If you’ve been injured in a car accident, choosing a well-qualified car accident lawyer is really important, and the conversation you have during your first meeting will tell you a lot about whether the attorney in front of you is the right fit. The questions below can help you understand their experience, their approach to cases, and what working with them will actually feel like.
1. “How much experience do you have with car accident cases like mine?”
Car accident cases vary—from rear-end and distracted-driving collisions to commercial vehicle crashes. You want a lawyer who has often handled cases similar to yours. Ask about their background, the types of cases they’ve taken on, and how frequently they’ve worked on matters involving injuries or circumstances like yours. Also, ask them to discuss any honors and recognition the firm has received over the last decade.
2. “Who will be handling my case day-to-day?”
Many firms assign much of the work to associates or staff members you’ll never meet. They call them “pre-litigation staff.” They’re folks who do not file lawsuits or go to court. Others, like RisCassi & Davis, make sure an attorney stays closely involved until your case ends by settlement or trial. It’s important to know who will be doing the actual work, who you’ll be speaking with, and who will make decisions about the direction of your case.
3. “How will you keep me updated?”
Your case may take months, sometimes longer. Clear communication helps ease the uncertainty. Ask how often you’ll hear from them, how quickly they respond to questions, and the best way to reach them. Every lawyer handles communication differently, so make sure their style matches your needs.
4. “What is your honest assessment of my case?”
A good lawyer won’t promise specific results, especially early on. They should be able to talk about the strengths and weaknesses of your case and explain what information they still need. The goal is to get a realistic picture—not a sales pitch.
5. “How does your fee work?”
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning you don’t pay unless they recover money for you. Even so, it’s important to ask what percentage they charge and how case expenses are handled. Make sure you understand the details before signing an agreement.
6. “How long do you think the case might take?”
No one can give you an exact timeline, but an experienced lawyer should be able to provide you with a general idea based on similar cases. Medical treatment, insurance company delays (an all-too-common problem), and disagreements about fault can all affect the timing. Their answer helps set expectations from the start.
7. “Are you willing to take the case to trial if necessary?”
Most cases settle, but sometimes a fair outcome requires going to court. Ask how often the lawyer has tried cases and whether they’re prepared to go to trial if negotiations aren’t successful. Insurance companies know which law firms are willing to take a case to court, and they know which firms often win those cases. Few firms in the region have tried and won more injury cases than RisCassi & Davis.
8. “Is there anything I should be doing right now?”
Your lawyer should be able to tell you what steps you can take to help your case—whether it’s gathering documents, following up with medical care, or avoiding certain mistakes that could weaken your claim. Good guidance early on can make a big difference later.
9. “What makes your approach different?”
This question has great value and gives you a sense of the lawyer’s values and priorities. Their answer should help you understand how they work and what you can expect if you hire them.
At RisCassi & Davis, we’ve helped people across Connecticut recover from car accidents for over 70 years. We understand the laws, insurance coverage issues, and challenges associated with these cases.
We have also received meaningful state and national recognition for our work in this area of the law. If you would like a free consultation with one of our Connecticut injury lawyers, please contact us. There is no obligation.