Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been in a car crash, the first thing you might do after getting medical help is to search for an auto accident lawyer. You’re not alone. But knowing what are the questions to ask before hiring a auto accident lawyer is very important!

In fact, according to recent data, more than 250,000 people in the USA search for car accident lawyers each month. This shows how common car accidents are and how many people need legal help afterward.

Finding the right lawyer can make a big difference in your case. But not all lawyers are the same. That’s why asking the right questions before hiring someone is very important.

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

Choosing a car accident attorney highly boosts your chances of getting the most out of your damages.

In an event where you are a victim of someone else’s careless behaviour, whether it be a distracted driver, a ruthless truck driver or an absent rideshare driver, you will have someone to liaison on your behalf. 

Talented advocates like The Advocates in Idaho are very much cognizant of the intricacies of personal injury law and are well-versed in the conduct of negotiations with ‘heavyweight’ insurance companies.

If you are out there alone, you will most likely make the mistake of settling for a lower offer. Additionally, you might even end up being prone to making unfavourable admissions.

When Should I Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?

You should seek legal counsel as soon as you have finished the medical treatment for your injuries.

It is not just a legal requirement to file a lawsuit as soon as possible. Rather, it is also crucial for evidence preservation, witness statements, and tactical talking.

Furthermore, it is common for insurance companies to work quickly. Apart from that, a victim should reach a negotiation with the insurance companies before they are able to decide the value of the case.

I would also advise you to talk to a personal injury lawyer before speaking to the insurance company as they are the only ones who can not only protect your rights but also save you from generalizations that may be misleading to the insurance company.

Do I Have to Go to Court?

“Does that mean car accident attorneys settle car accident cases in court?” This is a very common question that most people have!

No, not at all. As a matter of fact, the majority of car accident cases are usually resolved through negotiations between the parties involved.

According to the American Bar Association, only about 5% of personal injury cases actually go to trial.

Insurance companies usually decide to settle a claim rather than take the risk of going to trial. This is particularly the case when the issue of liability is crystal clear, and your attorney is able to present a very strong case.

On the other hand, if the insurance company doesn’t agree to a reasonable amount and negotiations break down, your lawyer might tell you that taking your case to court is the best way to get justice.

Deciding to resolve or litigate your issue depends on you wherein the involvement of a trial-hardened lawyer will give you an option that will let you have comfort and strength within you.

How Long Does the Legal Process Take?

The timeline for a car accident claim varies. Simple cases may settle within a few months, while more complex ones — involving severe injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties — can take a year or longer.

The process typically follows these steps:

• Consultation and case evaluation
• Investigation and evidence gathering
• Filing a claim and initiating negotiations
• Possible litigation if a settlement isn’t reached
• Settlement or trial resolution

A trustworthy law firm will keep you informed every step of the way and provide clear timelines tailored to your case.

What Does a Car Accident Attorney Actually Do?

A good car accident lawyer is a multitasker. They do a lot of things. For instance, some of their works include:

• Research your accident.
• Gather and systematize evidence.
• Find out who is responsible
• Review police and medical records.
• Talk to witnesses.
• Calculate your losses.
• Negotiate with the insurance company.

Their other role is to have a litigation-ready strategy should negotiations or any other alternate dispute resolution method fail.

The legal team at The Advocates has been known to work hard for the interests of their clients. They are not only hardworking but also stand with you every step of the way through your claim journey.

For example, they can prove the other party’s fault and collect medical reports and wage details. And during this, you can try to concentrate on getting better.

What Should I Bring to My Free Consultation?

At your first consultation (which is most likely free), your lawyer will, on your behalf, estimate the potency and the quality of the claim you have. You should be sure to carry the allowable paperwork, like:

• Health history and bills for treatment
• Police or accident reports
• Messages from the insurance company
• Images of the accident surroundings and the condition of the damaged property
• Contact details of any eyewitnesses
• Evidence of missed wages or time off from employment
• Quotes for car repair or buying a new vehicle

Be ready with these materials to help your the lawyer to know your losses and support your case with a unique legal plan.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

Most car accident attorneys, including those at The Advocates, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront.

Instead, your attorney receives a percentage of your final settlement or court award. If your case isn’t successful, you owe nothing.

This model ensures that legal representation is accessible to accident victims regardless of their financial situation.

Contingency fees may vary depending on the complexity of your case, whether it goes to trial, and the state where the accident occurred.

It’s common for the percentage to increase slightly if the case advances to litigation.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover?

A successful car accident claim can lead to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These include:

• Medical expenses (past and future treatment)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one was lost in the crash

The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the extent of negligence from the other driver.

What If the Accident Was Partially My Fault?

Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident.

But your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you’ll receive $80,000.

An experienced attorney will work to minimize any claims of shared fault and ensure that liability is clearly assigned to the negligent parties.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Auto Accident Lawyer

Now that you are aware of almost all the things related to hiring a car accident lawyer and how they can be of help, there’s something you need to know.

You see, choosing an auto accident lawyer is important. But choosing the right one for your case is extremely crucial.

Before choosing a lawyer, here are some easy questions you should ask:

1. How many car accident cases have you handled?: You want someone who has experience.
2. Do you offer a free consultation?: This helps you talk to the lawyer before paying.
3. How do you charge for your services?: Some lawyers only get paid if you win your case.
4. Who will work on my case?: Make sure the lawyer—not just their team—will handle your case.
5. What is your success rate?: Ask how often they win or settle cases.

These questions can help you feel more confident and make the best choice.

What Makes The Advocates Different?

The Advocates’ hallmark is their compassionate and aggressive representation. Through their offices in Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Meridian, and Twin Falls, the lawyers have been working with Idaho drivers.

They have relentlessly tried to ensure that they are compensated after a car, truck, or motorcycle accident and have helped thousands of people get what they deserve.

Clients are very happy with the communication, the ability to deal with both straightforward and complex cases, and the results-driven approach of The Advocates.

They do not want to create more legal problems for you but instead want you to focus all your energy on being better.

Can I Handle My Own Case?

Perhaps, the answer is yes, but many people would disagree. Typically, the settlements of the victims who do not get legal help become much less.

The insurance companies are keen on paying only the minimal mandatory amounts and thus will not hesitate to take the low end of your claim, or an even harsher shock would be their rejection of your claim.

A professional attorney can estimate and cover up the full size of your losses, refuse an unsatisfactory offer, and handle the procedural aspects of your personal injury suit.

Therefore, having a lawyer in the event that injuries are very serious, there is a question of liability, or it is a wrongful death case, will be quite essential.

Choosing a lawyer after a car crash is among the most critical decisions, more than anything else, that you will have to make.

Perhaps, if you are not satisfied dealing with them, a lawyer would not only guide you through understanding your rights and bargaining with insurers but also ensure you get what you deserve for your car accident.

Read Also:

• Legal Considerations for Dementia Patients in Personal Injury Cases
• Legal Experts Counters The Complexities In Personal Injury Cases
• Should I Get An Attorney After A Car Accident?