Hiring a car accident lawyer is critical to the success of any personal injury claim arising from a car accident. This is because auto collisions often leave people injured, scared, and with little or no idea what to do next. As a result, there’s usually a lot of uncertainty, and most victims don’t know how to go about seeking compensation.
This is usually the point where they seek legal counsel. However, it’s not just about hiring a lawyer but hiring the one that’s best for your case. An experienced lawyer is what stands between you and insurance bullies who want to exploit your weakened physical and emotional state and offer you peanuts as a settlement.
Since we know the importance of having the right legal representation, our Nashville car accident lawyers put together some questions to ask a car accident lawyer during your initial consultation. Our attorneys at Nashville Injury Lawyers have the right experience and knowledge to help you win your claim. Contact us today.
5 Important Questions to Ask Your Nashville Car Accident Lawyer
When you meet a lawyer for the first time, you should ask them questions before hiring them. These questions would help you ascertain whether the lawyer is the right fit and can handle your case. Below are five of our top picks.
Should I Pursue the Case?
The only reason you need a lawyer is to pursue a personal injury claim. Similarly, the only reason you need to file a claim is to get compensation for your wounds and property losses. However, just because you were in an accident does not mean you’re automatically entitled to damages.
So, you need to know if you qualify as a victim and whether you should commence the claims process. A trustworthy Nashville car accident lawyer would look at the facts of the case and let you know whether to seek compensation or let it go. Conversely, an untrustworthy lawyer will ask you to pursue a claim even if it doesn’t have merit.
Have You Handled Similar Cases in the Past?
Just because someone claims to be a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer doesn’t mean they have experience with auto accident cases. Also, understand that there are different branches of law, and in civil law, several practice areas. So, you should find out whether the attorney has experience with injury claims.
Most jurisdictions in the U.S., like Tennessee, don’t allow lawyers to discuss the case specifics of previous clients. However, you can get general information. For example, a lawyer can refer you to a case they handled, and you can research the case law to see if they won or lost.
Also, you can conduct an internet search or visit the lawyer’s firm’s website to read reviews from past clients. This way, you can determine if the lawyer has experience handling auto accident cases.
Will You Be Working on My Case?
Most Nashville auto accident lawyers belong to a law firm with several legal professionals working there. So, there’s always a chance that the lawyer you consulted with may not be the one handling your case. Therefore, you should ask the lawyer if they’re the ones handling your case or if they’ll pass it off.
If they hint at having a huge workload and passing off your case to a colleague while they supervise, you have a decision to make. If you have no problem with it, you can hire the lawyer. But if you do, you should look for another attorney who’ll be dedicated to your case.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Case?
A personal injury case is not a walk in the park, so it might take time to conclude depending on the other party. However, your Nashville injury lawyer should be able to give a workable timeline. This should include the Statute of Limitations and the best time to file a lawsuit if insurance settlement negotiations delay. In addition, having a timeline lets you know when to expect the settlement to pay off your bills.
How Much Do You Charge?
After all has been said and done, you have to pay your lawyer for their services. So, find out how much they charge. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. It means that you don’t pay them until they win and get your settlement. So, if an injury lawyer wants upfront fees, it’s a red flag, and you should look elsewhere.
Let Nashville Auto Accident Lawyers Help You!
At Nashville Injury Lawyers, we have the answers to all your questions. If you hire us, we will aggressively pursue the claim until we get the maximum compensation. So call us today for a free consultation.