You may be hearing a lot of different advice after getting into a car accident. A reputable lawyer can help you make sense of it all.
They should be able to provide you with an estimate of the potential damages that can be recovered in your case. These include current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
What is your fee structure?
Most car accident attorneys work on contingency fee bases, meaning they only get paid if the case results in a monetary settlement. The percentage can vary depending on the intricacy of the case and whether it settles or requires a trial.
Some lawyers also charge flat fees for services such as creating wills, mortgage foreclosures, and uncontested divorces. They may also charge for case “costs” such as filing fees and photocopying costs.
What is your experience level?
Your lawyer has the skill, expertise, and resources to go up against the largest car insurance companies to prove your case and get you the money you deserve.
Your Oroville car accident attorney knows how personal injury laws apply to your claim. They will also know whether your policy has full or limited tort, affecting your ability to sue for pain and suffering.
How long will my case take?
Each case is different, and completing your claim can take a while. However, your lawyer will work diligently to help you recover full compensation for your losses.
Even if your witnesses did not see the accident, they could provide valuable information. Ask them about what they heard from others after the crash. This will be especially important if you have multiple witnesses.
How will I be involved in the process?
Every car accident case is unique, but your attorney will be able to give you an approximate timeline for how long your lawsuit may take. Requesting financial records, conducting interviews, and creating a case to present to the insurance company will all require time.
You will also be required to attend examinations before trial (EBTs), so you must follow the instructions of your personal injury lawyer and appear on time.
What kind of documentation do I need to provide?
Your car accident lawyer will need various documentation to proceed with your case. This includes medical records of your injuries and receipts for all out-of-pocket expenses.
Your attorney will also want to see the police report for your accident. This can show how the accident occurred and who may be to blame.
Your attorney will also consider your future costs when calculating the settlement amount. This will include ongoing care and any lost income.
What kind of injuries do I have?
Some injuries are not easily measurable. They can affect a victim’s quality of life and happiness. These injuries can be challenging to assign a dollar value to but they are still real and deserve compensation.
Asking about the witness’s state of mind at the moment of the accident can help establish the accuracy of their statement. Was the witness distracted, flustered, or in a hurry?
What kind of future expenses do I have?
When a car accident happens, it can be challenging to determine the full impact of your injuries. Your attorney will be able to help you determine the kind of future expenses you may incur.
Ensure you log your medical appointments, the dates you missed work, and other information about the injury. Talking to the insurance company with an attorney present is also essential phpmotion my blogs create blog blog menu.
How do I know if I have a case?
When you settle a car accident case, a portion of your compensation should cover any current and future medical expenses that arise. Asking a witness how they saw the crash unfold can help your attorney estimate these costs.
This question lets your attorney determine whether the witness was distracted during the crash. For example, were they talking on the phone?
Car accident attorneys should always tell you upfront whether or not they believe your claim has merit. This will usually depend on the lawyer’s experience level and expertise and their ability to gather and review evidence for your case.
It may also depend on what other witnesses can say about your crash. Knowing how far away they were can help your attorney determine whether their observations were reliable.
What do I do if the insurance company makes an offer?
Insurance companies often make low offers in the hopes that victims will accept. Your lawyer must calculate a counteroffer amount based on an accurate assessment of your damages and the policy limits and assets of the at-fault driver.
It is also essential that your attorney demonstrate readiness to take the case to trial should it become necessary. This will help the insurance company realize you are serious about pursuing full compensation for your losses.
