What Questions Should I Ask My Car Accident Lawyer?

When asking yourself what questions to ask a car accident lawyer, you should consider how you want to recover from your losses. An auto accident can be devastating, and finding the right lawyer is crucial to the success of your case. A car accident attorney will be your advocate, protecting your rights and fighting for fair compensation on your behalf. 

With so many lawyers to choose from, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure you make the best decision for your situation. When meeting with Phoenix car accident lawyers, it’s best to come to your initial consultation with a list of questions to ask. These questions will help you gauge the attorney’s experience, expertise, and ability to handle your case effectively.

Here’s what to ask:

1. What Is Your Experience With Car Accident Cases?

When you meet with a personal injury attorney in Phoenix for a free case evaluation, ask about their experience with car accident claims. Many law firms include a record of their successes on their websites, so you can gather some initial information on their track record with cases like yours.

However, personal injury claim evaluations allow you to get personal. You can tailor your questions to determine what a lawyer’s knowledge of personal injury law looks like and how they work to make their clients as comfortable as possible. Sample questions may include the following:

• How do you break down complicated legal topics for survivors like me?
• Can you tailor your schedule to accommodate my work/family life?
• What have your previous clients said about your representation?
• What settlements have you secured for clients in accidents like mine?

The legal process through which attorneys help survivors like you recover from accidents can prove complicated to understand, even if you have some knowledge of how the civil system works. You want to know you’re working with someone who not only understands the law but has helped people like you make the most out of their recovery.

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2. What Is Your Success Rate?

You want to come away from a meeting with a personal injury attorney, knowing that your fight for compensation is in good hands. That’s why it’s important to ask about an attorney’s rate of success before committing to a case.

A higher success rate indicates that the attorney you’re talking to will go the extra mile for their clients. Make sure you qualify what “success” looks like to you before you ask your question, though. Is success a higher-than-average settlement? Is it compensation won through a trial, or is it a case settled privately?

An attorney’s successes aren’t solely made up of their victories in the courtroom. When asking about a lawyer’s win rate, you’re also asking about the methods they use to help you recover. In other words, this question gives you some idea of how your personal injury lawsuit may progress.

3. How Do You Handle Communication with Clients?

You need to know that a motor vehicle accident attorney will communicate with you as your case progresses. With that in mind, consider asking your attorney:

• Do you prefer to email your clients, call them, or meet them in person?
• What time of day can I expect you to reach out to me?
• Can you accommodate my busy recovery?
• What kind of check-ups do we need to establish to successfully build a claim?

You want to work with an auto accident lawyer who will keep an investigation into your losses as transparent as possible. At the same time, you want to know that an attorney will respect your time and right to recover.

Regular communication establishes trust between a client and attorney. When you know your lawyer won’t leave you out of the loop, you can better kickstart your recovery.

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4. What Is Your Fee Structure?

Discuss the attorney’s fee structure upfront. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they get you a settlement or court award.

Make sure you understand the percentage of payment a lawyer stands to receive when working on a contingency basis, as well as any additional fees or expenses associated with your case.

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5. Can You Provide References or Client Testimonials?

Request references or read client testimonials to gain insight into the lawyer’s reputation and how past clients have perceived their services. Reading about or speaking with former clients can provide valuable perspectives on the attorney’s capabilities and client satisfaction.

6. How Will You Investigate My Case?

Understanding the attorney’s approach to investigating your case is essential. Inquire about their usual steps, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating police reports. An effective investigation is critical to building a strong case, and you want to make sure your lawyer is up for the job.

7. What Is the Estimated Timeline for My Case?

While exact timelines can be challenging to predict, your attorney should estimate how long it might take to resolve your case. Understanding the timeline of your case can help you manage your expectations and plan accordingly.

8. Will My Case Likely Go to Trial?

The majority of traffic accident cases are resolved out of court. Private settlements often allow survivors and liable parties to come to an agreement about the monetary compensation the victim needs to restore their reduced quality of life.

This does not mean that you’re guaranteed to reach an agreement out-of-court, though. You should ask the attorney about the likelihood of your case going to trial. While many cases are settled outside of court, knowing that your lawyer is prepared and experienced in the courtroom is essential.

9. How Will You Determine the Value of My Case?

A skilled car accident lawyer should have a clear strategy for evaluating the value of your case. They should consider medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages and use a “multiplier” when applicable. Understanding how your attorney arrives at a settlement demand can help you gauge the fairness of any offers.

10. What Economic and Non-Economic Damages Can I Request In My Claim?

You have the right to request support based on the economic and non-economic losses you faced due to someone else’s negligence – so long as you can tie those losses to your actual accident. When meeting with an attorney, it’s in your best interest to ask what losses they think you may have the right to.

Most experienced attorneys can help you recover damages based on losses like the following:

• Medical bills and treatment expenses
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage and restoration
• Mental anguish
• Loss of income or reduced wages
• Loss of consortium
• Reduced quality of life

You can discuss what specific damages you have the right to demand in your personal injury claim when you schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident attorney. A good lawyer will make every effort to help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.

11. Do You Have the Resources to Handle My Case?

Car accident cases can be complex and may require substantial resources for investigations, expert witnesses, and other expenses. Newer law firms may be unable to front the money needed to represent you effectively.

Make sure the attorney you choose is well-established and has the resources and support staff to handle your case effectively. For example, Zanes Law has been in business since 2003, has three office locations, and has recovered over $500 million in compensation.

When you choose us, your dedicated legal team will include an attorney, a case manager, and a settlement coordinator.

12. What Is My Role in the Case?

Discuss your role in the case. Understand what will be expected of you regarding providing information, attending legal proceedings, and making decisions related to your case.

You should inquire about the types of documents and other evidence that need to be provided to build a robust case. Additionally, ask about the role of witnesses and how they can help support your claim. Your lawyer should be able to provide clear guidance on what is expected of you to maximize your chances of success.

13. Can You Provide Legal Guidance Beyond the Settlement?

Most motor vehicle accident attorneys can work with you to discuss how to secure post-accident financing. Others can help you break down the insurance coverage you stand to benefit from in the wake of a severe accident. 

Unfortunately, you can’t assume that these services come as a default part of a law firm’s available services. You need to ask whether or not the attorney you want to work with can help you communicate with insurance companies and discuss how to get your life back on track.

A good attorney will let you know whether or not they can work with an insurance company’s insurance adjusters, medical professionals, and, in some cases, corporate representatives. You can base your decision to continue with a law firm based on whether or not an attorney will take a well-rounded approach to your recovery.

14. Have You Ever Been Disciplined by the State Bar Association?

What does it mean for an experienced car accident lawyer to face disciplinary action from the State Bar Association? In some cases, a lawyer who’s triggered an investigation into their ethical practices may have compromised a client’s private information or used unjust tactics to secure a settlement.

Auto accident attorneys have an obligation to disclose information about any disciplinary investigations that the State Bar Association may have open against them. Likewise, an attorney should be honest about any disciplinary action that’s reduced their ability to practice in the past several years.

While this information doesn’t have to be an automatic red flag, you should carefully consider whether or not you want to work with someone whose car accident legal advice has come into question in the past.

15. Why Should I Choose You as My Car Accident Lawyer?

Ask the attorney to explain what distinguishes them from other car accident lawyers. Their response should give you a sense of their confidence, passion for your case, and commitment to advocating for your rights.

Remember that your choice of a car accident attorney can significantly impact your case’s outcome. Take the time to ask lots of questions and consider the answers carefully before making your decision.

Our experienced attorneys have the skills, resources, and track record to effectively represent your interests following a car accident, so we encourage you to reach out to us.

Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer from Zanes Law

If you are in Arizona and have been involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, Zanes Law is here to help. Our experienced legal team is available to answer all your questions and provide the support and guidance you need after a life-altering crash.

We have a proven track record of successfully helping auto accident victims, and we’re ready to fight for a fair settlement or court award on your behalf.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the path to recovery and justice. We can meet with you in person, or if a phone intake works best for you, we can arrange that as well.

Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
Free Case Evaluation form

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