before you sign
The checklist
nobody gives you.
Questions For The Lawyer
Day one with a lawyer.
01
What are the at-fault driver's policy limits?
Will you request them in writing?
02
What's your contingency fee percentage?
Is it calculated on gross or net?
03
Will you reduce your fee if the case goes underwater for me?
Get this answer in writing before signing.
04
What's your estimate of my net recovery?
After fees and medical liens. If they won't quote, that's a red flag.
05
When would you advise me to stop medical treatment?
A good attorney will tell you. Most won't.
Questions For The Chiro
Before your first chiropractor visit.
01
Are you billing my health insurance or placing a lien?
These have very different outcomes for your net.
02
What's your typical total bill for this treatment course?
Get a range, not a placeholder.
03
Will you reduce your lien if the settlement can't cover it?
Ask before the first visit, not after.
04
How does extended treatment impact my net recovery?
Every additional month costs you real money.
Red Flags
If any of these show up, walk.
- flag_01Your lawyer won't quote a net-recovery estimate
- flag_02The chiropractor keeps extending treatment without explaining cost impact
- flag_03Nobody has mentioned policy limits
- flag_04Your lawyer takes their fee on the gross and won't negotiate medical liens
- flag_05Your treatment has gone past six months on a minimum-limits case
Your Rights
You have these rights.
- right_01Request an itemized breakdown of the settlement disbursement
- right_02Negotiate the attorney fee percentage
- right_03Negotiate medical liens down before disbursement
- right_04Fire your attorney (though fee obligations may remain)
- right_05File a bar complaint if material information was withheld
the difference is the questions