Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Auto Accident Attorney
Trying to find the right auto accident attorney to take your case? That can be a challenge, as quite a few personal injury law firms serve clients in and around Magna, Utah. Fortunately, most – including Cockayne Law – offer free consultations, so you can meet with more than one lawyer without making a commitment.
The primary purpose of an auto accident attorney consultation is to get an expert assessment of your case and whether it merits legal action. However, you can certainly ask questions of your own, and doing so can help you decide if the lawyer is a good fit for your personal injury claim. As for what to ask when you consult with a local lawyer, start with the following.
How Long Have You Been Practicing Personal Injury Law in Utah?
When it comes to personal injury law, there’s no substitute for experience. An auto accident attorney with years of real-world practice will know all the ins and outs of Utah’s complex legal code and the process of filing a claim. A newcomer to the field is more likely to make mistakes, and hiring a lawyer who lacks relevant experience can lead to a less-than-ideal case outcome.
What Types of Personal Injury Claims Do You Regularly Handle?
Not every attorney who practice personal injury law focus their efforts on assisting auto accident victims. Some of the larger Utah law firms divide their practice, representing Magna residents in several types of legal proceedings. For top-level assistance with an auto accident injury case, an attorney who spends the bulk of their time working with car crash victims is the professional to hire.
Do You Have Experience with Similar Auto Accident Injury Cases?
While an experienced car accident lawyer is likely to have handled injury claims that are comparable to yours, it never hurts to ask. Every car crash in Magna has unique circumstances, and if your situation is one that a lawyer has never encountered, they may not have what it takes to build a strong case. As such, look for an attorney with experience resolving similar personal injury claims.
What is Your Track Record in Terms of Settlements and Verdicts?
A local lawyer who routinely represents car crash victims and who is familiar with the legal issues an injury claim like yours presents could be a good choice – if, that is, they win the cases they take. You need an auto accident attorney who has a history of negotiating favorable settlements, but who is also fully prepared to represent you in court and fight for a fair jury verdict.
Have You Developed a Strong Reputation in the Legal Community?
Most judges in Utah have both a law degree and years of legal practice experience. The lawyer representing the opposing party in your injury case may also have extensive expertise. Hire an auto accident attorney who has the respect of their peers – one who has been recognized as a Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney or received other awards, perhaps — and you’ll have a better shot at a favorable outcome.
How Do You Foresee this Auto Accident Injury Case Playing Out?
An attorney in the practice of personal injury law doesn’t make promises in terms of the outcome of a case. That being said, experienced legal professionals only offer to provide representation when the odds of winning fair and full financial compensation are high. As for the worth of your personal injury claim, an experienced auto accident attorney should be able to provide you with an estimated value.
What Legal Issues or Challenges Could Impact the Outcome?
Just about every auto accident injury case, regardless of how strong the evidence, has potential problems and shortcomings. An experienced legal professional should be ready to point out the areas of concern and provide viable solutions. If a lawyer tells you that obtaining compensation is going to be a cinch, move on, as you need an attorney who will be candid about the obstacles they must overcome.
How Much Do You Charge for Providing Legal Representation?
You shouldn’t have to be concerned about cost when you hire an experienced auto accident attorney – most personal injury law firms that serve clients in Magna, Utah, only collect legal fees upon winning compensation. You’ll want to confirm this, and it’s smart to ask what percentage of the settlement or jury award goes to the lawyer. Find out, too, if you can expect any out-of-pocket expenses.
Do You Have the Time to Take On Another Personal Injury Claim?
A car accident lawyer often works on a number of cases simultaneously. However, a highly skilled attorney knows their limits and will only accept a new client when they have room in their schedule to give a case the proper attention. Still, you’ll want to ask about the law firm’s current caseload, as that will give you an idea of an attorney’s ability to manage your claim and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Schedule a Free Auto Accident Attorney Consultation at Cockayne Law
Before you hire a car accident lawyer, make sure you’re confident they can protect your rights and interests. With Cockayne Law, you’ll have a dedicated and experienced legal team in your corner – and we’ll do everything we can to help you collect the maximum in compensation. To schedule a free auto accident attorney consultation at our office or an after-hours meeting at your home or business in Magna, Utah, contact us today.
