Questions to Ask a Lawyer About a Car Accident

A car accident can turn life upside down in seconds, leaving you with medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and emotional stress. In this vulnerable time, the right car accident lawyer can make all the difference between receiving fair compensation and settling for far less. Since not all attorneys offer the same level of advocacy, asking the right questions early on is essential.

Your Guide to Choosing a Lawyer Who Puts You First

Not every lawyer will treat your case—or your recovery—the same way. We want to make sure you feel clear about what to ask from the start, so you find an attorney who truly understands what you’re going through and has the experience to fight for what you deserve. Here are the questions we recommend asking:

How Much Experience Do You Have With Car Accident Cases Specifically?

Legal skill and knowledge matter a lot. A lawyer may have decades of experience practicing law, but if only a fraction of that involves handling car accident claims, their familiarity with liability statutes, auto insurance, and accident reconstruction may be lacking.

Ask for specific metrics:

• How many car accident cases have they handled in the past year?
• What percentage of their practice is dedicated to motor vehicle injury cases?
• Have they worked on cases similar to yours (e.g., rear-end collisions, distracted driving crashes, rideshare accidents)?

This ensures they are not learning at your expense.

Do You Have Trial Experience, and Are You Willing to Go to Court?

Insurance companies track which lawyers are willing to litigate and which tend to settle early. If a car accident attorney is known for settling cases quickly, adjusters may offer lower settlement figures because they assume the risk of facing a jury trial is minimal.

Ask:

• How many personal injury cases have you taken to trial in the last 5 years?
• What were the outcomes?
• Do you have the resources to level the playing field and take on large insurance companies in an injury trial?

Trial readiness signals strength and can significantly enhance your bargaining power during settlement negotiations.

What Is Your Track Record of Settlements and Verdicts in Car Accident Cases?

Past performance, while not a guarantee of future success, offers a benchmark for a lawyer’s capability. The best attorneys won’t just quote figures; they will explain how they built strong cases to achieve high-value results.

Clarify:

• What is your highest car accident settlement or verdict?
• What is your average settlement range for cases like mine?
• Can you provide examples of cases you resolved with lasting impact for the client?

Always confirm the results were achieved by the attorney you are meeting with and not just by the firm as a whole.

What Are Your Fees, and Do You Work on a Contingency Basis?

Most car accident lawyers work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay unless they recover compensation. But you still need to clarify the terms.

Ask:

• What percentage of the recovery do you take?
• Are there case-related expenses (witnesses, filing fees), and who pays them if we lose?
• Will I owe anything out of pocket under any circumstances?

Also, request a copy of the fee agreement and review it before signing.

Will You Personally Handle My Case or Delegate to a Paralegal?

Many firms assign cases to junior associates or case managers with minimal attorney oversight. While this can be efficient in volume practices, it may lead to poor communication and missed opportunities for strategic negotiation.

Ask:

• Who will be my primary point of contact?
• Will a licensed attorney be directly involved in major aspects of my case (e.g., settlement negotiations, depositions)?
• How often can I expect updates?

You deserve direct access to someone with the ability to answer your legal questions.

Do You Have Access to Medical Specialists and Accident Reconstructionists?

Medical documentation and causation opinions are critical in proving the value of your injuries. Likewise, accident reconstructionists may be necessary in disputed liability cases. A lawyer’s network can significantly affect the strength of your case.

Ask:

• Do you have relationships with orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and physical medicine specialists?
• Have you worked with biomechanical or accident reconstructionists before?
• Can you assist in obtaining future care cost projections?

Lawyers who invest in comprehensive case building, particularly with testimony, can usually achieve better outcomes.

How Do You Approach Communication and Client Updates?

Many clients complain about hiring a lawyer only to be left in the dark for months. Good lawyers have systems in place to proactively communicate updates, gather new evidence, and check on your recovery.

Ask:

• How often will I receive status updates?
• Will I have access to a client portal or a dedicated team member?
• How quickly can I expect responses to phone calls or emails?

Ongoing communication is not just a professional courtesy. It is necessary for building trust and keeping your claim on track.

How Long Will My Case Take?

While no lawyer can promise a specific timeline, experienced car accident attorneys should offer a general timeframe based on the complexity of your case and jurisdiction.

Ask:

• What factors could delay resolution?
• Will we wait for you to reach maximum medical improvement before settling?
• How long do cases typically take to settle in this county?

This helps set realistic expectations and allows you to plan for both medical and financial recovery.

What Is Your Philosophy on Settlement vs. Trial?

Some car accident lawyers may lean toward early settlements to move cases quickly, while others may be overly aggressive and refuse fair offers. You want an attorney who will evaluate your case carefully and provide honest, strategic advice.

Ask:

• At what point do you recommend making a settlement demand?
• Will you push for policy limits if justified?
• Do you involve clients in all significant decisions, including whether to settle?

You should always be part of the strategic discussion, not simply along for the ride.

Can You Help Me Access High-Quality Medical Care?

Car accident victims may sometimes delay care, harming both their recovery and case value. Reputable attorneys usually have relationships with proven, experienced medical providers equipped to treat injured victims.

Ask:

• Can you help me find doctors who will treat me properly?
• Will you help coordinate treatment so I can focus on recovery?
• What happens if the settlement does not cover all of my medical bills?

Attorneys who prioritize your care, not just your case, are invested in your long-term well-being.

What Makes You Different From Other Car Accident Lawyers?

The best attorneys will be able to clearly articulate their differentiators, whether it is their trial record, their network of professionals, their client service model, or their past results.

Ask:

• How is your approach different from other firms?
• What internal resources (paralegals, investigators, negotiators) do you have?
• Do you have client reviews or testimonials I can read?

Trust is essential. You want a car accident legal team with not only the credentials, but also the heart to advocate for your future.

Why Trust Guss Injury Lawyers?

We know you're going through a difficult time. At Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, we bring compassion, experience, and relentless advocacy to every case. Here's why injured Texans choose us:

• Over 30 years of experience fighting for car accident victims across Texas
• More than 45,000 clients successfully represented, with a strong record of results
• Access to professionals in crash reconstruction, medical care, and insurance negotiations
• 24/7 support from real people, never an answering machine
• No fees unless we win your case—period
• “Treat First” policy connects you with trusted doctors immediately, even if you can’t pay upfront
• We handle everything, so you can focus fully on healing and recovery

Wondering if We’re the Right Fit for Your Case?

Let’s talk it through—no pressure, no obligation. Call Trust Guss Injury Lawyers at 888-298-4070 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to help you understand your options.