If you’ve been in a car crash in Indiana, you may be dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and a lot of uncertainty. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right Indiana injury lawyer to represent you.
But all attorneys are not created equal, and hiring the wrong one can cost you thousands of dollars and years of frustration. Before signing a contract, ask these five essential questions to make sure you’re hiring a lawyer who will fight for your best interests.
1. Are You Licensed to Practice Law in Indiana?
It may seem like a basic question, but you’d be surprised how many out-of-state law firms try to handle Indiana cases without a licensed attorney on the ground. Some large firms have flashy billboards and offices in multiple states, but that doesn’t mean they have an attorney in Indiana who will actually handle your case.
Many of these firms operate by having a young attorney pass the Indiana bar while primarily working in another state. In some cases, they don’t even have a full-time lawyer physically present in Indiana. Instead, they rely on case managers and intake teams to handle most of the process. keeping actual attorneys at arm’s length from their clients.
Do you want to be reduced to a number by a firm that only pretends to practice law in your State? Of course not. You need an experienced Indiana injury lawyer.
To protect yourself, ask:
- Which attorney will be handling my case?
- Are they licensed in Indiana?
- Do they live in Indiana?
A lawyer who lives in Indiana and understands Hoosier courts, judges, and insurance companies can make a significant difference in your case.
2. Will I Be Working Directly with an Attorney or Just a Case Manager?
Many big law firms rely heavily on case managers—non-lawyers who handle much of the client communication. While support staff are important, your primary contact should be an attorney who is actively involved in your case.
Some law firms will tell you that you’ll mostly deal with a case manager and rarely speak with an attorney. That’s a red flag, and here’s why it matters:
- A case manager can’t give legal advice.
- A case manager can’t negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- A case manager won’t be the one going to court if your case requires a lawsuit.
Before you hire them, ask the attorney how you’ll be able to contact them. Will you be able to follow up directly with questions, or will you need to go through a middleman? You deserve an attorney who takes a hands-on approach—not one who hands your case off and forgets about you.
3. How Quickly Will You Respond to My Questions?
A good lawyer is busy, but they should still have a system in place to respond to clients within a reasonable timeframe. If an attorney picks up every call instantly, they may not have many cases—or they may not be giving each case the attention it deserves.
The attorneys at the Marc Lopez Law Firm believe in clear communication and consistent response times:
- Emails and text messages – We aim to respond within one business day.
- Phone calls – We schedule calls 24 to 36 hours in advance to ensure we’re prepared.
- Emergencies – If it’s urgent, we’ll make time to talk.
Before hiring a lawyer, ask them about their typical response time on emails and calls. Will you be able to schedule a phone call when you need it? An attorney who avoids answering these questions may not be the right fit for your case.
4. Do You Have Experience Handling Personal Injury Cases?
Just because someone has been a lawyer for 25 years doesn’t mean they have the professional experience that makes them right for your particular case. Some attorneys primarily handle estate planning, real estate law, or even dental malpractice—but they’ll still take on the occasional car crash case for a quick settlement.
Here’s why experience matters:
- Insurance companies track attorneys.They know which lawyers fight for their clients and which ones are looking for a quick settlement.
- Trial experience is key.If the insurance company knows your lawyer never files lawsuits, they will offer lower settlements.
- A strong lawyer gets better settlements. Just like prosecutors take tough defense attorneys more seriously, insurance adjusters respect attorneys who actually go to court.
Before hiring an attorney, ask how many car crashes they’ve handled. Have they ever taken a case to trial? Don’t settle for a lawyer who just dabbles in personal injury cases—choose one who knows the system inside and out.
5. Will You File a Lawsuit if Necessary?
Not every personal injury case requires a lawsuit, but if negotiations fail, you need an attorney who is willing to take the next step. Some lawyers are never going to file a lawsuit. They’ll either accept the insurance company’s lowball offer or drop the case entirely if they can’t get a settlement.
Here’s the problem: Indiana has a strict statute of limitations. If your lawyer delays too long and refuses to file, you might run out of time. Some firms will simply drop a case when a deadline’s approaching.
It’s not uncommon for a person to call our office saying, My attorney just dropped my case, and I only have a week left before the deadline. Can you help? This is not an ideal situation.
Be up front about your needs. Ask the attorney you interview if they’re willing to go to trial. How many injury lawsuits have they actually filed? An attorney who refuses to go to court is not the kind of lawyer you want on your side.
These Questions Matter
Car crash cases can be complicated, and the attorney you choose will play a major role in the outcome. Asking these five direct questions will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure you hire someone who will fight for your best interests—not just a quick payday.
Injured in an Indiana car crash? Let’s talk. The Marc Lopez Law Firm is here to help. Call us at 463-842-1603 today for a free consultation.
