The Most Common Questions Answered by a Car Accident Attorney
Are you involved in a car accident but dont know what questions to ask a car accident attorney? Dont worryyoure not alone. Millions of people each year experience some form of motor vehicle accident, prompting them to seek legal help. Understanding the key questions to ask an auto accident lawyer can provide much-needed guidance, direction, and clarity. Lets explore the most common queries, and their answers, to get the most from consulting with a car accident lawyer.
Do I Need an Attorney After a Car Accident? In short, yes. Car accident litigation is a complex and ever-changing area of the law that can involve multiple parties, injuries, and potentially, third party claims from insurance companies. A savvy car accident lawyer will know precisely how to navigate the complex legal system to help you receive fair and appropriate compensation.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney? This highly-dependent on the scope of the case, the lawyers time investment, and the success of the claim. Many car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning that you pay nothing until and unless your claim is successful and you receive compensation. Any costs associated with seeking legal help are usually deducted from the ultimate settlement.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of My Car Accident Attorney? It depends on your policy and the scope of the accident. Your insurance may cover some of the costs, but that should be discussed with your attorney prior to settling.
Should I Take a Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company? It may be tempting to accept a quick settlement offer, especially if youre already struggling financially and emotionally from the car accident. However, due to the complexity of car accident cases and the oftentimes- unknown amount of damages exhibited, you may settle for far less than what you are ultimately entitled to. Its best to consult with a car accident attorney prior to accepting any offer.
Is it Possible to Pursue Punitive Damages After a Car Accident? Yes. Punitive damagesthose which are awarded to punish, not compensate a person or property may available when the case involves egoism, negligence, or malice. Again, due to the complexity of the presentation and adjudication process, it’s best to consult an experienced car accident lawyer first.
Can I Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer For Free? Absolutely. Most car accident lawyers will provide a no-cost consultation in order to evaluate the case, listen to your needs, and provide legal guidance. During this meeting, you can discuss any legal fees associated with the case, answer any questions you have, and decide on the best course of action.
What Other Questions Should I Ask My Auto Accident Lawyer? Pertinent questions to ask before hiring a car accident lawyer may include the following: How many similar cases have you worked on? How long will the case take to settle? What is the estimated amount of compensation? Are there any legal fees associated with the case? Do I have to go to trial?
The next most common questions answered by a car accident lawyer refers to the legal rights that the individual has after the accident. After a motor vehicle accident, legal rights can vary from state to state, and may be specific to the type of accident itself. The car accident lawyer will have experience in handling the respective states traffic and motor vehicle laws, and they can provide guidance regarding what your rights and legal options may be.
It is important to understand the statute of limitations for your state as well as any special circumstances pertaining to the accident. It is the responsibility of the car accident lawyer to make sure that the timeframe within which the case must be brought to court and compensated for does not lapse. If the statute of limitations is missed, the individual may be barred from being eligible for compensation.
In some cases, there may be federal laws that apply to the case where the car accident lawyer needs to file in a federal court as opposed to a state court. It is also possible that the auto accident lawyer can prove that another partys negligence or other type of action was the cause of the accident. Additionally, there may be circumstances where punitive damages can be sought.
When it comes to collecting witness testimony, the car accident lawyer will usually take a few steps to ensure that all relevant witnesses are accounted for. The car accident lawyer may contact a private investigator to search for any additional witnesses or evidence that could strengthen the case in the event of a trial. The lawyer may also collect information about the conditions on the date of the accident, provided they were relevant to the case.
When concerning the injuries suffered during the auto accident, the car accident lawyer will provide advice and recommend treatments that may help the individual to recover their damages, both physical and financial. The lawyer will provide options which could include medical treatment, corrective exercise, massages or psychotherapy. The car accident lawyer is knowledgeable regarding the medical code and medical terms, which can be extremely useful in collecting damages.
If the car accident case ultimately goes to trial, the car accident lawyer is an invaluable asset. He or she will guide the client through all the necessary steps of the trial process. The attorney will provide a settlement strategy, as well as advice on the best approach to take in a courtroom. The lawyer will also represent the clients best interests in a court of law.
In certain cases, the car accident lawyer can also work with the insurance company to negotiate a settlement on behalf of the individual. This process can be difficult and complex, and the lawyer will have the necessary experience to ensure that the rights of the insured are fully protected. The car accident lawyer will also be able to interact better with the insurance company, to ensure that a full and fair settlement is reached.
In addition to the legal issues surrounding the car accident, the lawyer can provide helpful advice on the steps to take to protect your credit history and finances. This can include strategies for paying medical bills, should you not be fully compensated through a settlement, and managing debt.
The car accident lawyer will also have insight into the best strategies to use when it comes to obtaining compensation for lost wages. It is his or her responsibility to ensure that your rights are upheld when it comes to collecting fair compensation for any income lost due to the accident. The lawyer will also be able to provide advice on how to protect a future employment situation, should you be unable to return to work full-time due to your injuries.
Finally, as a victim of the car accident, the individual may need emotional support in order to cope with the challenging experience. Car accident lawyers are generally very understanding of the trauma experienced by victims of a motor vehicle accident and can provide counseling and necessary assistance to help the individual adjust to their new life. As well, an experienced attorney can help navigate through the complex legal system, providing much needed clarity, direction, and peace of mind.