10 Questions to Ask a Michigan Auto Accident Lawyer

Hiring a Michigan auto accident lawyer if you are injured in a crash is a wise decision. People represented by attorneys often recover more than those who handle their own claims. However, choosing the right lawyer can be difficult if you don’t have enough information. Therefore, before you sign any paperwork, schedule a meeting with the lawyer (or lawyers) you are considering. A reputable car accident lawyer will not mind answering questions, so don’t hold back.

Here is a list of helpful questions to ask during your initial consultation.

10 QUESTIONS TO ASK A MICHIGAN AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYER

1. Do you have experience with cases like mine? You would not go to a gastroenterologist to treat a sprained wrist. Like medicine, law is a specialized field. If you are injured in a car crash, you need a lawyer who specializes in auto accidents. Ask how many years of experience they have with cases like yours, and how many similar cases they have handled in the past year or several years.
2. How much will I have to pay up front? Reputable car accident injury attorneys rarely, if ever, ask for an up-front payment. Accident lawyers generally work on a contingency basis, which means they take a percentage, often about one-third, of the settlement or trial verdict.
3. What kind of settlement can I expect? Experienced car accident lawyers can often provide a broad estimate of how much your case is worth. However, if the extent of your injuries and the care you will require have not been determined, this may not be possible.
4. What kinds of verdicts and settlements have you obtained for clients in similar situations? Reputable lawyers will not reveal confidential details about their clients, but they can discuss results in cases with comparable circumstances.
5. Who will be working on my case? In some large firms, the lawyer you meet with initially is not necessarily the one who will handle your case. Often, a team will be assigned, which may include one or more attorneys, a paralegal and other support staff. Some firms use case managers, who may or may not be lawyers. Before you decide, make sure you’re comfortable with how the firm handles and supervises its cases.
6. How much will I owe when my case is resolved? The answer can vary from one Michigan auto accident lawyer to another. In contingency cases, the firm typically takes its fee from the amount recovered and then issues you a check for the remainder. Most lawyers will also deduct case-related expenses for documents, investigators or expert testimony at that time. Ask so you know exactly what to expect when the case is over.
7. What happens if I lose my case? This depends on the policy of the individual lawyer or firm. Many firms do not charge a client if they fail to recover any compensation. However, some firms require clients to pay for out-of-pocket expenses such as filing fees, expert witnesses or court costs. Find out the policy at the beginning to avoid costly surprises.
8. Am I entitled to damages for pain and suffering? A qualified Michigan auto accident lawyer will usually know the answer after hearing the facts of your case. Sometimes a lawyer will need more information first. For example, if you were more than 50 percent at fault for the accident, you generally cannot recover noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering from the other driver.
9. How long will it take to resolve my case? Many factors can determine how long a case takes once a claim is filed. Experienced car accident lawyers should be able to give an educated estimate of the timeline. At a minimum, your lawyer should know the statute of limitations for cases like yours and be committed to meeting the filing deadlines.
10. What happens if my case goes to trial? While many accident cases settle out of court, you want a lawyer who has courtroom experience and is familiar with trial procedures. A lawyer who is prepared to go to court if necessary is usually a stronger negotiator. Ask how many cases the lawyer has tried and what the results were.

DON’T FORGET…

Asking questions when hiring a lawyer is a great way to make sure you understand the process and are happy with your legal team. If you or a loved one is injured in a Michigan car accident, we can help. Our experienced lawyers have the skills, knowledge and resources to pursue the compensation you and your family deserve.

Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan auto accident attorney is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. Start your case today by filling out the brief form below or contacting us for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.