If you encounter a car accident, one of the very first things you should do is to hire a car accident lawyer. An experienced Denver Car Accident Lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options. Moreover, you can expect the lawyer to deal with insurance companies and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
But how can you find the right car accident lawyer who can help you with your needs? Here are some questions that you can ask from potential car accident lawyers to pick the right one.
1. Are you experienced in handling car accident cases? How long have you practiced this specific area of law?
You’ll want an attorney with extensive experience dealing specifically with car accident injury claims. Ask how many years they have been handling these cases and what percentage of their practice focuses on car accidents. An experienced car accident lawyer will be familiar with local injury laws, insurance company tactics, and valuing accident claims.
2. What is your success rate with car accident cases?
While dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, you need a lawyer who can help you with a guaranteed positive outcome. The lawyer should be able to provide statistics or examples of past car accident cases they have successfully litigated or settled. Find out what kind of settlements, arbitration awards, or verdicts they have obtained for past clients. This will give you insight into their negotiation skills and trial experience.
3. What types of car insurance claims do you regularly handle?
There are many potential insurance policies involved in a car accident case, including the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, the injured person’s auto policy, health insurance, and any applicable underinsured or uninsured motorist policies. Ask what types of car insurance claims the attorney has experience negotiating.
4. Who in your office will be handling most of my case? How will you communicate updates to me?
You’ll want to know if the attorney will directly oversee your case or if it will be handed off to less experienced associates or paralegals. Also important is understanding your main contacts, how regularly you’ll receive case updates, and the preferred methods of communication.
5. What are all the fees, expenses, and costs I can expect from start to finish?
Thoroughly understand what you will be paying in legal fees, filing expenses, deposition costs, expert witness fees, and any other charges that may arise in the course of your case. Get fee structure and expense estimates in writing up front before deciding to hire the lawyer.
6. If my case involves litigation, what is your trial experience?
If an acceptable settlement can’t be negotiated out of court, you’ll want an attorney with extensive trial experience before judges and juries. Ask how many car accident cases they have taken to trial, their win/loss rate, experience in your local courts, and comfort arguing cases before juries.
7. Can you provide 3-5 past client references I can contact?
Reputable car accident attorneys should have no issue providing you with references from former clients. Speaking with past clients can give helpful insight into the lawyer’s strengths, weaknesses, and client relationships. Checking references is a must.
8. Are there any upfront costs or retainers I need to pay before hiring you?
Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees are a percentage of the final injury settlement, paid only if your case succeeds. However, there may be upfront case costs. Get all payment terms, timelines, and policies in writing. Never feel pressured to pay retainers before doing your research.
9. Do you have experience with cases involving common car accident injuries?
If you suffered specific injuries in your car crash such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, or broken bones, ask about the lawyer’s background handling similar injury claims. Personal injury laws differ greatly depending on the type of harm, so it is beneficial to have a lawyer knowledgeable about case strategies, settlement values and litigation pertaining to your particular injury.
10. Will you gather evidence from the accident scene, police, medical records or insurance companies?
Evidence gathering is an important early step in building a car accident claim, so ask what investigative steps the attorney takes. For example, your lawyer should immediately request preservation of critical evidence like accident reports, photos, witness statements to police, medical records, vehicle damage assessments and insurance claim documents. An attorney experienced with car crashes will know what evidence is needed to maximize your injury claim.
Choosing the right car accident attorney in Denver takes diligence and thoughtful questions. Be sure to interview multiple qualified lawyers before deciding who to hire. And understand all terms of representation fully by asking the key questions upfront. This will provide the greatest chance of success in your car accident injury claim.
