what questions to ask a lawyer after a car accident

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer After a Car Accident

• Do I Have a Case? ...
• Have You Tried These Types of Cases Before? ...
• How Much Do You Charge? ...
• What Other Fees Are There? ...
• How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit? ...
• What is My Case Worth? ...
• How Long Will My Case Take? ...
• Who in the Law Firm Will be Working on My Case? ...
• Do You Have the Time to Work on My Case? ...
• What is Your Litigation Experience? ...

Full Answer

What are 3 things you do immediately after a car accident?

11 Important Steps to Take After a Car CrashDetermine whether anyone is hurt. ... Get yourself and your vehicle out of danger. ... Contact the police. ... Collect important information. ... Document the scene. ... Avoid roadside discussions about responsibility. ... Call a tow truck if needed. ... Call your insurance company.More items...•Jun 21, 2021

What should I ask for after an 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.Type, color and model of vehicle.Location of accident.

What should you not say after a car accident?

Don't say “I'm sorry” DON'T! 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”.

How do you deal with aftermath of a car accident?

There are things you can do to cope with your feelings after an accident.Talk to friends, relatives, or a counselor. Go over the details of the accident. ... Stay active. Exercise often. ... Follow up with your family doctor. ... Try to get back to daily activities and routines. ... Learn to be a defensive driver.Sep 24, 2019

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.May 6, 2020

Who gets the insurance check when a car is totaled?

If you're financing a car that's been totaled, your insurance company will likely make the claim check payable to both you and your lender, which means you'll have to come to an agreement with your lender on how to release that money, the Insurance Information Institute (III) says.

Should I get checked out after a car accident?

DO check for any injuries to you or your passengers, then check for injuries with any others involved. If anyone is injured, dial 999 and ask for the police. DO get all passengers out of the vehicle and make sure they're safe.

What should you not say when making an insurance claim?

As a car accident attorney, I recommend you don't say these 6 things to an insurance adjuster when they're investigating your case."Sorry" or "It was my fault" ... "I'm OK" or "I'm Fine" ... "They Came out of Nowhere" ... "I Think…" ... "Sure, You Can Record a Statement" ... "I'm thinking about seeing a doctor…"Aug 20, 2020

Do insurance rates go up after no fault accident?

Unfortunately, yes it does. In many cases, your premiums will go up after you've declared a non-fault claim to your insurance provider. This is because certain circumstances surrounding the accident, even if it wasn't your fault, may lead to more accidents in the future.Sep 20, 2021

How much can I claim for anxiety after a car accident?

There is no set compensation payout that's awarded for a personal injury, including anxiety. Instead, compensation is calculated based on the type of injury and how severe it is, and the impact on the claimant's life. Also taken into account is if the injury has cost you financially.Nov 11, 2021

What are the symptoms of shock after an accident?

Post-accident shock symptoms may include:Unpredictable emotions.Increased interpersonal conflict.Flashbacks.Rapid heartbeat.Sweating.Difficulty concentrating.Sleep changes.Nightmares.More items...•Sep 30, 2020

How long after a car accident can you feel pain?

Mild injuries will usually be apparent right away, such as bruises or cuts. Injuries beneath the skin's surface, like a torn muscle or traumatic brain injury (TBI), can take longer to physically manifest. It can take 24 to 48 hours for initial symptoms to appear and one to two weeks for full delayed pain symptoms.Sep 27, 2021

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

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

What to do after a car accident in Portland?

After an accident, it is very important to seek the assistance of a Portland car accident lawyer. Hiring a lawyer to represent you in the courtroom and at the negotiating table can provide significant benefits to your case, from access to expert witnesses to negotiation skills.

How long does a car accident last?

Car accident cases can last for a few months to a few years, depending on the severity and complexity of the accident. A personal injury lawyer should be able to review your case and provide an honest answer as to how long it may take to recover compensation.

Who handles all cases by himself?

Some firms have one attorney who handles all cases by him or herself. Other firms have case managers, paralegals, and junior attorneys who communicate with clients on the lead attorney’ s behalf. If it is important for you to have a lawyer who is very involved in your claim, ask who will be handling your case and who you will be communicating with.

Do all car accident cases end up in court?

Not all car accident claims end up in the courtroom. In fact, the majority of cases resolve in a settlement, either during the insurance process or in pre-trial negotiations. However, there are certain situations where your attorney should go to trial—if you have very high damages that exceed an insurance company’s policy limits, for example, your attorney should not settle for an insufficient settlement. Instead, your lawyer should be willing to pursue your case to the fullest extent possible so you can obtain the settlement you need to recover.

Should I hire a criminal defense lawyer for a car accident?

Just like you wouldn’t want to hire a podiatrist to perform brain surgery, you don’t want to hire a criminal defense lawyer for a car accident claim. Ensuring that your attorney has relevant experience in your practice area is crucial to finding the right firm.

1. Are You Familiar With Cases Like This?

One of the most important questions for a lawyer is about their experience.

2. Is My Case Strong Enough To Cover My Losses?

A serious accident can be expensive to recover from. Damage to your vehicle can be costly to repair even with insurance. Health bills can start to add up.

3. How Does Negotiation Work?

Not all cases go to court. In reality, you probably want to avoid court if at all possible. Court cases often take much longer to facilitate than settlements.

4. How Long Will The Case Last?

A car accident lawyer might not be able to answer this question up front, but you should still ask.

5. Will I Be Able To Seek Treatment?

Lastly, make sure to ask about your treatment options. Some lawyers may prefer you work with certain physical therapists to manage your pain.

Your Car Accident Lawyer

At Barnes Law Firm, we provide dedicated representation for those who’ve been hurt as a result of negligence. We specialize in automobile accidents for clients in Texas and around the country. If you’ve been in an accident, don’t hesitate.