What can I expect at an initial consultation? It seems like all car accident law firms offer this.

This is a meeting with you and the attorney to discuss your case. Some law firms will actually just have you meet with a legal assistant. Bring any documents you think could be related to your case. Any correspondence from the other driver’s insurance company and your insurance company, any medical records, and the accident report are all helpful. Also, bring a list of questions you have that you would like answered.

This is also an opportunity to meet with the attorney to see if you would actually like to work with him or her. You don’t need to hire an attorney or law firm just because they met with you.

When I first meet with a potential client, we typically discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the case, what else needs to be done on the case, and how long the case will likely take. If the client and I both want to proceed, we sign a contract.

I hate lawyers, and I don’t want to file a lawsuit, but the insurance company is not being reasonable. They are really low balling me and they won’t even pay all of my medical bills. What can I do?

I’m sure I’m a little biased : ) but I strongly believe that lawyers help people.

It looks like you’ve narrowed your choices down to 1) accepting whatever the insurance company will offer you – even if it is a lowball number or 2) hiring an attorney and pursuing your legal rights. That decision is certainly up to you.

I’m not sure if I want to hire an attorney, do you think I have to?

Of course you don’t have to hire an attorney. If your case is minor, or if you are not hurt, there is a good chance that you’ll be able to get your car fixed and settled on her own. A lot of my clients only come to me after they’ve exhausted all possibilities with the insurance company. You should remember that insurance companies are very large businesses that make a lot of money. They have a financial incentive to pay claimants as little as possible. Their adjusters and attorneys are trained to do just that.

I’m currently deciding which attorney I want to hire. What should I look for?

I personally would only hire someone that I am comfortable with. After that, I would want someone that is capable of pursuing my case if it “goes the distance.” There are a lot of law firms and attorneys out there that don’t actually try cases. I feel that you won’t get a fair settlement offer unless you’re willing to pursue the case to the fullest. Insurance companies keep excellent records and they generally know which attorneys try cases and which settle for the last offer. If an insurance company knows that they won’t have to go to trial, they have little incentive to offer a fair settlement. I would also prefer a law firm that has an attorney working on my case, not a “claims specialist” or paralegal.