After a motor vehicle collision, it can be challenging to know where to turn. If you’ve been hurt in a crash and you’re considering hiring an auto accident attorney in the Lehigh Valley, it’s important to find out about their experience and track record of success. A car accident lawyer at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad offers some tips about questions to ask and how to determine whether an attorney is a good fit for you.
Experience and Qualifications
When it comes to winning a car accident lawsuit, it’s critical for an attorney to have relevant experience. Some questions you may want to ask about an auto accident lawyer’s experience include:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- Are you licensed to practice law in this state?
- How many years have you been handling auto accident claims?
- Do you specialize in car accident cases, or do you handle a wide range of legal matters?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine?
- What were the outcomes of cases similar to mine?
- How often do you settle cases out of court?
- Can you provide references from past clients?
- Have you received any awards in the field of personal injury law?
Case Assessment
It’s also important to have a car accident lawyer evaluate the viability of your case and advise you of possible pitfalls and outcomes.
- What are the potential strengths and weaknesses of my case?
- What kind of compensation can I get?
- How much is my case worth?
- What legal strategies will you employ in my case?
- Can you explain the car accident lawsuit process, including timelines and potential outcomes?
- How long will it take to resolve my case?
- What information or documentation do you need from me?
Trial Experience
Although the majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court, you may have to file a car accident lawsuit and take your case to trial if a reasonable settlement can’t be negotiated. Some questions to ask about an auto accident attorney’s trial experience include:
- Are you willing to take my case to trial if necessary?
- How much experience do you have as a trial attorney?
- What is your history of success in winning verdicts at trial?
Availability and Communication
Effective communication is the backbone of an attorney-client relationship. Asking about a car accident attorney’s availability and the best way to contact them can help set realistic expectations on both sides. Some vital questions to ask include:
- Will you be handling my case, or will it be assigned to another car accident lawyer on your team?
- How often can I expect updates on my case?
- What’s the best way to get in touch with you?
- Who will be my main point of contact at your law firm?
- How quickly do you typically respond to questions, concerns, or update requests?
- How will you keep me informed about the progress of my case?
Payment and Fee Structure
Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, which means you won’t pay attorneys’ fees unless they recover compensation for you. However, there are other costs associated with legal representation, such as filing fees, medical records requests, and expert witnesses, so it’s important to know what costs you may incur to avoid surprises down the road. Some important questions to ask about fees and payment include:
- What are your fees, and how are they structured?
- Do I need to pay a retainer or any up-front costs?
- What additional costs or expenses should I expect throughout the legal process?
- Will I be billed for the time of expert witnesses?
- What costs will I be responsible for if my case is unsuccessful?
Asking Questions Can Help You Find the Best Auto Accident Attorney for You
If you’re unsure about when to hire an attorney after a car accident, sooner is always better than later. Memories fade and valuable evidence can be lost, so it’s important to take action as soon as you can. However, you don’t want to just hire the first personal injury attorney who pops up in an internet search. Asking these questions can help you assess whether your communication styles are compatible and enable you to find an experienced auto accident lawyer who works to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact a Lehigh Valley Auto Accident Lawyer
Our car accident attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad provide exceptional legal services to personal injury victims throughout eastern Pennsylvania. We care about you and your family and are committed to making things right for you. To schedule a consultation with one of the best car accident attorneys in the Lehigh Valley, contact us online or call us at 610-867-2900. We offer several locations for your convenience.