How to Choose the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Utah
Not all accident lawyers are equal. Some settle fast for low amounts, others fight for maximum compensation. Here's how to find the right attorney for your case.
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring
1. How many car accident cases have you handled?
What to look for: At least 100+ car accident cases. Not just "personal injury" - specifically car accidents.
Red flag: Lawyers who do "everything" (divorce, criminal, accidents). You want a specialist.
2. What is your trial experience?
What to look for: Have they actually tried cases to verdict, or do they always settle?
Why it matters: Insurance companies offer more to lawyers with trial experience because they know they might have to fight in court.
3. What is your success rate and average settlement?
What to look for: Ask for specific examples similar to your case. What did they recover?
Be skeptical: If they guarantee outcomes, that's unethical and against Utah Bar rules.
4. Who will actually handle my case?
What to look for: Will the lawyer you're meeting with handle it, or will it be passed to a junior associate?
Red flag: "Case mills" that sign hundreds of clients and have paralegals do all the work.
5. What is your fee structure?
Standard contingency: 33% if settled before lawsuit, 40% if lawsuit filed. No upfront costs.
Red flag: Lawyers asking for upfront fees or retainers in accident cases. Contingency is the norm.
6. How do you communicate with clients?
What to look for: How often will you get updates? Do they respond to calls/emails within 24-48 hours?
Warning sign: If they're hard to reach during the consultation, they'll be worse once hired.
7. Do you have medical and accident reconstruction experts?
What to look for: Established relationships with medical experts, engineers, and economists.
Why it matters: Serious injury cases require expert testimony to prove damages and future medical costs.
8. How long do cases like mine typically take?
Realistic timeline: 3-6 months for simple cases, 12-18 months for lawsuits, 24+ months for trials.
Red flag: Promises of "quick settlements" - usually means lowball offers.
9. Are you licensed and in good standing with the Utah State Bar?
Verify online: Check Utah State Bar Website for license status and disciplinary history.
Must have: Active license, no serious disciplinary actions, professional liability insurance.
10. Can you provide client references or reviews?
Where to check: Google reviews, Avvo, Utah State Bar client reviews, Better Business Bureau.
Look for: Consistent positive feedback about communication, settlement amounts, and professionalism.
🚩 Red Flags - Do NOT Hire If:
- They Ask for Upfront Fees: Accident lawyers work on contingency - no win, no fee. Anyone asking for retainers is suspicious.
- They Guarantee Results: "We'll get you $100K guaranteed!" - No ethical lawyer can promise outcomes.
- They Pressure You to Sign Immediately: Legitimate lawyers give you time to decide and review the contract.
- They Have Disciplinary Actions: Check Utah State Bar for suspensions, ethics violations, or malpractice claims.
- They Discourage Getting Medical Treatment: Good lawyers want you to get proper care to document injuries.
- They Won't Explain the Fee Agreement: Everything should be in writing and clearly explained.
Understanding Contingency Fees
Most Utah accident lawyers work on contingency - they only get paid if you win.
Standard Fee Structure:
Example: You win $50,000 settlement. Lawyer takes 33% ($16,500). Medical liens paid ($10,000). You keep $23,500.
Case Costs: Some lawyers deduct costs (filing fees, expert witnesses, medical records) separately. Ask if costs come out before or after the percentage.
📝 What to Bring to Your Consultation
- ✓ Police report or crash report number
- ✓ Photos of vehicle damage and injuries
- ✓ Medical records and bills (if you have them)
- ✓ Insurance information (yours and at-fault driver's)
- ✓ Witness contact information
- ✓ Any correspondence with insurance companies
- ✓ Pay stubs (if you missed work)
Tip: Most consultations are free. Meet with 2-3 lawyers before deciding. Trust your gut - you'll be working with them for months.
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