Auto Accident Attorney Attorney-Client Relationship and Legal Ethics 2

Question 1

Which document formally establishes the attorney-client relationship and outlines the fee arrangement in an auto accident case?

Accepted Answer

A retainer agreement

Answer

A demand letter

Answer

A complaint

Answer

A release of claims

Question 2

If an auto accident attorney receives a settlement check made out to both the attorney and client, what must happen first?

Accepted Answer

The funds must be deposited into a client trust account until distribution is agreed upon

Answer

The attorney deposits the full amount into their operating account

Answer

The attorney deducts fees and sends the remainder to the client immediately

Answer

The check is returned to the insurance company for reprocessing

Question 3

What ethical obligation requires an auto accident attorney to act in the client's best interests rather than their own?

Accepted Answer

Duty of loyalty (fiduciary duty)

Answer

Duty of competence

Answer

Duty of candor

Answer

Duty of diligence

Question 4

A client asks their auto accident attorney to present fabricated medical records to boost their claim. The attorney should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse and potentially withdraw from representation

Answer

Present the records if the client insists

Answer

Present them only if opposing counsel is unlikely to discover them

Answer

Submit them with a disclaimer

Question 5

What is 'barratry' in the context of auto accident attorneys?

Accepted Answer

Soliciting or stirring up lawsuits for personal profit, sometimes called ambulance chasing

Answer

Excessive attorney fees

Answer

Failing to communicate with the client

Answer

Settling a case without client consent

Question 6

Under Model Rules of Professional Conduct, how promptly must an auto accident attorney respond to client communications?

Accepted Answer

Within a reasonable time

Answer

Within 30 days

Answer

Only when the client files a complaint

Answer

Only before court deadlines

Question 7

When an auto accident attorney withdraws from a case, what must they do to protect the client?

Accepted Answer

Provide reasonable notice and take steps to avoid prejudice to the client, such as returning files

Answer

File a motion to dismiss the client's claims

Answer

Immediately notify the opposing insurance company

Answer

Forfeit all previously earned fees