what questions should i ask a lawyer vehicle accident

by Beulah Harber 3 min read

Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer

  • Do I Have a Case? This is the first question you should ask. To recover damages from an accident, you have to prove that...
  • How Much Do You Charge and What is a Contingency Fee? This is usually one of the most important questions for most car...
  • What Court Fees and Costs Will I Be Responsible For? Even if a lawyer charges...

What to Ask Your California Car Accident Lawyer
  • How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
  • Do you handle other types of cases, or do you only focus on personal injury law?
  • Do you have any awards, and are you a member of any special organizations?
  • Will I have to go to court?

Full Answer

How much should I ask for in a car accident?

Aug 31, 2017 · Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer Do I Have a Case? This is the first question you should ask. To recover damages from an accident, you have to prove that... How Much Do You Charge and What is a Contingency Fee? This is usually one of the most important questions for most car... What ...

What to ask after a car accident?

The questions you will need to answer for your car accident lawyer: When did the accident happen? This is pretty cut and dried, easy to answer. You would be surprised with how many times clients don't know the exact date though. Explain exactly how the accident happened? The more detail, the better. At some point, depending on severity, there might even need to be a car …

What do you need to know after a car accident?

Some of the topics of questions may include attorney’s fees, deadlines, and insurance policies. Essentially, you can feel free to ask your lawyer any question related to your accident and your pursuit of compensation. What questions you should ask your car accident lawyer are entirely up to you. Conversations with your attorney are privileged and confidential, so you can feel at …

What should I ask my doctor after a car accident?

Dec 10, 2020 · Most of the questions an attorney asks of you relate to the particulars of the accident. They want to know things like: On what date did the accident occur? Who was involved in the accident? How...

image

What should I ask for in a car accident?

According to the III, here's the most important information drivers should exchange after an accident:Full name and contact information.Insurance company and policy number.Driver's license and license plate number.Type, color and model of vehicle.Location of accident.

What questions should I ask my lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

What should you not say in a car accident?

Don't say “I'm sorry” A simple “I'm sorry” can be used to show that you admitted guilt and responsibility for the accident. Even if you mean “I'm sorry you're late for work” or “I'm sorry you are hurt” – try to avoid using the words “I'm sorry”.

What are 3 things you do immediately after a car accident?

10 Things You Need to Do After a Car AccidentSTOP. Never drive away from the scene of an accident, even a minor one.PROTECT THE SCENE. ... CALL THE POLICE. ... MAKE AN ACCURATE RECORD. ... TAKE PICTURES. ... EXCHANGE INFORMATION. ... REPORT THE ACCIDENT. ... SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.More items...

What you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a LawyerHave Your Documents Ready. ... Research the Elements of Your Case. ... Don't Call if You Just Have a Question. ... You May Not Speak to a Lawyer Right Away. ... Do Not Ask the Legal Support Staff for Advice. ... Don't Provide Too Much Information. ... Answer the Lawyer's Specific Questions.More items...•Feb 6, 2020

How do I prepare for an attorney interview?

If you are interviewing virtually, all of these tips apply.Do your research. Lawyers are known for being good researchers. ... Be presentable and dress your best. ... Come prepared to ask questions. ... Be personable and show enthusiasm. ... Be genuine. ... Promptly send a thank-you note.Oct 28, 2020

Should I get checked out after a car accident?

DO check for any injuries to you or your passengers, then check for injuries with any others involved. If anyone is injured, dial 999 and ask for the police. DO get all passengers out of the vehicle and make sure they're safe.

Should you talk to the other insurance company?

It is always best to let your insurance company handle all matters directly with the other insurance company involved in an accident claim. You are not required to discuss any details of the claim with the other insurance company. This is especially important when there are personal injury claims.

How do you console a victim of an accident?

Cheerful or Encouraging Messages to Send Someone Who's Been in a Car Accident“I'm so glad you're okay! ... “I'm so sorry about your accident. ... “You're looking great! ... “It's so good to see you up and walking around. ... “You are the bravest person I know. ... “You inspire me to face challenges the way you do.” ... “You're doing so great!More items...•Nov 11, 2021

How does a car accident affect you mentally?

A major car accident can cause PTSD, extreme anxiety, depression and debilitating phobias. Studies have shown that crash-related mental traumas can have symptoms lasting up to a year after an auto accident, especially for children.

How long after an accident can you file a police report?

Call the police or report the accident at the nearest police station: within 24 hours if a person is killed or injured; or. on the first working day after the accident if no person was killed or injured.

How long do you have to call your insurance company after an accident?

If you're involved in an accident, you must tell your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers specify that you must inform them within 24 hours of the incident.

Should a lawyer know about an injury?

If you know about an injury, your lawyer should know too. It's vital your lawyer knows everything. It is almost more important for your lawyer to be aware of something related to your body than it is for your doctor to be aware. Well, maybe equally as important.

Is an accident lawyer a medical opinion?

What? Your opinion matters, and don't let any accident lawyer tell you differently. No, it's not a "medical" opinion but it's valid nonetheless. If you feel as though some pain, injury, or condition is not healing and you fear permanency, you should explore it with your doctor and keep your lawyer in the loop.

What to do after a car accident in Oregon?

After a car accident, you may need an attorney on your side. Oregon is a fault accident state, meaning that you may have grounds to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit against the responsible driver. However, navigating this process can be challenging after a recent injury—but finding the right lawyer to represent your claim can also be difficult. To find the right car accident attorney for your case, it is important to ask a few key questions.

How long does a car accident last?

Car accident cases can last for a few months to a few years, depending on the severity and complexity of the accident. A personal injury lawyer should be able to review your case and provide an honest answer as to how long it may take to recover compensation.

Can I afford a car accident lawyer?

After a car accident, you can experience significant financial hardship. Very few people can afford to pay for a lawyer out of pocket in these situations, which is why most personal injury firms operate on a contingency fee basis.

Should I hire a criminal defense lawyer for a car accident?

Just like you wouldn’t want to hire a podiatrist to perform brain surgery, you don’t want to hire a criminal defense lawyer for a car accident claim. Ensuring that your attorney has relevant experience in your practice area is crucial to finding the right firm.

Who handles all cases by himself?

Some firms have one attorney who handles all cases by him or herself. Other firms have case managers, paralegals, and junior attorneys who communicate with clients on the lead attorney’ s behalf. If it is important for you to have a lawyer who is very involved in your claim, ask who will be handling your case and who you will be communicating with.

Do all car accident cases end up in court?

Not all car accident claims end up in the courtroom. In fact, the majority of cases resolve in a settlement, either during the insurance process or in pre-trial negotiations. However, there are certain situations where your attorney should go to trial—if you have very high damages that exceed an insurance company’s policy limits, for example, your attorney should not settle for an insufficient settlement. Instead, your lawyer should be willing to pursue your case to the fullest extent possible so you can obtain the settlement you need to recover.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for My Injuries?

Many states have something called a statute of limitations. This means that you must take legal action within a certain time frame, or you will no longer be allowed to do so.

How Much of a Settlement Can I Expect to Get?

You need to speak to your lawyer about what type of realistic settlement you can expect to get from your injuries.

Can We Recoup Future Medical Expenses as Related to the Car Accident?

Depending on the severity of your accident, you may need to cover future medical bills relating to it.

Can You Help Me If I Am Permanently Disabled From the Accident?

In some cases, an accident may be so severe that the individual who suffered it will be unable to work. This may mean that they will be on permanent disability, or they may wish to secure disability for the foreseeable future.

How Long Will the Case Take to Complete?

Those who are new to the law may find that cases seem to drag on for much longer than necessary. Insurance companies will do this intentionally in some instances. It can feel time-consuming and frustrating. Having an experienced car accident lawyer who will move your case forward aggressively will help to mitigate those tactics.

How Much Will the Case Cost and What Are Your Billing Practices?

As car accident attorneys we work on a contingency basis which means we do not get paid until there is a recovery for you and only if there is a recovery for you. All consultations are free of charge and you owe us nothing until we recover money for you.

How Can I Ensure Things Go Smoothly?

All cases are different, and things may not always run a smooth course. However, ensuring your lawyer has everything they need from you, and cooperating with them, helps ensure that things go smoothly.

Can you claim PIP if you don't have insurance?

If you are a passenger in a car wreck and do not have auto insurance, you can still make a PIP claim. Under the rules, you can turn to the auto insurance of a resident relative. For example, if your parents or a sibling has car insurance, and you live with that family member, you can use their auto insurance to get PIP benefits. This is the case even if you don’t have auto insurance.

Can you sue someone for pain and suffering in Michigan?

Suing for pain and suffering in Michigan following a car crash is not straight forward. Unlike other states, just because you are injured in a car wreck and another person caused the accident does not mean you are entitled to money compensation. The law in Michigan is complicated and different.

How do I hire a car accident lawyer?

There are three basic steps to hiring an car accident attorney or any kind of personal injury lawyer: Gather the names of qualified lawyers who could handle your case. Schedule a meeting, called an initial consultation, to discuss your case.

Why should you outline the details of your accident?

You should outline the details of your automobile accident because the attorney needs that information to assess your case. Make written notes, so you don't forget any important details during the meeting. You should also make a list of questions that you'd like to ask the lawyer.

image