what to expect when hiring a traffic accident attorney

by Cyril Pfannerstill 9 min read

When you hire a car accident lawyer, ensure they are dedicated to your case. Look for an attorney who would fight for you and be there every step of the way. They should be responsive to your questions and concerns, and they should keep you updated on the progress of your case.

An attorney representing you can collect evidence such as:
  • Photos of the accident scene.
  • Photos of the damaged vehicle.
  • Police crash reports.
  • Eyewitness statements.
  • Information from a vehicle's event data recorder.
  • Medical and work records.
  • Electronic evidence including cell phone records.

Full Answer

How do I hire a car accident lawyer?

When you hire a car accident lawyer, ensure they are dedicated to your case. Look for an attorney who would fight for you and be there every step of the way. They should be responsive to your questions and concerns, and they should keep you updated on the progress of your case.

What information should I provide my car accident attorney after an accident?

Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. (Learn more about how much a car accident lawyer costs .) If you decide to hire an attorney, you will need to sign a fee agreement, representation agreement, or some other document formally establishing the attorney as your legal representative.

What should I ask a collision lawyer before hiring?

Dec 27, 2019 · Here are the top 3 qualities you should look for when hiring a car accident lawyer. 1. Performance. It is important to find a lawyer who has a high success rate in handling car accident claims. A lot of lawyers are practicing in multiple areas of law like Civil Rights Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law and many others. Finding an attorney who is more familiar …

How does a car accident lawyer consultation work?

Dec 10, 2019 · Asking for an estimate on the costs of your case are something the car accident lawyer should willingly divulge. Ask whether they charge a contingency fee or hourly rate, what happens in the event a settlement isn’t reached, if there’s a retainer fee, and if there are other expenses you can expect to encounter. Hire the Right Car Accident Lawyer

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How do car accident lawyers work?

Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. (Learn more about how much a car accident lawyer costs .) If you decide to hire an attorney, you will need to sign a fee agreement, representation agreement, or some other document formally establishing the attorney as your legal representative.

What to do after a car accident?

Make the most out of your first meeting with a car accident attorney, and make sure this person is the best fit for you and your case. After a car accident, once you've made the decision to hire an attorney, you're probably wondering what the first visit will entail. There are two main reasons for this meeting.

Why do attorneys turn down cases?

Attorneys turn down cases for a variety of reasons, including: the attorney's workload. potential conflicts of interest. the scope of the lawsuit goes beyond the attorney's skills and experience, and. the attorney's firm may not have the financial resources to try your case, even though it has potential.

Do attorneys handle every aspect of a case?

Some attorneys may give the impression that they'll handle every aspect of your case, but many have inexperienced associates handle most of the work surrounding the case, with your attorney stepping in only when there's a trial or during settlement negotiations.

What is the first step in a car accident case?

The first step will involve you explaining the facts of the accident, and the damages you've sustained.

What documents do you need to file an accident claim?

You'll also need to provide any documents you have relating to the accident, such as medical bills, car repair estimates/invoices, photographs, police reports, e-mails and letters from insurance companies (and copies of any insurance claims you've filed related to the accident).

What happens if you don't hire an attorney?

Even if you haven't hired the attorney, your first meeting is protected by attorney client privilege. Not to mention that if you withhold information that hurts your case, it will come back to haunt you.

What to do if you have an accident?

In the unfortunate event that you have an accident, you can immediately inform their office that you need legal assistance . He or she may send a staff member to speak with police officers or insurance agents at the scene of the wreck.

How long does it take to get compensation for a car accident?

Don’t expect a quick settlement. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your car accident, it could take months or even years before you receive any compensation. While your attorney should maintain communication with you throughout this process, understand that taking someone to court over a wreck is a lengthy process.

Do personal injury attorneys charge a fee?

Many personal injury attorneys do not charge a fee unless the case is won. While some lawyers may require you to make a payment before the case is opened, it should be easy to find someone who will take on your case without requiring an out-of-pocket expense.

Is an auto accident a fender bender?

An auto accident is a terrifying experience, even if it is only a minor fender-bender. The only thing on your mind is your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the condition of your vehicle. Unfortunately, insurance issues, impaired drivers, and corporate vehicles can cause a small wreck to become a major hassle and require months ...

Questions to Ask Car Accident Lawyers

Before your first initial consultation, you'll want to make some notes about things you'd like to discuss with the car accident lawyer and questions you want to ask.

Background & Experience

Begin the meeting by asking about the lawyer's education and professional experience. Suggested questions include:

Assessment of Your Case

Take some time to describe your automobile accident and associated injuries, then ask the lawyer for his or her opinion of your case. Relevant questions to ask include:

Legal Philosophy & Style

Discuss the automobile accident lawyer's approach and style when it comes to practicing law. Among the questions to consider asking:

Case Management

Questions to ask about how your car crash injury lawsuit will be managed include:

Finishing Your Meeting

Before the meeting ends, ask the car accident lawyer if there is anything important you didn't discuss. Is there anything you should know before deciding which attorney to hire? You can also ask the attorney for references from past clients.

Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

Once you've met with all of the lawyers you're considering, then it's time to pick the one you want to hire. Reflect on your meetings, and think about whether there's one attorney who is the best person to handle your case. If there is, you'll have an easy time making up your mind.

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