What to Ask During a Consultation With a South Carolina Car Accident Attorney

If you are injured in a car accident, you may decide to hire a lawyer to help you with the insurance claim process. Choosing which lawyer to hire, however, is a little trickier. Thankfully, nearly all car accident attorneys offer free consultations to help you make that decision.

Why the Initial Consultation Matters

The initial consultation isn’t just an opportunity for you to get free legal information; it is also an opportunity for the car accident attorney to determine whether you have a viable case. When you plan ahead for the consultation by bringing a list of questions about your case, both of you benefit.

Questions to Ask at Your First Meeting

Consider including the following on the list of questions you want answers to.

How Long Have You Been Practicing Personal Injury Law?

Typically, the longer a lawyer has been practicing personal injury law, the better they understand their field. Don’t assume a lawyer’s experience based solely on their age. They may have gone to law school later in life or have just recently switched their area of practice.

Look for a lawyer who has at least 10 years of experience in personal injury law — perhaps less in smaller markets.

Do I Have a Strong Case?

Most lawyers will determine the strength of your case quickly and give their opinion without prompting. If they don’t, make sure to ask them, and compare the answer with what other lawyers have told you.

What Compensation Could I Potentially Get?

If you have a valid claim, the car accident lawyer should be able to define the strength of your case in terms of likely compensation. However, a good lawyer will not guarantee a specific amount. If they do, take your case elsewhere.

What Costs Should I Know About?

Unless a personal injury case goes to trial, there are few costs involved other than a contingency fee. If the lawyer lists extensive legal fees above and beyond the contingency fee, you should be wary.

What Kinds of Evidence Will You Need to Prove My Case?

The lawyer will likely tell you what evidence they need and how you can help them get it. If you have to probe the lawyer for answers to this question, they might be too green to handle your claim.

How Often Will I Get Updates About My Case?

Only you can decide the best answer to this question. Maybe you want frequent emails, or maybe you’d rather just have an occasional update over the phone. If the lawyer won’t adapt to your preferences, pick someone else.

What Challenges Do You See Arising During My Case?

It can be hard to judge the best response to this question unless you speak to multiple lawyers. Any lawyer who gives an inconsistent answer is probably not a good choice.

Why Should I Choose Your Firm?

Every car accident attorney has practiced answering this question. Ask it anyway to see if you like what they say.

What Are My Next Steps After This Meeting?

The right car accident attorney for your case should be able to give a clear road map before the end of your consultation.

FAQ

When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in South Carolina?

The best time to hire a lawyer is soon after the accident. This lets your attorney start working immediately so that they can meet deadlines like the statute of limitations.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?

In South Carolina, you typically have three years after a car accident to file a lawsuit.

Can I Get Compensation if I Am Partially Liable in the Accident?

Yes. South Carolina uses a modified comparative negligence rule that allows you to get partial compensation if you are partially liable.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Clore Law Today

If you were seriously injured in a car accident in South Carolina, you need a skilled lawyer to protect your rights.

By asking the right questions during a free consultation, you can confidently choose the right attorney for your case. Contact Clore Law today to schedule a free consultation.