4 Useful Questions to Ask In Your First Meeting with a Car Accident Attorney

Meeting with an attorney to discuss your case can give you much-needed clarity, guidance, and direction in the aftermath of a serious wreck. However, as this is probably the first time you’ve required the services of a personal injury lawyer, you might be uncertain about what to ask during your first consultation to make the most of this opportunity. 

In this article, we share a few questions to keep in mind to help you in your search for representation:  

What Kinds of Cases Do You Usually Oversee? 

Personal injury is an expansive area of the law with everything from dog bites to slip and falls falling under the umbrella of this all-encompassing term. Ultimately, no single attorney can develop an in-depth understanding of all the possible cases existing in this diverse category, so most choose to focus on specific types of claims to ensure they have the knowledge and expertise necessary to prevail in these areas. 

As such, you should make sure that a particular attorney has at least some experience handling claims similar to your own. If a lawyer hasn’t had success with car accident cases in the past, it may be in your best interests to seek representation elsewhere. 

Will I Have a Direct Line to My Legal Team? 

Throughout proceedings, knowing that the answers and support you need are just a phone call, email, or text away can provide comfort, minimize stress, and give you clarity during this challenging chapter of your life. As such, you should ask the attorney whether you’ll have a direct line to your legal team as their willingness to share these details will not only ensure that your questions don’t go unanswered but is also a good indication that a particular lawyer or law firm will strive to answer calls promptly. 

Are You Willing to Go to Court? 

Fortunately, relatively few personal injury claims see the inside of a courtroom. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from having a skilled litigator in your corner.  

An attorney who is willing to go to court for his clients is usually someone who will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to help you secure a favorable outcome. Additionally, hiring someone with litigation experience will also ensure that you have the means to prepare a lawsuit if settlement negotiations are unsuccessful. 

How Long Will My Claim Take? 

While there are no set timelines for personal injury claims, a skilled attorney should be able to grant insight into how your case might unfold. This will ensure that you are adequately prepared for any delays, disputes, and other challenges you may face throughout proceedings. Asking this question can also give you a window into the strengths and weaknesses of your case and some of the steps your attorney will take to help you build a strong claim. 

Discuss Your Situation with a California Car Accident Attorney Today 

Have questions about your case? Our attorneys are ready to provide the answers you need to make informed decisions about your future. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we can meet with you as part of a free consultation wherein our California car accident attorneys can assess the merits of your claim. Call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or shoot us a message using our contact form HERE to request a case assessment.