lawyer ask for you phone for an auto accident what do they look for

When you meet with a lawyer, the first question you should ask is if you have a case. The attorney will listen to your account of the car accident and review the police report, as well as your medical records, to get a better idea of whether you have a case against the “at-fault” driver.

Full Answer

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.

What happens if a lawyer calls you after an accident?

If a lawyer calls you after an accident, they have likely received your contact information through unethical methods, said Keith Watters of Keith Watters & Associates. These types of lawyers are considered “runners” or “solicitors” who will likely resell your case if you contract services with them.

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.

How do I recover damages from a car accident?

To recover damages from an accident, you have to prove that the other person breached a duty to you by not acting with a reasonable degree of care when he or she caused the accident. You also have to prove that you actually suffered damages and that those damages/injuries were caused by the accident.

What should you not say in a car accident?

Don't say “I'm sorry” A simple “I'm sorry” can be used to show that you admitted guilt and responsibility for the accident. Even if you mean “I'm sorry you're late for work” or “I'm sorry you are hurt” – try to avoid using the words “I'm sorry”.

What to ask for when you get in an accident?

What Do I Need to Ask For?First and last name;Address;Driver's license number;Phone number;Vehicle information – Make and Model, Year, License Plate; and.Insurance information, including.

When calling the authorities about an accident you should?

Call 9-1-1 immediately to report the collision to the police or California Highway Patrol (CHP). You must show your driver license, vehicle registration card, evidence of financial responsibility, and current address to the other driver or persons involved, or to a peace officer.

How many steps are there in the accident investigation process?

A six-step, structured approach to incident investigation (Fig 1) helps to ensure that all the causes are uncovered and addressed by appropriate actions.

What happens if you are at fault in a car accident?

If you were at fault, then your insurance company will pay for the vehicle repairs. You will pay the excess on your policy. This is the portion of any claim that you agreed with your motor insurer when you took out the cover.

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.

When should a collision driver be exchanged?

3. Exchange Information. After the accident, exchange the following information: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle.

Can you get pulled over for driving a damaged car?

Although it may not result in a direct fine, driving with a broken, missing or cracked wing-mirror can result in your vehicle being pulled over by the police. They have the right to issue you with a notice which requires repair within the next 14 days and failure to do so can result in further consequences.

What to ask a lawyer about a car accident?

When you meet with a lawyer, the first question you should ask is if you have a case. The attorney will listen to your account of the car accident and review the police report, as well as your medical records, to get a better idea of whether you have a case against the “at-fault” driver. To recover damages, your attorney will need ...

How much do car accident lawyers charge?

This means that you don’t owe them anything unless they can win your case. Contingent fee lawyers usually charge a percentage of the total settlement, which can be as much as 40 percent or more. Knowing how much your attorney charges will reduce the uncertainty as the legal process continues.

How long do you have to file a claim in Colorado?

In the state of Colorado, you only have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. While this may seem like a long time, it can pass quickly when you are focused on your recovery. Plus there are situations when you may only have a small window to file a claim, such as when you are involved in an accident with a government entity. Your attorney should be able to review your accident and inform you of any and all deadlines.

What does it mean when insurance companies pressure you to settle?

From the moment you are injured, insurance companies may pressure you to settle quickly, often using a tough and aggressive “take it or leave it” approach. They know you deserve more compensation, but their main interest is in protecting their bottom line and reducing their payouts. When this happens, injured accident victims need ...

What happens if you can't settle your insurance claim?

If you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance company and your case proceeds to trial, it will take longer for you to receive your money. However, your lawyer will go over all of your legal options with you, so you can make plans for how you will handle bills and expenses while your case is pending.

Can a lawyer tell you how much a car accident is worth?

While your lawyer cannot tell you exactly how much your case is worth, any attorney with experience negotiating and litigating car accident cases should have a general idea of how much you can expect to receive. Your lawyer should be able to go over the variables of your case and help you determine the range of compensation you may be able to obtain.

Do lawyers excel at litigation?

Not every lawyer excels at litigation. While every attempt is usually made to settle your case out of court, you also want a lawyer who has experience litigating complex car accident cases. Then, if your case does proceed to trial, you can rest assured knowing you are represented by a law firm with litigation experience—not just negotiation experience.

How Free Consultations Work

Free consultations give both you and the prospective lawyer the chance to meet and talk. During this consultation, you will ask the lawyer questions to see if the lawyer can handle your case. The lawyer will also ask you questions to make sure the he or she can represent you.

What to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer About Your Case

Free consultations usually start with your story about your accident and injuries. This will help the lawyer:

What to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer About Their Experience

Experience can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. An accident lawyer should know:

What to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer About Representation

You should ask the lawyer about your relationship if you hire them. Every law firm does things differently. And every lawyer’s practice reflects their unique personality and preferences.

Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

You should not feel pressured to make an immediate decision unless you have impending deadlines. You should take time to choose a lawyer with whom you can have a strong working relationship.

What to do if you are driving around uninsured?

Knowing what kind of coverages you have is important. Bring copies of your insurance policies, even if you are not the driver responsible for the accident.

Is it important to know about an injury?

Didn't I mention it wasn't just my knee? It's been like this since the accident. 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.

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.

What to look for in an auto accident attorney?

When choosing an attorney, look for someone who has a great deal of experience in auto accident cases. Before the first meeting with your attorney, you should come prepared with questions – your attorney may address most of your concerns before you ask anything, but it is important to come prepared.

How to contact a Colorado auto accident lawyer?

For further information and a free initial consultation with one of our experienced Colorado auto accident lawyers, call toll free 877-846-4878 or click here to request a case evaluation.

How long does it take to settle an auto accident claim?

It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year or more to settle your personal injury automobile accident claim. Ensuring full and fair compensation may take time. The insurance company will want to analyze records and photos, interview witnesses, and obtain all information related to your injuries and health issues.

What happens if you don't file a claim before the statute of limitation expires?

If a claim is not filed against the defendant before the statute of limitation expires, the injured persons are forever prevented from bringing a claim against the entities and persons who may be liable for their injuries. Make sure you know when this date is.

Can an attorney give you the exact value of your case?

Every case is different, and no attorney can give you the exact worth of your case. However, the attorney should at some point be able to give you an idea of potential damages based upon your injuries and situation.

Can you opt out of settling a case?

You can also opt against settling and take your case to trial where a judge or a jury will decide the matter. You should discuss any settlement offers with your attorney, and they can cover the pros and cons of the offer before you make any decisions.

Can you recover compensation for a car accident?

However, you may be able to recover compensation if the car accident was not your fault.

What happens if you never call a car accident lawyer?

If you never call a lawyer, you may request and accept compensation that is far lower than you deserve. You will likely be surprised by an attorney’s answer regarding the potential value of your claim. Of course, it is almost impossible to estimate the end value of a case at the beginning of the process, but an experienced law firm will be able to give you information and estimates to help establish a range.

Who can seek compensation for a car accident?

There are many different types of negligence that may result in a serious accident, and the liable parties may include other drivers, the employers of on-the-job-drivers, car manufacturers, and more. Some examples of negligence that lead to compensation for victims include:

What are the most common losses in a car accident?

The most common losses are medical bills and lost income if your injured required you to miss work. However, a skilled car accident lawyer knows that losses can include much more than existing medical bills and lost income. You can also seek compensation for intangible losses, including pain and suffering, permanent injuries, and loss of enjoyment of life.

How to get a settlement from a negligent party?

Your lawyer will file an insurance claim with the negligent party’s insurance company. They then will try to obtain the settlement you deserve straight from the insurer, which can take time going back and forth with negotiations.

What are the types of negligence?

You will have the right to seek compensation from another party that acted negligently to cause the car accident. There are many different types of negligence that may result in a serious accident, and the liable parties may include other drivers, the employers of on-the-job-drivers, car manufacturers, and more. Some examples of negligence that lead to compensation for victims include: 1 Distracted driving 2 Drunk driving 3 Aggressive driving 4 Violating traffic laws 5 Defective auto parts 6 Hazardous roads

What to do if your insurance is not adequate?

If the insurance claim is not adequate to fully compensate you for all your losses, your lawyer will then have to prepare a persuasive complaint to initiate your personal injury lawsuit.

What happens if you file a personal injury lawsuit after the statute of limitations expires?

Each state sets its own statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits and, if you file your case after the statute of limitations expires, the other party may successfully get the case dismissed and you lose your right to seek compensation. For this reason, it’s absolutely essential that you understand the time limits and begin your legal case in plenty of time.

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.

7 Questions to Ask Your Car Accident Attorney

After a car accident, what do you do next? First, you should receive medical attention and contact your insurance company. But then what? Even if you believe you were partially at fault, you should reach out to an experienced car accident law firm. You don’t want to face other attorneys or insurance companies on your own.

7 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

When asking yourself, do I need an attorney for a car accident, it can be tempting to select the first car accident attorney you come across. Whether it’s a flashy commercial, eye-catching billboard, or professional website, you may simply want to choose one and move on from this important decision. But you shouldn’t.

CONCLUSION – 7 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Being involved in a car accident is a frightening and confusing experience. After receiving medical attention and contacting your insurance company, many individuals may not be sure what to do next. They might ask, “Do I really need a car accident attorney?” The simple answer is yes.

Unscrupulous Lawyers Break Ethics Rules When They Contact Injury Victims

Falling Victim to The Predators

• Lawyers shouldn’t be soliciting clients as a general rule, so receiving an unexpected phone call from an attorney should be a warning sign for accident victims. A WXYZ Detroit story looks at the issue of ambulance chasers in that city, where accident victims are often targeted. New technology has allowed ambulance chasers to find victims even more ...

See more on enjuris.com

Violation of Conduct

Find Your Own Law Firm