Nobody wants to be involved in a crash on the road but if you’ve been in a car accident, understanding your legal options is essential. This means consulting with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The initial consultation with a car accident lawyer is important because it allows you to assess whether or not the attorney in question is the right fit for you and your case, and it allows you to gain a bit of insight into the process that lies ahead of you as well.
The good thing for you is that many law firms provide these consultations at low cost, or even for free, making them an accessible opportunity so that you can explore your various options. During your initial consultation, you’ll discuss many factors, such as the details of your accident, the legal strategies available, and what you should expect moving forward. Keeping this in mind, considering that contingency fees can be 33-40% of the total amount of your settlement, finding the right lawyer who can maximize your compensation is essential. Therefore, learn what to expect from your initial consultation so that you can ask the right questions.
Preparing for Your Initial Consultation
You want to make the most out of every minute of your initial consultation which means you need to come prepared. One of the first things that you’ll want to do is to gather all necessary documentation and information and bring it with you. This will include any police reports, medical records, insurance information, videos and photos of the accident scene, injuries, vehicle damage, and witness contact information. The more documentation you can find and bring along with you, the smoother this process will go.
You also should write down important questions that you want to ask. Think about inquiring about their fee structure, general case strategy, years of experience, and how they plan on handling your type of case. Be ready to share any and all accident details as well. Remember that your lawyer is there to help, so you should answer all questions in as much detail as you can.
Don’t be put off by the fact that your lawyer is going to want to know even the most granular pieces of information. You should be ready to provide them. You will also want to be honest and clear about all of the circumstances involved, as the lawyer must assess the strength of your case.
What Will Happen During a Consultation?
Several things will happen during your initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer, including:
- Introduction and Case Evaluation: After pleasantries are out of the way, your lawyer is going to ask you for your overview of any injuries, insurance claims, and about the accident itself
- Continued Case Evaluation: Next, the lawyer will analyze all of the information you provided in order to determine liability and therefore potential damages. They’ll likely consider various factors such as evidence, negligence, and potential compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses
- Setting Expectations: After assessing your case, your lawyer should outline the entire legal process for you including everything that happens from the very beginning to the very end of the process, such as the expected timeline, potential challenges, and anything else that you need to anticipate
- Developing an Understanding of Your Lawyer’s Role: During the initial consultation, you’ll also learn about what the lawyer’s role in your case is, such as helping negotiate with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and even representing you in court.
- Discussion of the Fees and Costs: Finally, your lawyer should also talk about fees and costs with you. Keep in mind that many car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they only get money if they win your case.
Every consultation can have minor differences, but the above process should be relatively the same from lawyer to lawyer and can serve as a roadmap for you to develop your questions.
Key Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
During this initial consultation with your lawyer, there are also certain questions that you want to ask, particularly to help you determine whether or not the lawyer is the right fit for you and your case. Below are the most pertinent:
- What experience do you have with similar cases to my own?
- What is your track record with cases like these?
- How do you plan on approaching the case and what is the estimated timeline for the resolution?
- What are your fees and the payment structure? Do you work on a contingency fee basis, and are there are any extra costs involved?
- What is the general likelihood of success in my case?
- How often will you provide me with updates on my case and how will you reach out?
Red Flags to Watch Out For When Choosing a Lawyer
When asking these questions during your initial consultation, there are some red flags that you want to look out for.
A big red flag is an unclear communication. If the lawyer is very vague and doesn’t listen to your concerns, it indicates that they are likely not the best at communicating. Additionally, if your lawyer is not transparent about their fees and does not explain the fee structure in a very clear and understandable manner, you should be concerned.
Sometimes, a lawyer may push really hard for a quick settlement to close the case fast, but this is a red flag. This may not be in your best interest as going to trial may actually earn you more just compensation With that said, you also want to be cautious of lawyers who guarantee unrealistic outcomes or guarantee that they will win a case. It’s never 100% possible as these things can be unpredictable in court and there are never guarantees with law, so steer clear of lawyers who promise you with certainty.
Make an informed decision for your case
When selecting a car accident lawyer for your case, the initial consultation is one of the most important steps. Be prepared, ask questions, and recognize red flags. By doing these things, you can make sure that you find a lawyer that perfectly aligns with your needs and goals. Above all else, though, don’t be afraid to explore different options and ask to get a draft of the fees a lawyer may charge so that you can compare different firms or individuals to one another.
