You don’t plan for a car crash.
But you’ll definitely need a plan afterward.
The moment after impact is disorienting. Glass on the asphalt. The smell of burnt rubber. Questions swirl: “Am I okay?” “Whose fault was that?” “Will my insurance cover this?” And eventually: “Do I need a lawyer?”
If you’re injured or the crash wasn’t cut-and-dry, the answer is probably yes. But here’s the real question—which lawyer?
Because not all attorneys are created equal. And hiring the wrong one? That can cost you a lot more than just money.
Here are five essential questions to ask before hiring any Greensboro NC car accident attorney—so you don’t end up with a flashy ad and a forgettable case result.
1. “How Much of Your Practice Is Devoted to Car Accidents?”
This one cuts straight to the core. Some lawyers handle everything from DUIs to divorces—great if you’re looking for a generalist, not so great if your case hinges on understanding personal injury law down to the fine print.
You want an attorney who lives and breathes car accident claims in North Carolina. Someone who’s:
- Handled crash cases involving serious injuries
- Negotiated with all the usual suspects (yes, insurance companies have personalities)
- Familiar with Greensboro courts, judges, and jury expectations
If it’s just a side hustle? Keep looking.
2. “What’s Your Approach to Handling Insurance Companies?”
Translation: Are you going to fold when the adjuster lowballs me?
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. That “friendly” rep calling you two days after the crash? They’re taking notes. Every word you say can—and likely will—be used against you.
So your attorney needs to know how to:
- Communicate without giving away leverage
- Push back on weak offers
- Prep your case like it’s going to trial—even if it settles
The best lawyers play chess, not checkers. If their strategy sounds reactive instead of proactive, that’s a red flag.
3. “Can You Walk Me Through the Timeline and What to Expect?”
Good attorneys manage your case. Great attorneys manage your expectations.
Ask them:
- How long will this take?
- What are the major milestones (investigation, demand letter, negotiation, possible litigation)?
- What could slow things down?
If the answer is vague or overly optimistic, be cautious. Car accident claims—especially ones involving serious injuries—take time. And the best attorneys won’t sugarcoat that.
They’ll also tell you what they need from you—because success is a team effort, not just a legal handoff.
4. “What’s Your Fee Structure, and Are There Hidden Costs?”
This isn’t the time to be shy.
Most Greensboro NC car accident attorneys work on contingency—meaning they only get paid if you win. But don’t assume all contingency agreements are the same. Ask:
- What percentage do you take?
- Are there additional costs for expert witnesses, filing fees, or medical record retrieval?
- What happens if we lose—do I owe anything?
Transparency is everything. If the answers are evasive or you feel rushed to sign something “standard,” press pause. You deserve to understand every number before you commit.
5. “Who Will Actually Be Handling My Case?”
This might be the most important question—and the one most people forget to ask.
That confident attorney you met during the consultation? They might disappear once you sign the paperwork. Some firms delegate your case to junior associates or even paralegals, with minimal supervision.
Make sure you’re not just hiring a face for the firm, but someone who will actually be involved in strategy, updates, and decisions. Ask:
- Will I have a dedicated point of contact?
- How often will I get updates?
- Can I reach you directly with questions?
You’re trusting someone with your health, finances, and future. You should know who they are—and how involved they’ll be.
Final Word: Choose the Lawyer Who Chooses You Back
Car accident claims are stressful. Emotional. Sometimes life-altering.
You deserve an attorney who doesn’t just handle your file—but cares about the outcome. Who’s not just smart on paper, but sharp in the courtroom. And who treats your case like it matters—because it does.
So ask the questions. Take notes. Trust your gut.
And when you’re ready to move forward, know that experienced Greensboro NC car accident attorneys aren’t just there to settle cases. They’re there to fight for what’s fair.
After all, you didn’t choose the accident. But you can choose how you respond.