Auto Accident Attorney Attorney-Client Relationship and Legal Ethics 3

Question 1

What is the purpose of a 'letter of protection' (LOP) that an auto accident attorney arranges with a medical provider?

Accepted Answer

It allows the client to receive medical treatment now with the provider agreeing to be paid from the future settlement

Answer

It protects the attorney from malpractice claims

Answer

It prevents the insurance company from accessing medical records

Answer

It certifies that the injuries were caused by the accident

Question 2

Which rule requires an auto accident attorney to possess the legal knowledge and skill necessary to handle a personal injury case competently?

Accepted Answer

Duty of competence

Answer

Duty of confidentiality

Answer

Duty of candor

Answer

Duty of loyalty

Question 3

If an auto accident attorney refers a client to another attorney, what must be disclosed to the client?

Accepted Answer

Any referral fee arrangement between the attorneys

Answer

Nothing, referrals are routine

Answer

The referred attorney's win rate

Answer

The referring attorney's financial situation

Question 4

What does 'zealous advocacy' mean for an auto accident attorney?

Accepted Answer

Vigorously representing the client's interests within the bounds of the law and ethical rules

Answer

Using any tactic, including illegal ones, to win the case

Answer

Personally guaranteeing the client will win

Answer

Taking the case to trial regardless of settlement offers

Question 5

A client terminates their auto accident attorney before the case settles. What happens to the attorney's fee in most contingency agreements?

Accepted Answer

The attorney may be entitled to a quantum meruit fee for work performed up to the termination

Answer

The attorney receives nothing

Answer

The attorney is owed the full contingency percentage regardless of outcome

Answer

The attorney must pay the client a penalty

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of an attorney improperly commingling funds?

Accepted Answer

Using the client trust account to pay the attorney's own office rent

Answer

Depositing a client's settlement check into the client trust account

Answer

Disbursing the client's net settlement after deducting agreed fees

Answer

Holding disputed funds in trust pending resolution

Question 7

Under what circumstance is an auto accident attorney permitted to settle a client's case without the client's explicit approval?

Accepted Answer

Never — only the client has authority to accept or reject a settlement

Answer

When the attorney believes the offer is fair

Answer

When the client is unreachable for 24 hours

Answer

When the statute of limitations is about to expire