5 Questions to Ask Your Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Michigan is a popular state in the United States. It is a place where people constantly move, whether by car, bicycle, or on foot. Even though the state has made many efforts to improve pedestrian safety, accidents still happen.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, consulting a Michigan pedestrian accident lawyer is vital to understanding your legal rights.

However, not every lawyer is the right fit to handle your pedestrian accident case. It is important to ask the right questions before hiring a lawyer. The last thing you’d want is to have the wrong lawyer represent you.

Here are five essential questions you should consider asking your pedestrian accident lawyer.

1. What is Your Experience with Pedestrian Accident Cases?

Not every personal injury lawyer has experience in handling pedestrian accident cases. These cases involve specific complexities, especially those involving traffic laws and vehicle-pedestrian dynamics.

An attorney experienced in pedestrian accident cases knows how to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies. Therefore, asking the attorney if they have ever handled similar cases is advisable.

2. What is Your Track Record in Winning Pedestrian Accident Cases?

It is important to ask about the lawyer’s success rate in handling pedestrian accident cases. A strong track record will reassure you they have the skills and experience to advocate for you.

You should ask them about both verdicts and settlements they have achieved for clients in pedestrian-related accidents. This can give you an idea of the attorney’s ability to deliver favorable outcomes.

3. How Do You Charge for Your Services?

Inquiring about the lawyer’s fees is not just essential, but it also puts you in control of your finances. Most pedestrian accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t owe any fees unless your attorney wins your case. They take a specific percentage of money from the settlement as their legal fee.

However, it’s important to ask about hidden costs and the percentage they take from the settlement. It will help you avoid surprises and ensure you are comfortable with the financial aspects of working with the lawyer.

4. Do You Have Experience in Taking Cases to Trial?

Most personal injury cases get settled out of court through negotiation. But it won’t help every time, as the insurance companies downplay your injuries. When the negotiation fails to yield satisfactory results, the case goes to trial. It’s important to know whether your attorney has the experience to handle your case in court.

Ask about their trial experience and whether they have represented previous clients in court. Additionally, make sure that they can help prepare you to speak before the judge or jury. If your case goes to trial, you want to be confident that your attorney will advocate for you.

5. What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect in My Case?

Every case provides different types of compensation, which may vary according to the nature of the case, the severity of the injury, and the victim’s losses. In pedestrian accident cases, you can usually get compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the defendant exhibited gross recklessness. Ask the attorney what types of damages you can claim in your compensation. It will help you plan your financial concerns and hold the liable party accountable.

Conclusion

Selecting the right lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of your case. By asking these five essential questions, you can ensure that the lawyer you choose has the necessary experience, is affordable, will assist you in trial, and can secure the compensation you deserve.