Accidents happen without warning, leaving victims unprepared with no idea of how to proceed.
When you’re injured in a car accident, there will be a lot of uncertainty. You will need to make a lot of important decisions very quickly.
That’s why you should seek the assistance of a qualified, experienced car accident attorney.
But, how do you know who the best attorney is for your case?
You should ask your personal injury attorney a few questions to make sure you have the right person for the job.
We’ll discuss some of the most important questions to ask in the article below.
Should I Pursue The Case?
One reason to pursue an auto accident case is to be compensated for your injuries and damages.
Some cases may not have much of a chance for compensation.
A trustworthy personal injury lawyer will advise you on the merits of your case, tell you what you should expect to receive from the insurance companies, and he should do that during a free consultation.
Your attorney will review your case, weigh the options, and guide you accordingly.
Untrustworthy attorneys may push you to pursue the case to ensure they get their payment.
How Much Do You Charge?
This is one of the most important questions most auto accident victims will ask.
You may want the assistance of an auto accident attorney, but you might be afraid of substantial legal bills if you don’t win.
Most personal injury attorneys will work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if you win.
Contingent fee lawyers charge a certain percentage of the settlement.
33% is a pretty standard contingency fee, but it can vary from lawyer to lawyer or from state to state.
Have questions about how your attorney gets paid? Read our blog post, “What are the Fees For A Car Accident Lawyer?”
Have You Taken Similar Cases in the Past?
It’s essential to ask this question. Just because someone is a skilled attorney does not mean they are particularly skilled in auto accident cases.
They might be new to the area of practice, may only do it part of the time, or might be generally inexperienced.
Many jurisdictions will allow injury lawyers to provide information about prior cases and results, so you should inquire when possible.
Of course, past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Still, at least you will have a better feeling for what has been possible for this particular attorney or firm.
How Long Have You Practiced Personal Injury in My State?
Laws covering auto accident and personal injury cases are very complicated because they also include other types of injuries.
The laws that cover auto accidents also include medical negligence, slip and fall, product liability, and medical malpractice.
These laws will also vary from state to state, meaning lawyers can only handle accident cases that occur within the states where they operate.
You need to hire an injury lawyer who operates in the state the accident occurred.
You also want a lawyer with a long history of practicing in your state.
That will allow them to navigate your state’s complex personal injury laws to ensure you get favorable results.
How Long Do I Have to File My Lawsuit?
Another critical question to ask is how long you have to file your case.
The best personal injury attorneys in Atlanta will be able to answer this question without hesitation.
There is a statute of limitations in every state that you have to meet if you want to file a lawsuit.
It is essential to know what this deadline is to make sure you file your lawsuit before the deadline passes.
In Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Will You Be Working on my Case?
Many people are surprised when they find out that their case is primarily handled by a junior partner or even a paralegal after thoroughly vetting and hiring an attorney.
While junior attorneys and paralegals may be well-qualified to handle your case, it’s important to know who you will be working with.
The personal injury lawyers you speak with should be honest when you ask them who will be covering your case.
How Long Will it Take to Resolve My Case?
As medical bills and time out of work pile up, it is vital to get an idea of how long it will take before you’re compensated for your injuries.
It’s also important to know how long your life may be disrupted by attending legal proceedings, investigative doctor visits, etc while working on your case.
Several factors will affect the duration of a trial, so no attorney will give you an exact time frame.
Still, they should give you a general estimate based on how long cases similar to yours have taken in the past.
Do You Specialize in Auto Accidents?
Not all attorneys can handle auto accident cases.
Some specialize in other branches of law, like family law and immigration law.
So before you hire an attorney, you need to know if they are experienced in handling auto accident cases.
What Are The Potential Damages in My Case?
A good attorney will help you recover not only for medical bills and lost wages, but also for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or any other types of damages you suffered.
Your personal injury lawyer should be able to explain to you the extent of your recovery options fully.
How Can I Improve The Odds of Success For My Case?
Your lawyer should know how to improve the odds of success in your case.
This is one of those questions you can’t be afraid to ask.
Far too many people believe once they hire an attorney, all they have to do is wait for the check to appear.
On the contrary, you must be proactive in your case.
Your injury lawyer may ask you to see additional physicians, speak with investigators, and generally remain totally involved in your case until its conclusion.
Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer Who Has Your Best Interest at Heart
No amount of money can compensate for damages and lost time you’ve suffered due to a car accident.
Compensation is meant to make things a little bearable as you try to make a complete recovery and get on with your normal life.
That’s why you need an attorney that has your interest at heart.
Your attorney should empathize and feel your pain and suffering.
The Angell Law Firm does just that. They have years of experience helping people recover from car accidents just like yours.
And above all, they value you as a person, not just a number.
Contact the Angell Law Firm and schedule a free consultation so you can ask all of these questions.
Bryce is considered a highly esteemed trial lawyer and a passionate client advocate amongst his peers in the Atlanta legal community. Never afraid to go the extra mile for his clients, Bryce Angell works tirelessly to ensure that each client’s personal injury case gets the attention that it deserves.