9 Common Questions to Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer

Getting into a car accident is overwhelming. You’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and pushy insurance companies—all while trying to figure out your legal options.

The right lawyer can make all the difference, but how do you choose the best one? Asking the right questions ensures you have a legal team that truly has your back.

At Shlosman Law Firm, we handle car accident cases in New Orleans and fight for injured victims to get the compensation they deserve.

Here are nine essential questions to ask before hiring a lawyer to handle your claim.

1. What is Your Area of Legal Focus?

Not all lawyers handle car accident cases regularly. Some focus on criminal defense, business law, or family law.

But car accident claims require specific knowledge of Louisiana’s traffic laws, insurance rules, and court procedures.

Your attorney should understand how to:

• Investigate an accident scene
• Gather and preserve critical evidence
• Deal with insurance companies that try to minimize payouts
• Work through the local court system

At Shlosman Law Firm, we handle both car accident and maritime injury cases. We know the complexities of Louisiana law and how to build strong cases for our clients.

2. Are You the Attorney Who Will Handle My Case?

Some firms hand off cases to junior attorneys or paralegals after signing you as a client. That means you might not be working directly with the lawyer you first met.

Ask:

• Who will be handling my case day to day?
• Will I be able to speak with you directly?
• How often will I get updates?

3. How Do You Charge for My Case?

Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless they win your case. Instead of hourly fees, the lawyer takes a percentage of your settlement or verdict.

Ask:

• What percentage do you take if we win?
• Are there any upfront costs?
• What happens if we lose the case?

4. What Fees and Costs Will I Be Responsible For?

There will be some other expenses involved in your case, such as:

• Filing fees for court documents
• Witness fees if specialists need to testify
• Investigation costs to gather evidence

A good lawyer will explain all potential costs upfront so there are no surprises later.

5. Do You Think My Case is Strong?

Not every car accident case is a guaranteed win. An honest lawyer will evaluate your case and let you know:

• What your chances are of receiving compensation
• What evidence is needed to prove your claim
• What challenges might arise during the process

6. How Much Money Could I Receive?

Every case is different, but an experienced lawyer should be able to estimate potential compensation based on the following:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages if you’ve missed work
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

While no lawyer can guarantee a payout, they should be able to give you a realistic expectation based on similar cases they’ve handled.

7. What Challenges Could I Face in My Case?

Car accident cases can get complicated. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to blame you for the crash or downplay your injuries. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, that presents another challenge.

A skilled lawyer should be able to handle:

• Disputed liability (if the other driver denies fault)
• Insurance companies trying to undervalue your claim
• Gathering witness statements and testimony

At Shlosman Law Firm, we know the tactics insurance companies use—and we fight hard to get our clients the compensation they deserve.

8. How Will You Keep Me Updated on My Case?

One of the biggest complaints people have about lawyers is poor communication. You don’t want to be left in the dark, wondering what’s happening with your case.

Ask:

• How often will I receive updates?
• Will I communicate with you directly or through a paralegal?
• Do you prefer phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings?

At the Shlosman Law Firm, we prioritize clear and consistent communication. We keep you informed every step of the way.

9. How Long Will My Case Take?

Car accident cases don’t always settle quickly. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others take a year or more—especially if they go to trial.

Factors that affect the timeline include:

• The severity of injuries (more serious cases take longer)
• Whether the insurance company cooperates or fights the claim
• Whether the case goes to trial or settles out of court

Your lawyer should help you understand:

• When to accept a settlement
• When it’s worth taking the case to court
• How they will fight to get you the best outcome

Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Louisiana? Call Shlosman Law Firm

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t face the legal process alone. Shlosman Law Firm has the experience and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve.

We handle car accident cases in New Orleans and are committed to protecting your rights every step of the way.

Call us today at 504-826-9427 for a free consultation and personalized legal guidance. Let’s discuss your case and how we can help. You focus on healing—we’ll handle the rest.