Accident Lawyer Tips When to Hire an Accident Lawyer 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What percentage of accident cases are settled before going to trial in the US?
- About 20%
- About 40%
- About 60%
- About 95% (Correct answer)
Correct answer: About 95%
Roughly 95% of personal injury cases settle out of court, making negotiation skills critical for accident lawyers.
Question 2: Which professional should you hire if the accident caused a traumatic brain injury?
- A general practice attorney
- A personal injury lawyer specializing in catastrophic injuries (Correct answer)
- A workers' compensation attorney
- A criminal defense lawyer
Correct answer: A personal injury lawyer specializing in catastrophic injuries
Catastrophic injury specialists understand the long-term care costs and life impacts needed to maximize TBI compensation.
Question 3: What should you do if the at-fault driver has no insurance?
- Drop the case entirely
- File only with the at-fault driver's employer
- File an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurer (Correct answer)
- Sue the state government
Correct answer: File an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurer
Uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy provides a path to compensation when the at-fault driver lacks insurance.
Question 4: If you are partially at fault for an accident in a comparative negligence state, you:
- Cannot recover any damages
- Can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault (Correct answer)
- Must pay the other party's damages in full
- Automatically face criminal charges
Correct answer: Can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
Comparative negligence states allow partial recovery proportional to the other party's share of fault.
Question 5: Why is it important to hire a local accident lawyer?
- Local lawyers charge lower fees
- They know local courts, judges, and laws that affect your case (Correct answer)
- Federal law requires using a local attorney
- Local lawyers have more advertising
Correct answer: They know local courts, judges, and laws that affect your case
Local attorneys understand regional court procedures, judges' tendencies, and state-specific laws that can significantly affect outcomes.
Question 6: What is the primary role of an accident lawyer during the claims process?
- To repair your vehicle
- To advocate for maximum compensation on your behalf (Correct answer)
- To report the accident to the DMV
- To provide medical treatment
Correct answer: To advocate for maximum compensation on your behalf
An accident lawyer's core function is building the strongest possible case to secure full and fair compensation for your losses.
What percentage of accident cases are settled before going to trial in the US?