What to Ask an Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer About Your Car Accident

Though financial recovery might be available if you have been wrongfully injured in an Indianapolis car accident, a favorable outcome is not guaranteed, which is why many car crash victims seek out legal assistance. Asking questions is one of the best ways to evaluate potential attorneys, so join us as we discuss what to ask […]

July 31, 2024

How Prepared Is Your Indianapolis Car Accident Attorney?

It is critical to work with someone who can get you the resources you need after a collision, but how prepared is your Indianapolis car accident attorney?

Nobody can predict the future, but a lawyer’s responses to the following questions could offer insight into how that lawyer might handle your case.

Question 1. Why Shouldn’t I Represent Myself?

You are not required to retain an attorney for your car accident case, so it is reasonable to ask a prospective lawyer why you shouldn’t just represent yourself. Attorneys who cannot convince you of their own value may have a tough time convincing the insurance company of your case’s value, so you might consider passing on someone who can’t make a compelling argument.

For example, a knowledgeable lawyer may point out that a veteran insurance adjuster could take advantage of your relative inexperience during settlement talks, whereas an attorney will be better equipped to square off against the adjuster. By overcoming the standard tricks and tactics that frequently doom novice plaintiffs, a seasoned Indianapolis car accident lawyer can help you secure what your case is really worth, which is why 85 percent of the funds that insurance companies pay out go to claimants with professional representation.

Question 2. What Is My Case Really Worth?

While a proficient attorney could allow you to get what your case is really worth, you should be wary of any lawyer who names a specific figure when you ask this question. This may seem counterintuitive, but there are too many uncertainties at this stage to accurately assess your Indianapolis car accident case. A variety of factors could come into play, including the circumstances of your accident, the damages that you have incurred, the enduring effects of those damages, and the insurance coverage and assets of the defendants, among others.

Of course, a top-notch attorney will always strive to obtain maximum compensation for your Indianapolis car accident. Nevertheless, it may still be too early to tell how much that will end up being, and to say otherwise would be deceptive or naïve, neither of which are particularly desirable in an Indianapolis car accident lawyer.

Question 3. How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take? 

Similarly, it would be dishonest for an attorney to give you a definitive answer here because every car accident case is different.

To some extent, the schedule for your case could be influenced by the Statute of Limitations, which is the window in which you are permitted to file a lawsuit. The Statute for car accident cases in Indiana is generally two years from the date of the crash, though that doesn’t mean that your own car accident case will last that long. It could be resolved much sooner, or it could take more than two years for your case to conclude (assuming that a lawsuit has been filed).

A proficient attorney should endeavor to get you swift justice, but not if it means compromising your case. As such, it may be a positive sign if a lawyer is willing to be upfront with you about the possibility of delays, since he or she probably prioritizes the truth over an easy sale.

Question 4. Do You Ever Go to Trial?

Indianapolis car accident cases are usually settled during negotiations, though sometimes a trial is necessary, so you should search for an attorney with previous success before a judge and jury.

Even if your case does not go to trial, an adjuster will be likelier to negotiate in good faith with a lawyer who can credibly threaten to take your case to court if a fair offer is not made. In contrast, an Indianapolis car accident attorney who consistently settles cases for less in order to avoid the courtroom may ultimately settle your case for less too.

Fighting for Hardworking People Just Like You

We hope that these questions prove useful as you try to find a lawyer with the compassion to support you through this troubling period and the wisdom to guide you through it – like the accomplished Indianapolis car accident lawyers at Hensley Legal Group, who have been fighting for hardworking people just like you for over a quarter century.

To arrange a free consultation with a dedicated Indianapolis car accident attorney, please call or text us at (317) 472-3333, chat with us online, or fill out our contact form today.