auto injury attorney anything. If your case is successful, they’ll take a predetermined cut of your winnings. Of course, you’ll always be responsible for your other legal fees (court fees, documentation fees, expert witness fees, etc.).
Ask the lawyer what percent they charge and what other costs you will be responsible for.
Are You Looking for an Auto Injury Lawyer You Can Trust?
Finding the right auto injury lawyer is essential if you want the best possible outcome for your case. The results of your settlement will affect your life for countless years to come. You deserve adequate compensation for your injuries and damages.
If you’re ready to sit down with an experienced car accident attorney, we’re here for you. Contact Cummings Injury Law today to get a free consultation. We would love to go over your case with you to help you move forward in this difficult time.
Posted in: Car Accidents