If you suffered injuries and other losses in a car accident, it’s essential to find the right lawyer to help you recover the compensation you deserve. However, hiring a car accident lawyer for the first time can be overwhelming. As you prepare your list of potential car accident attorneys to meet with, you may wonder what to expect during your initial car accident consultation. Read on to learn more about what happens during this initial car accident consultation and how to determine whether a lawyer is right for you.
What Happens During a Car Accident Consultation
Deciding to hire a lawyer for the first time is daunting, and you may need help figuring out where to start. As you prepare to attend your initial car accident consultation, it’s essential to be organized and bring a list of questions to ask the attorney. Find how much time the attorney allotted for your meeting to ensure you get answers to all your questions. Generally, the following topics outlined below are covered in this first consultation.
Case Discussion
Knowing what your car accident attorney will ask you during your initial consultation is important. Most attorneys will want to learn more about the facts of your case, including details of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and how the accident has impacted your life. Details of the accident include how the crash occurred, the treatment of your injuries, the evidence gathered since the accident, and your prognosis for recovery. Bring photographs, medical records, police reports, and other documentation to the attorney.
Legal Advice
Upon initial review of the evidence, the attorney may provide you with legal advice and options for pursuing compensation against the liable driver. Additionally, they may offer tips in dealing with insurance companies, avoiding mistakes and other errors that could hurt your claim to remember as you move through the legal process.
Legal Process
In this state of the consultation, the attorney explains the process of personal injury lawsuits. They may explain the potential parties that may be liable for your accident. Most attorneys are hesitant to place a value on your case at this early stage. However, they will explain what damages are available in your case.
Experience
You may get an idea of an attorney’s experience in personal injury cases, mainly whether they have handled many car accident cases. Ask about their success in obtaining favorable judgments and settlements on behalf of their clients. You may also inquire about the attorney’s caseload and how much time they can devote to your matter.
Fees
Most personal injury cases operate on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee means you pay nothing unless your attorney obtains a judgment or settlement on your behalf. The attorney receives an agreed-upon percentage of the total settlement or judgment at that time. It’s important to discuss with your attorney whether they require you to pay for any expenses, such as court filings, expert fees, and other similar costs outside of an attorney’s hourly rate, out of pocket, or whether these expenses are also included in the contingency fee agreement.
What Else Happens During a Car Accident Consultation?
While the primary focus of your initial consultation may be learning how an attorney can help you in your case, you also gain insight into the attorney and their personality. For example, you may find their behavior or communication style does not align with yours. They may be too aggressive or dismiss your concerns. It’s vital to feel heard during your case and find an attorney who focuses on your needs and builds a case based on your priorities.
You may also discover that an attorney needs more experience litigating a case at trial. Even though most personal injury cases settle, you may feel more comfortable retaining an attorney with trial experience. Take notes at each consultation so you can review the details of each attorney meeting to make it easier to decide.
Contact Us
Smith & Holder, PLLC, is a trial and appellate law firm recognized for taking on and winning cases. Our highly skilled attorney focuses on providing our clients excellent services while maintaining close communications and utilizing effective strategies. We understand the anger and helplessness you may feel after suffering injuries in an accident due to someone else’s negligence. We take a creative and strategic approach to secure maximum compensation for our clients when they need it most.
When you retain Smith & Holder, PLLC, you work closely with your attorney throughout your case. You can feel confident knowing we are doing everything possible to maximize your financial recovery. We assist our clients in every aspect of their case from start to finish. We know what it takes to win and work diligently to secure the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today by phone or email to learn how Smith & Holder, PLLC can help you.
