What Questions Should I Ask a Lawyer During a Consultation?

You’ve taken the important first step of scheduling a free consultation with a car accident lawyer. This initial meeting is a crucial opportunity, but many people go into it unprepared. They let the lawyer lead the entire conversation, and they leave without a clear picture of the attorney’s experience or how their case will be handled.

You must reframe your thinking: a free consultation is not just a sales pitch from the lawyer. It is a two-way interview. It’s your chance to evaluate the attorney’s expertise, communication style, and strategy to determine if they are the right advocate to handle your case and fight for your future.

Going into this meeting with a prepared list of questions will empower you to make a smart, informed decision. It shows the attorney that you are a serious and engaged client and ensures you get the specific information you need to compare different lawyers and law firms.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• Treat it Like an Interview: The free consultation is your opportunity to interview the lawyer and decide if they are the right fit for you.
• Ask About Their Experience: Focus on their specific experience with car accident cases in your area (e.g., Tacoma/Pierce County).
• Ask About Your Case: Get their initial thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of your specific case.
• Understand the Process: Ask about their communication style, who will be your main point of contact, and a general timeline.
• Clarify Fees and Costs: Make sure you fully understand their contingency fee percentage and how case costs are handled before you sign anything.

The Essential Checklist: Questions to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer

Bring a notebook with these questions written down. Taking notes shows you are taking the process seriously.

Category 1: Questions About the Lawyer’s Experience and a Firm

• 1. What percentage of your practice is dedicated to car accident cases?
  • Why you ask: You want a specialist, not a generalist. A high percentage shows they focus on this specific area of law.
• 2. Have you handled cases with injuries similar to mine before?
  • Why you ask: Experience with specific injuries (like a TBI or herniated disc) is a major advantage.
• 3. Who will be my primary point of contact at the firm? Will I be speaking with you directly, or a paralegal?
  • Why you ask: This sets expectations for communication. It’s important to know who will be answering your day-to-day questions.
• 4. What is your experience with the courts in Tacoma and Pierce County?
  • Why you ask: Familiarity with local court procedures and even the reputations of local judges and opposing counsel is a significant home-field advantage.
• 5. Do you have experience taking cases to trial, or do you primarily settle out of court?
  • Why you ask: You want a lawyer who is a skilled and respected trial attorney. Insurance companies know which lawyers are afraid to go to court and will make lower settlement offers to them.

Category 2: Questions About Your Specific Case

• 6. Based on what I’ve told you, what is your initial assessment of my case?
  • Why you ask: This gives you a sense of their initial thoughts on liability and the potential strengths of your claim.
• 7. What do you see as the biggest challenges or weaknesses in my case?
  • Why you ask: A good lawyer will be honest and upfront about the potential hurdles. Be wary of anyone who guarantees a specific outcome or says your case is a “slam dunk.”
• 8. What is a realistic timeline for a case like mine?
  • Why you ask: This helps you set realistic expectations. A good lawyer will explain that the timeline is driven by your medical recovery and can take many months or longer.

Category 3: Questions About Fees and Costs

• 9. Can you explain your contingency fee agreement in detail? What is your percentage?
  • Why you ask: You need to know exactly what percentage of the settlement will go to the attorney’s fees (typically 33.3% before a lawsuit is filed).
• 10. How are case costs handled? Are they advanced by the firm, and are they deducted from the settlement before or after the attorney’s fee is calculated?
  • Why you ask: This is a critical financial question. Case costs (for things like filing fees and expert witnesses) are separate from the fee. Understanding how they are handled is essential to knowing how much money you will ultimately receive.

Choosing a lawyer is a decision that will shape the outcome of your case. By asking these questions, you can move beyond the advertising and make a confident choice based on experience, strategy, and clear communication.

If you’re ready to start this process, search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma. You can use the detailed profiles and real client Google Reviews to create a shortlist of qualified local attorneys to schedule your free, no-risk consultations.

References

• Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) – How to Select a Lawyer:The official public guide from the WSBA, which includes a section on “Questions to Ask a Lawyer.”

  https://www.wsba.org/for-the-public/find-legal-help/how-to-select-a-lawyer

• American Bar Association (ABA) – Tips for Hiring a Lawyer:A national consumer guide from the ABA that provides valuable advice and sample questions for interviewing a potential attorney.

  https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_related_education_network/how_courts_work/hiringlawyer/