After you have been involved in a car accident, it’s important to contact an auto accident lawyer immediately. It’s best to do it when you’re still at the accident scene or, if that is not possible, as soon as you can following the incident. Once you have contacted a lawyer, here are nine important questions to ask before filing an accident claim.
What Steps Should I Take After A Car Accident?
Ask the lawyer what you should do after the car accident. They will probably tell you to gather as much evidence as possible, such as accident scene photos, medical reports, witness statements, and other information that will be essential to your case. The lawyer may also tell you to file the claim right away or call 911 if you have sustained injuries. To preserve the evidence and correctly file a case, try to get help from a car accident lawyer while you are still on the scene.
Is There Anything That Will Protect My Car Accident Case?
A car accident lawyer can help protect your case by taking witness statements, making copies of important documents, giving you legal advice, and taking charge of the legal work. They know who to talk to and how to carry out the process to your benefit.
Are There Deadlines To Meet?
Some laws dictate that you must file the case within a certain amount of time after the accident, or it’s barred forever. Ask your lawyer if there are deadlines and how severe they are. It’s best when you file the case immediately after the incident or as soon as possible.
How Long Does A Car Accident Case Take?
A car accident case may take a few months or a year, depending on how fast the lawyer is and if the other party responds to the claim immediately. It also depends on how quickly you provide all of the documents to your lawyer, whether the case goes to trial or not, and how complicated it is.
What Is the Expected Compensation After A Car Accident Injury?
A car accident attorney cannot guarantee a specific amount on your compensation, but they can estimate based on your case and similar cases they have worked on. Usually, winning cases result in thousands of dollars or more paid out, depending on your injuries and medical bills. You can recover damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income from missing work
- Costs of a car accident attorney
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages to punish the other party for doing something wrong
- Property damage
How Much Will My Auto Accident Case Cost?
Even before the lawyer opens the case file, agree on the charges. Most car accident lawyers work on contingency fee basis, which means that there is no fee unless they win your case. Agree on the costs in writing before the case progresses.
The amount varies depending on factors such as:
- An hourly rate or retainer
- How much experience the attorney has in handling similar cases
- The expected compensation
- The speed and urgency of filing the case
Where Will the Case Be Filed?
If you live in another state, your lawyer may ask to file the case in his home state or where you have more likelihood of getting a favorable outcome. Where you are filing may affect how long the case takes and the compensation offered.
What State Laws Will Be Applied?
States have different laws. Your car accident lawyer will tell you which state laws apply to your case. The lawyer may ask to keep the lawsuit in that state, or transfer it to another jurisdiction with a better chance of winning and higher compensation.
Who Pays for Any Additional Expenses?
Many lawyers have extra fees or costs, such as additional billing if the case is filed elsewhere or if it is not included in the retainer fee. Discuss this with the lawyer when agreeing on payment terms.
The Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney
A car accident lawyer investigates accidents to determine liability. They can gather evidence that will be useful for your case. They know the right questions to ask and the legal process to follow.
The lawyer ensures you get fair compensation in minimal time. You’ll be less stressed, have someone to look after all your legal needs and, in many cases, don’t have to pay for anything until after winning the lawsuit.
