how to discuss with car accident lawyer

Talk to your lawyer about all your car accident damages and how they have affected your life. This means your stress levels, psychological symptoms, whether you sought therapy. Include details on physical limitations and impairments caused by your car accident injuries.

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What questions should you ask a car accident lawyer?

A list of questions that you should ask a car accident lawyer before deciding whether to hire him/her for your case. Do I Have a Case? This is the first question you should ask.

How do I hire a car accident lawyer?

Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. (Learn more about how much a car accident lawyer costs .) If you decide to hire an attorney, you will need to sign a fee agreement, representation agreement, or some other document formally establishing the attorney as your legal representative.

How does a car accident lawyer consultation work?

Even if an initial consultation has taken place online or over the telephone, the attorney will not have a full picture of the facts and circumstances surrounding your car accident case until the two of you can sit down and talk. The first step will involve you explaining the facts of the accident, and the damages you've sustained.

How do car accident attorneys get paid?

Most car accident attorneys will work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if you win. Contingent fee lawyers charge a percentage - in Florida it is 33 1/3 % if the case settles before suit is filed and 40%, if suit has to be filed.

What do you ask for after a car accident?

According to the III, here's the most important information drivers should exchange after an accident: Full name and contact information. Insurance company and policy number. Driver's license and license plate number.

What are the 7 steps to dealing with a car accident?

How to Handle a Car Accident in 7 Easy StepsMove to a safe area (if you can) ... Stop your vehicle and get out. ... Check on others involved. ... Call the police to the scene. ... Gather info. ... Document the scene. ... File your insurance claim.

How do you deal with a car accident that is your fault?

Even if you were fully at fault for a car accident, there are things you should do to protect your rights.Stop and Stay Safe. Stop and make sure you are out of the way of traffic. ... Report the Car Accident. Call the police to report the accident. ... Exchange Information. ... Document the Scene. ... Tell Your Insurance Company.

What should I ask for in a settlement?

The following items will be factored in to a potential settlement:Past and future medical bills.Rehabilitation costs.Pain and suffering.Therapy.Lost wages and/or future income.

What should you not say to your insurance company after an accident?

Even if you know the accident was your fault, don't say sorry or admit guilt at the scene as your insurer might have a clause about it. Exchange details with the other's involved and get in touch with your insurer to report the incident.

What is the first step you should take after a collision?

If you are involved in a collision, stop your car at or near the collision scene. If you can, move your car off the road so you do not block traffic. Protect yourself and others from oncoming traffic. Failure to stop at the scene of a collision in which you are involved can result in your arrest warrant.

How do insurance companies determine fault?

Insurance companies determine fault based on the legal definition of negligence in the state where the accident occurred. Negligence occurs when a person fails to exercise the amount of caution a reasonable person would under the same circumstances.

How do you scare insurance adjusters?

The best way to scare insurance carriers or adjusters is to have an attorney by your side to fight for you. You should not settle for less.

Will my insurance pay if I am at fault?

If you are considered at fault for an accident or loss, your insurer won't be able to recover their costs if they've paid for your repairs. Not only that, the third party or their insurer will probably claim back their own costs from your insurance company.

What is a good settlement?

A good settlement offer should not only be able to cover your hospital bills and legal fees, but it should also be equivalent to close to a years' worth of your current wages, especially in cases where your injuries may be permanent or cause some kind of disability.

How do lawyers negotiate settlements?

The negotiation process typically starts with your lawyer providing a written proposal for settlement to the insurance adjuster or the defendant's lawyer. The adjuster or lawyer will respond to your lawyer either in writing or over the phone.

How do you negotiate a car insurance settlement?

8 Auto Accident Settlement Negotiation TipsInitiate a Claim as Soon as Possible After an Auto Accident.Keep Accurate Records About the Accident.Calculate a Fair Settlement.Send a Detailed Demand Letter to the Insurance Company.Do Not Accept the First Offer.Emphasize the Points in Your Favor.Get Everything in Writing.More items...

Should I Pursue This Case?

Whether to pursue your car accident case depends on a number of factors, including your own goals for the case. The purpose of pursuing a car accident case is to secure a monetary recovery for your harms and losses. But not everyone involved in a car accident has a good case for a monetary recovery.

What Is Your Background? Have You Taken Cases like This One Before?

Just like any field, lawyers have specialties, so it’s important to find one whose experience makes them a good fit for your case. Your attorney should not only specialize in car accident law but be able to point to past experience that aligns with your case.

How Are Your Fees Structured?

Lawyers structure fees differently. Some may charge a flat fee or hourly rates. Others take cases on a contingency basis, meaning they will only be paid if a case resolves in your favor. For a car accident, you should strongly consider an attorney who structures their fees this way.

Who Will Be Handling My Case?

Lawyers are not the only team members at a law firm. Legal teams are also composed of paralegals, law clerks, case managers, litigation managers and assistants, among others.

What Kind of Damages Can I Claim?

There may be many economic damages in a serious car accident case, including property damage, medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost income, and more. There may also be more intangible losses: pain and suffering, physical impairment, emotional distress, and others.

Should a lawyer know about an injury?

If you know about an injury, your lawyer should know too. It's vital your lawyer knows everything. It is almost more important for your lawyer to be aware of something related to your body than it is for your doctor to be aware. Well, maybe equally as important.

Is an accident lawyer a medical opinion?

What? Your opinion matters, and don't let any accident lawyer tell you differently. No, it's not a "medical" opinion but it's valid nonetheless. If you feel as though some pain, injury, or condition is not healing and you fear permanency, you should explore it with your doctor and keep your lawyer in the loop.

How Much Do You Charge and What is a Contingency Fee?

How Much Do You Charge and What is a Contingency Fee? This is usually one of the most important questions for most car accident victims, as you may want to sue, but may be afraid of being faced with large legal bills if you don't win. Most car accident attorneys will work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if you win.

What Court Fees and Costs Will I Be Responsible For?

What Court Fees and Costs Will I Be Responsible For? Even if a lawyer charges on a contingent fee basis, you may be responsible for court costs and fees and other costs the lawyer incurs in investigating and bringing the lawsuit. Our firm does not charge you fees or costs, unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you.

How Long Do I Have to File My Lawsuit?

How Long Do I Have to File My Lawsuit? There is a statute of limitations - or a maximum time limit - that you have in most jurisdictions if you want to file a lawsuit. It is important to know what this deadline is, so you can make sure you file your lawsuit before the deadline passes.

What Are My Potential Damages?

What Are My Potential Damages? You may be able to recover not only for medical bills and lost wages, but also for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or other types of damages you suffered. Your lawyer should be able to fully explain to you the extent of your recovery options.

What Is My Case Worth?

What Is My Case Worth? Ask this question. Your lawyer will have some idea. It is true that it can be a broad range based upon discovery, liability and unknown medical issues. At the very least, your lawyer should be able to provide a spectrum and explain the unknowns to you. Use your own judgment.

How Long Do You Think My Case Will Take?

How Long Do You Think My Case Will Take? It may take a long time for a case to go to trial and an even longer time for you to get your money. It is important to be aware of this, so you can make plans for how to handle medical bills in the meantime.

Have You Tried These Types of Personal Injury Cases Before?

Have You Tried These Types of Personal Injury Cases Before? Lawyers are hungry to get personal injury lawsuits. There is immense competition and some firms spend millions of dollars on advertising. Do not assume, just based upon advertising, that the lawyer has handled or tried your type of case. Ask for your lawyer's experience and results.

Case Investigation and Discovery

The best car accident lawyer will begin by gathering as much information about the case as possible. The attorney may hire expert witnesses and use all the evidence available to determine the fault and show the nature and extent of injuries suffered by the client.

Discusses Claims With Insurance

When there is an accident, the auto insurance of the person and that of the other party will want to get information from the victim. Workers’ compensation insurance may also join in case of on-job injury.

Helps People to Understand Their Rights

Many drivers and road users aren’t conversant with personal injury laws regarding auto accidents. Therefore, it’s understandable when such individuals don’t know their rights. Furthermore, those who aren’t at fault aren’t supposed to pay for the resulting damages.

Represents People Throughout Work Compensation Process

Sometimes a car accident case may involve a workers compensation claim. A car accident lawyer can help such a person prepare and provide all the necessary reports and form submissions. If the insurance is unwilling to settle the claim, the lawyer can help the affected person with their petition for benefits.

Researches Product Defects

When a defective product is established as the possible cause of the accident, a lawyer will research similar incidents to put a strong case. In addition, the lawyer for a car accident will search for more information about the defective product on consumer and government websites and previous lawsuits.

Assesses the Extent of the Damage

After an accident, the affected person may be quick to notice immediate costs, but it’s only an experienced car accident injury lawyer who will help in looking at all the possible ways the accident will affect the victim.

Arranges for Non-Destructive Testing

When a defective product is responsible for an accident, the injured person should collect it before the manufacturer or insurance company. If such a product gets to the hands of the defendants’ team first, they may conduct destructive testing, thereby destroying it and making it harder for the plaintiffs to proceed with the case.