what to ask an attorney before hiring for a car crash

When you’re hiring your car accident attorney, you need to make sure they handle your case. Ask them about their experience with personal injury cases and make sure it aligns with your nature of yours. This is probably the most critical question you can ask a car accident lawyer.

Full Answer

What should I ask for in a car accident?

What Do I Need to Ask For?First and last name;Address;Driver's license number;Phone number;Vehicle information – Make and Model, Year, License Plate; and.Insurance information, including.

What are 5 pieces of information you need to provide if you are in a crash?

Here are the top 5 pieces of info to gather, prepare, and organize after a car accident.Police Report. After a car accident, you should call 911 immediately. ... Medical Records. ... Records Related to Your Job. ... Vehicle Damage Estimates and Proof of Vehicle Value. ... Car Accident Diary or Journal.

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 the qualities of the best car accident lawyer?

The following are key qualities possessed by the best personal injury lawyers.Availability. It is prudent to search for a lawyer who is readily available whenever you require his or her services. ... Professionalism. ... Approachability. ... Sincerity. ... Record of Success.

What is the first step you should take after a collision?

If you are involved in a collision, stop your car at or near the collision scene. If you can, move your car off the road so you do not block traffic. Protect yourself and others from oncoming traffic. Failure to stop at the scene of a collision in which you are involved can result in your arrest warrant.

What is the first thing you must do if you have a collision?

Explanation: If you're in a collision that causes damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property, by law you must stop. Give your name, the vehicle owner's name and address, and the vehicle's registration number to anyone who has reasonable grounds for requesting them.

What should you not say to your insurance company after an accident?

Even if you know the accident was your fault, don't say sorry or admit guilt at the scene as your insurer might have a clause about it. Exchange details with the other's involved and get in touch with your insurer to report the incident.

Should you say sorry after a car accident?

Even if you regret the fact that an accident has happened, you should never say the word, “sorry,” after a car crash because it could be taken the wrong way. More specifically, apologizing after a car accident could be mistaken for an admission of guilt, especially amongst insurance companies.

Why should you not admit fault in a car accident?

Should you admit fault in a car accident, you may lose your right to collect compensation from the other driver for the losses you suffered in the accident. Even if you believe that you may be at fault, avoid admitting this to the other driver, the police officer on the scene, or the insurance companies.

What are the personality requirements of a personal injury lawyer?

7 Personality Traits of Best Personal Injury Attorneys (What to Look for In an Attorney)Excellent Communication Skills. ... Excellent Judgement and Analytical Skills. ... Research Ability. ... Negotiation Skills. ... Assertiveness. ... Perseverance. ... Compassion.

Do car accident lawyers charge contingency fees?

This means you won't pay anything up front for their legal services, and if you aren't awarded any damages, you won't owe your lawyer any fees.

Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney?

Being in a car accident can be a terrible thing. Your health, finances, and peace of mind are all on the line after such a disruptive event.

7. Do I Have to Pay Car Accident Lawyer Fees if I Don’t Get a Settlement?

With that being said, you shouldn’t have to pay your lawyer a fee if you don’t receive a settlement.

4. What Is Your Car Accident Case Experience?

While you should ask how many similar cases each lawyer has handled, you should also inquire about their overall car accident case experience. Asking specific questions will help give you a better understanding of how qualified an attorney is.

3. Have You Handled Similar Cases to Mine?

You should ask your car accident lawyer how many cases they typically handle. You’ll want to know if they have experience dealing with accidents and injuries that are similar to yours.

6. Will This Affect My Car Insurance?

Having multiple car accidents on your driving record may increase your car insurance premiums. Because of this, you need to contact a car accident attorney immediately after you’ve been in an accident.

2. How Do I Pay You?

One thing you don’t want to do is pay your attorney by the hour. Your case could potentially take months to complete. You’d end up paying more in attorney fees than what you actually get back as compensation.

1. Were There Injuries?

Even if the injuries seem minor, you still may want to contact a car accident law firm. Car accident injuries are often delayed and may not show up until a few days after the accident, especially things like whiplash, abdominal pain, headaches, back pain, and neurological issues.

2. Will the Insurance Company Cooperate?

Insurance companies are businesses that are looking out for their bottom line. They want you to settle for the lowest amount possible, and it is likely that they’ll quickly make you a settlement offer after your accident.

3. Is It Clear Who Is at Fault?

Sometimes it is very clear who is at fault. If you had a clear green light and someone runs a red light, if you were stopped at a red light and a driver rear-ends you because they were texting and not watching the road, it is often easy to determine who is at fault.

4. Is the Responsible Driver Insured?

If the person responsible for your accident is uninsured, you absolutely need an attorney. When a driver gets into an accident and causes injuries, property damage, or other losses, it is almost always their insurance company that is going to pay the injured parties.

5. Am I Permanently Disabled?

Car accident injuries can result in permanent disability or long-term injuries that prevent you from enjoying the things you once did and even prevent you from going about your day-to-day activities.

6. Can I Work?

If you are going to be out of work for a period of time, no matter how long, due to injuries sustained in your accident, you should consult with a car accident lawyer.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today

If any of these questions apply to you and your situation, you need a car accident attorney. They will be able to advise you on how to proceed, whether you have a strong case, and handle the legal process for you. Let them take this stressor off of your plate so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.