In the wake of a serious car wreck, sitting down to discuss your situation with a personal injury attorney can give you the answers you need to make informed decisions about your case. However, as this is likely the first time you’ve had to seek legal representation, you might be wondering what types of questions you should ask to make the most of this opportunity.

In this article, we list a few helpful queries to keep in mind during your first consultation with a car accident attorney:

1. Have You Handled Claims Like Mine in the Past?

While personal injury attorneys might all have similar qualifications, not every lawyer is equipped to give your case the attention it deserves. For instance, some attorneys choose to focus on specific areas of the law, with many, for example dedicating their time to overseeing slip and falls, medical malpractice, or dog bites.

As such, you’ll want to find out whether a particular lawyer has represented car accident victims in the past. You should also enquire about their track record of success and whether they’ve taken any cases to trial and won. If an attorney has achieved several wins in court, this is usually a good sign that they are willing to go to extra lengths to help their clients obtain reasonable compensation.

2. What Challenges Could I Face When I File My Claim?

An attorney who promises that you won’t experience any turbulence during proceedings could leave you ill-prepared for the many twists and turns your case takes. The claims process is notoriously unpredictable, and it’s important to understand the types of challenges you might face as your case unfolds.

For instance, if you’re seeking a considerable sum, the insurer will likely search far and wide for any reason to dispute your claim. Alternatively, if you made any comments to opposing parties, there’s always a chance they could use your statements to challenge your credibility. An attorney who practices with integrity won’t shy away from detailing the kinds of issues you might encounter throughout proceedings.

3. What Should I Do While My Claim Is Pending?

Once you hire an attorney to handle your case, the outcome of your claim will be—mostly— out of your hands. However, there are many steps you can take that could help improve your chances of obtaining a settlement. For instance, your attorney might instruct you to lay low on social media as your posts could be used as evidence to challenge your credibility. Alternatively, a lawyer may advise you to follow your doctor’s orders closely, as any signs that you went off script could be used to deny you compensation.

4. How Long Will My Case Take?

Unfortunately, there are no set timelines for personal injury claims. While some are concluded in a matter of weeks, others could take months to resolve—especially if you need to go to court. However, an attorney can give insights into how proceedings might unfold, preparing you adequately for each stage of proceedings.

Schedule a Free Case Review with a Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney

If you were hurt in an accident caused by a negligent or reckless motorist, turn to the legal team at Maier Gutierrez & Associates to discuss your options. Our Las Vegas car accident attorneys can meet with you as part of a free consultation wherein we can assess the merits of your case, answer your questions, and explain how we might approach preparing your claim for proceedings. Contact us today at 702-629-7900 or head over to our contact form HERE to lock in a case assessment.