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11 Questions to Ask in a Car Accident Lawyer Consultation [2023]
If you have been injured in a car wreck due to someone else’s negligence, your next call needs to be to an experienced personal injury lawyer. But how do you know who to call and what to ask?
Deciding which attorney to contact is a very personal decision, but Google reviews and recommendations from friends, family, and co-workers are a great place to start. Once you have narrowed down your list of potential lawyers, it’s time to start asking questions.
In this article, we offer 11 important questions to ask in car accident lawyer consultation to help you understand the process for obtaining compensation and choosing the best lawyer for your case.
1. What is your experience handling car accident cases?
One of the most important factors to consider when hiring a lawyer after a car accident is their experience in handling similar cases. You want a lawyer who has a proven track record of success in negotiating and litigating car accident claims. Ask a Fort Worth car accident lawyer about their experience and results in handling cases like yours, and whether they have any special expertise in dealing with specific types of car accidents, such as rear-end collisions or drunk driving accidents.
2. How will you communicate with me about my case?
Effective communication is crucial in any legal case, and you want a lawyer who will keep you informed and updated about your case every step of the way. Ask a car accident lawyer how they will communicate with you, how often you can expect to hear from them, and whether you will have a direct line of communication with your lawyer or a paralegal. Make sure you feel comfortable with the level and frequency of communication that your lawyer provides.
3. How much do you cost?
Most people think that hiring a lawyer is very costly – and this is certainly true in criminal, family law, and business litigation. However, many personal injury lawyers – including the ones at Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group –Â work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. You only pay if and win the attorney wins or settles your case.
If the attorney works on contingency, be sure and ask what percentage of the recovery they will take as a fee. Also, ask a Fort Worth accident lawyer about any other costs associated with your case, such as expert witness fees and how those will be paid. At Varghese Summersett, we have the resources to handle even the toughest, most complex case and we front all the costs associated with the investigation and litigation.
4. What is my case worth and what damages can I recover?
If you were injured in a car accident due to negligence by another driver or entity, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Ask a Fort Worth car accident lawyer about possible damages you can recover, based on your specific circumstances. Your lawyer should be able to explain what kind of compensation you may be entitled to and factors that could increase or decrease the value of your claim. It is unlikely that the attorney will give you a specific monetary amount at such an early juncture without investigating, gathering documents, extensive calculations, and negotiating with the insurance company. In fact, a personal injury attorney who makes monetary promises on Day 1 could be a red flag.
5. How will you investigate my case and gather evidence?
In order to build a strong case, your lawyer will need to thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence. Ask a Fort Worth car accident lawyer about their approach to investigating car accident cases, including how they will obtain police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other relevant evidence. Also, ask about any experts they may hire, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical experts.
6. Will my case go to trial or be settled out of court?
While most car accident cases are settled out of court, some may go to trial if the parties cannot reach a settlement agreement. Ask the lawyer questions about their approach to resolving car accident cases and whether they prefer to negotiate or litigate. Also, ask about their success rate in settling cases out of court and their experience in trial litigation.
7. Who will be handling my case?
It’s important to know who will be handling your case and who you will be communicating with throughout the legal process. Ask the car accident lawyer questions about their team and whether they have paralegals, caseworkers or other staff members who will be working on your case. Also, ask about their availability and how quickly they will respond to your calls and emails.
8. How long will my case take to resolve?
Car accident cases can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to resolve, depending on various factors, such as the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule. Ask a Fort Worth car accident lawyer questions about their estimate of how long your case will take to resolve and what factors could affect that timeline. Also, ask about any potential delays or roadblocks that could arise during the legal process.
9. What are my responsibilities during the legal process?
As the plaintiff in a car accident case, you have certain responsibilities and obligations during the legal process. Ask A Fort Worth car accident lawyer questions about your role in the case and what you will be expected to do, such as attending medical appointments, providing documents and information, and attending depositions or trial. Make sure you understand your responsibilities and are prepared to fulfill them.
10. What is your strategy for maximizing my recovery?
Your lawyer’s primary goal is to help you get the maximum recovery possible for your car accident injuries and damages. Ask a Fort Worth car accident lawyer questions about their strategy for achieving that goal, such as negotiating with the insurance company, filing a lawsuit, or pursuing alternative dispute resolution methods. Also, ask about their experience in handling complex cases and their ability to think creatively and strategically.
11. Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
One way to assess a lawyer’s qualifications and reputation is to ask for references or testimonials from previous clients. Ask a Fort Worth accident lawyer if they can provide references, reviews, or testimonials. If possible try and speak to former clients to get their feedback on their experience working with the lawyer. This can help you make an informed decision about whether the lawyer is a good fit for your case.
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Speak to a Fort Worth Car Accident Injury Lawyer at Varghese Summersett Today.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve. By asking the right questions during your initial consultation, you can ensure that you find a lawyer who is experienced, effective, and easy to work with.
At Varghese Summersett, our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of success in personal injury cases and are co
mmitted to helping our clients get justice. Our attorneys have built their reputation based on results and are not afraid to go to trial by jury when necessary.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your legal options and work with you to develop a strategy for recovering the maximum compensation.
Remember, the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you every step of the way. Contact Varghese Summersett today for a free consultation by calling us at (817) 207-4878 (HURT) or online.
More FAQs About Your Car Accident Lawyer Consultation
What types of damages may be recovered in a Fort Worth car accident injury claim or lawsuit?
In a car accident injury claim in Fort Worth, Texas, there are generally three types of damages that can be sought: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
- Economic Damages: These are damages that can be easily quantified in terms of money and are meant to compensate the injured party for the financial losses incurred as a result of the accident. Examples of economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future medical expenses.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are damages that are more difficult to quantify in terms of money and are meant to compensate the injured party for the physical and emotional pain and suffering resulting from the accident. Examples of non-economic damages include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and physical impairment.
- Punitive Damages: These damages are intended to punish the party responsible for the accident for their reckless or intentional conduct. They are only awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious and are meant to serve as a deterrent to others who might engage in similar conduct.
How long do I have to file a Fort Worth car accident claim?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury car accident claim is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you do not file a claim within two years of the accident, you may lose your right to do so. It’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and that you do not miss any important deadlines.
What happens if you don’t win my case?
At Varghese Summersett, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we will only get paid if you win your case. If we are unable to secure a settlement or win your case, we will not receive any payment for our services. It’s that simple.
What should I do if an insurance adjuster contacts me?
If an insurance adjuster contacts you about your car accident case and you have already hired an attorney, you should inform them of this fact and provide them with your attorney’s contact information. You should also let your attorney know that the insurance adjuster has contacted you.
From that point on, you should direct all communication related to your case through your attorney. Your attorney will be able to handle any negotiations with the insurance company and work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Whatever you do, do not answer their questions or admit fault.
It’s important to remember that insurance adjusters are trained to try to settle claims for as little money as possible, and they may use tactics to try to get you to settle quickly and for less than what you may be entitled to. By working with an attorney, you can protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
How long does it take to get paid after my case is resolved?
The length of time it takes to receive payment after a settlement or verdict has been reached in a personal injury case in Fort Worth can vary depending on a number of factors. In some cases, you may receive payment within a few weeks of the settlement being reached, while in other cases it may take several months.
One factor that can affect the timing of payment is the method of payment. If the settlement is paid in a lump sum, you may receive the payment more quickly than if the settlement is paid out over time in structured payments.
Another factor that can affect the timing of payment is the complexity of the case. If there are multiple parties involved or if there are disputes over the terms of the settlement, it may take longer to process the payment.
Additionally, there may be administrative processes and legal paperwork that need to be completed before payment can be issued. Your attorney can help guide you through the process and provide an estimate of how long it may take to receive payment based on the specific circumstances of your case.
Will my attorney handle all the paperwork?
Yes, an attorney will typically handle all of the necessary paperwork in a personal injury case. This includes filing court documents, submitting insurance claims, and preparing settlement agreements.
Personal injury cases can involve a significant amount of paperwork, and it can be difficult to navigate the legal system without a good understanding of the various forms and documents required. An experienced personal injury attorney can take care of all of these details for you, ensuring that your case is handled properly and efficiently.
In addition to handling the paperwork, your attorney will also gather evidence, interview witnesses, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They will work to build a strong case on your behalf and ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and damages.
Overall, working with an attorney can help to relieve some of the stress and uncertainty that can come with pursuing a personal injury claim, as they will handle all of the legal aspects of your case and provide guidance and support throughout the process.
What is comparative negligence?
Comparative damage means you can sue for damages even if you are partially at fault for an accident. However, if you are found to be more than 50 percent to blame for an accident, you cannot recover any compensation.
For example, if you’re in an accident and you’re found to be 20 percent at fault, you’ll be responsible for 20 percent of the damages. The other party will be responsible for 80 percent of the damages.
