The Gazette newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.

Being involved in a car accident can turn your life upside down. From medical bills to lost income, the stress can add up.

This is a time to have protection, a good lawyer that can guide you.

It’s important, though, to remember that not all lawyers are ideal when it comes to car accidents. You’d need one with experience in this field.

Some lawyers are good at communicating; others again have years of experience in dealing with car accidents.

To find out if a lawyer is a good fit for your situation, ask questions before appointing someone to represent you.

1. Experience & Expertise

How long have you been handling accident or personal injury cases?

When a lawyer has worked with accident and injury cases over the years, they will understand the system and know how to deal with insurance companies.

They will be knowledgeable about the procedures at court and how to handle a settlement discussion.

Have you handled cases similar to mine before? What were the outcomes?

We all know that accidents are all different.

Whatever situation you find yourself in, it requires a lawyer that has dealt with similar cases and would be capable of assisting in the best possible way.

It would also be wise to ask about the results of similar cases they handled in the past. Did they have to go to court, or were they able to settle? What were the results of the case?

2. Case Handling & Strategy

Will you personally handle my case, or will it be passed to another attorney or paralegal?

Sometimes we meet a lawyer at a company, and we assume it will be the one assisting us.

But that might not be the case. It is best to ask if that particular lawyer will assist you or if it will be someone else.

It can affect the way your case is handled.

What’s your general strategy for a case like mine?

Not all lawyers work the same; some are aggressive in fighting for what they believe is right, while others might prefer to settle a dispute calmly and quickly.

Thankfully you can choose the person that would help you the way you prefer.

It is a good idea to ask the lawyer to give an example of how he handled a similar case in the past.

3. Communication & Transparency

How often will I receive updates about my case?

How does this particular lawyer operate? Would he update you every week, once or twice a month, or only when there are new developments?

If a lawyer does not update you regularly, it can be very stressful and frustrating.

Can I reach out directly to you with questions?

Find out how your lawyer will interact with you; will it be through calls, messages, or emails?

Some lawyers prefer it if you always communicate with them through their assistant.

4. Fees & Payment

Do you work on a contingency fee basis? What percentage do you take?

Many accident lawyers help clients by only expecting payment once the case is won.

This type of arrangement is called contingency.

However, it is very important to establish upfront what percentage of the payout you would pay out to the lawyer.

It is also wise to ask about any other costs that you might be responsible for.

Will I be responsible for any costs if we lose the case?

Sometimes lawyers may charge you for court fees, expert witnesses, or other costs they have to cover, even if they don’t win the case.

Make very sure if you will have to pay the lawyer out of your pocket for anything, whether it’s a win or a loss in court.

5. Reviews, Reputation, and Fit

What examples do you have of client references?

A client’s reference is the best way to assess if a lawyer is good at what he does.

Clients that are impressed with their lawyers will be more than willing to put it in writing.

You might ask to talk to a past client about a similar case to ease your mind.

Look for comments about how well they communicated and what kind of results they got.

What sets you apart from other accident lawyers?

This question will give them the opportunity to talk about their own unique qualities and how confident they are at doing their job.

This gives them the opportunity to tell you how long they have been working for their firm, and they might mention that they are empathetic and helpful.

Conclusion

Asking questions can be helpful in finding someone you can trust and that keeps you posted on developments.

You will not be sorry you asked all these questions when the lawyer you chose manages to get the best possible outcome for you.

A wise person once said, “One who never asks either knows everything or nothing”.

It’s always best to ask…