Getting into a car accident can be a life-changing experience. Not only can it cause physical injury, but you can also suffer from mental and emotional damage as well. This can impact your life and your ability to work. When that happens, you need a way to take care of medical and other expenses that might arise.
Making the decision to work with a car accident lawyer can be tough. However, if you decide to go this route, it could be the best way to get the compensation you need and deserve for what you have to go through after the accident. Before hiring an attorney, there are some questions you’ll need to ask.
1. Do You Have a Case?
The first thing you need to ask is whether or not you have a case. Not every car accident or personal injury case can be compensated. You have to be able to prove that the other person was negligent in some way and that their negligence resulted in the accident. You also have to be able to prove that your injuries were actually caused by the accident.
2. Does the Lawyer Handle this Type of Case?
To ensure the greatest opportunity for success, you have to make sure that the lawyer you’re looking to hire handles your type of case and has tried them in the past. There are a lot of lawyers in the world, but they may not have experience or knowledge about how to handle your situation. If they don’t have the experience, then this attorney won’t give you the best chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
3. Do They Have Time for the Case?
If the car accident lawyer is good, that may mean that they are in high demand. However, you want to make sure that they have the time and ability to focus on your case. You want to be treated with dignity and respect, not shuffled through the system. Make sure the potential lawyer has time for you and your case.
4. What Will It Cost?
How much your case costs will depend on many factors, including the skill level of the lawyer and whether or not they work for a firm. In some cases, you may be able to get someone who works on contingency, which means that they won’t get paid unless you do. Asking how much your case will cost is a great way to find a lawyer that you can afford.
5. Are There Any Court Fees You Will Be Responsible For?
In addition to the payment you have to make to your lawyer, you may also be responsible for paying court fees if the case goes to court. Knowing what these may be before hiring a lawyer is another way to help you understand how much your case could potentially cost.
6. What Is Your Case Worth?
Just like there are many factors that go into how much a lawyer costs, there are multiple factors that impact how much you get from your case. If your lawyer has experience with your particular case, or one similar, and has tried them in the past, they should be able to give you a range of what you might expect. This will give you an idea of the payout will cover your medical costs or help with other issues that you may want to be compensated for.
7. How Long Do You Have to File Your Lawsuit?
In most places, you have a limited amount of time in which you can file a lawsuit. If you have put this process off for whatever reason, then you need to find out if you still have time or if you are out of luck. The amount of time you have to file may also depend on the type of accident. Thus, asking this question and then making a decision will ensure that you file in the allotted time frame.
8. How Long Will The Case Take?
Each case is different, and there are many things that will determine how long your particular case might take. A lawyer should be able to give you an idea of the time frame and/or how long it will take to get your money. This will give you the ability to figure out how to take care of medical bills and other expenses until your case is closed and payment (if you are entitled to it) is received.
9. Will the Lawyer You Meet Be the One Working on Your Case?
Remember, lawyers can get busy, so the one you meet with may not be the one who takes your case. This may also be true if you are planning to work with a firm. Asking this question lets you know who will be handling your case and who your contact is.
If the lawyer you initially meet isn’t the one who will be working on your case, ask to meet the person who will be helping you through the process before you decide to hire them. You need to be able to work with someone that you feel comfortable with and trust. You won’t know if that’s the case unless you are able to talk to them face to face.
10. What Will Happen If You Lose?
While a lawyer will do their best to help you win your car accident case, they can’t make any guarantees. Knowing what to expect if you lose can help you plan financially as well as mentally and emotionally. While the lawyer may not be able to tell you exactly what might happen, they can give you a general idea. And this may be all you need to help make the best decision about how to proceed with your case.
Being in an accident takes a heavy toll on your emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. When it comes to working with an attorney, you want someone who can help you get the compensation you need and deserve to get you through the healing process.