21 Feb 12 Questions to Ask a Car Accident Injury Lawyer
Hiring a qualified car accident injury lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. If you have suffered injuries in a Florida car accident, you will need an attorney who is not only intimately familiar with personal injury but also has a good grasp of the issues related to car accident claims and lawsuits. Asking the proper questions before hiring a lawyer can guarantee that you will be represented in the best possible way. Here are a few important questions to ask a car accident injury lawyer before deciding.
Get a Free Consultation
Call us at (813) 598-4868
1. What Are Your Fees?
The majority of personal injury lawyers, such as Kevin L. Sullivan II, have what is called a contingency fee arrangement. That means you don’t ever pay any legal fees upfront — your lawyer gets paid only if they win your case.
But it is important to determine exactly how much of your settlement or verdict they will receive. This is usually around 33 1/3% to 40% of the total. Also, ask if there are other costs you may be responsible for, such as filing fees in court or expert witness charges.
2. How Long Have You Been Handling Car Accident Cases?
Experience matters. You need an attorney with experience in car accident cases who knows how to negotiate with insurance companies. Kevin L. Sullivan II has practiced for years helping accident victims in Florida and has resolved over a thousand personal injury cases.
A qualified lawyer knows how to evaluate your accident and the evidence at hand and establish a strong case for getting the most damages.
3. Have You Handled Cases Similar to Mine?
Every car accident case is different. Some are for minor injuries, while others are for catastrophic injuries or wrongful death claims. Inquire whether your attorney has worked on similar cases in the past and what happened in those situations.
A car accident injury lawyer with experience should be able to provide examples of past cases where the circumstances were similar to yours.
4. Will My Case Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases settle, but at times, an insurance company simply won’t pay fairly for an injury. You need an attorney who is willing to take your case to trial if need be.
Some attorneys will settle cases quickly, even if it means agreeing to a smaller sum. This means Kevin L. Sullivan II is prepared to take your case to court if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.
5. What Are the Biggest Challenges in My Case?
Some challenges come with every car accident case. A competent attorney will be realistic with you about what can get in the way of a successful resolution, be it establishing fault, dealing with uncooperative insurance carriers, or addressing preexisting injuries.
If a lawyer tells you your case is “easy” or “guaranteed,” that’s a red flag. An honest attorney will outline any potential difficulties upfront and will discuss how to manage them.
6. How Will We Communicate?
Clear and consistent communication is essential. Certain clients appreciate the regular updates, but some are okay with a check-in now and again.
Know how frequently you’ll hear from your lawyer and if you’ll be working directly with them or a paralegal. Kevin L. Sullivan II makes his clients part of the legal process from day one.
7. Do You Have Client Testimonials or References?
The evidence is in a strong track record. Request client testimonials or online reviews to see how prior clients felt about their experience with the attorney. Exceptional reviews from past customers suggest the lawyer is good and effective.
8. What Happens If I Lose My Case?
As most car accident injury lawyers work on contingency, you won’t owe attorney’s fees if you lose. However, other lawyers do charge for expenses such as court filing fees, expert witnesses, and medical records.
Confirm whether you’ll need to incur any out-of-pocket expenses if your case is unsuccessful.
9. Who Will Be Handling My Case?
Once you’re working with the firm, the attorney you meet with on your initial consultation isn’t necessarily the one who ends up working on your case. That’s something important to know, whether it’s going to be a senior attorney working with you or you get handed off to a junior associate or paralegal.
At the law firm of Kevin L. Sullivan II, we understand how important your case is, and we will take great care handling it.
10. How Much Is My Case Worth?
No lawyer can guarantee a particular result, but an experienced attorney can provide you with a rough estimate based on similar situations they’ve encountered. The value of your case will depend on factors such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical treatment
- Liability and evidence in your case
A Florida personal injury attorney understands the law and can help you determine what constitutes fair compensation.
11. How Long Will My Case Take?
Car accident claims can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it is fought at trial. A good attorney will provide you with a realistic time estimate for how long your case may take, along with whatever factors can impact that timeline.
12. Can I Speak to Someone About My Case Today?
If you have been injured in a car accident, an attorney is one of the most important components of your potential recovery, and timing is critical. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of being paid what you deserve. To keep things simple, Kevin L. Sullivan II offers free consultations to discuss your case and answer any questions.
Contact a Car Accident Injury Lawyer Today
Contacting an experienced Florida car accident attorney now will only serve to help you obtain the fair compensation you deserve. Kevin L. Sullivan II has the knowledge, experience, and commitment to advocate for the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact 813 598 4868 to set up a free consultation with a trusted car accident injury lawyer who will answer your questions.
Get a Free Consultation
Call us at (813) 598-4868
5720 Gall Boulevard, Ste 4
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
27642 Cashford Cir, Suite #110
Wesley Chapel*, FL 33544
5006 Trouble Creek Rd, Ste 205
Port Richey*, FL 33652
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.