what to expect hiring a lawyer for auto accident

Full Answer

When to hire an attorney after a car accident?

When should you hire a lawyer for a car accident?

• Having a lawyer can increase your compensation. ...
• A legal misstep will affect your compensation. ...
• There are no drawbacks to talking to a lawyer. ...
• You are up against the insurance company not the at-fault driver. ...
• Timing is important in a car accident case. ...

When do you need to hire a car accident lawyer?

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

• FLORIDA. Retaining a competent and experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible is vital if you are injured in a wreck.
• ALABAMA. When do you need to hire an auto accident lawyer? ...
• ARIZONA. ...
• CALIFORNIA. ...
• GEORGIA. ...
• ILLINOIS. ...
• INDIANA. ...
• LOUISIANA. ...
• MASSACHUSETTS. ...
• NORTH DAKOTA. ...

More items...

Do I need an attorney for a car accident?

You are not required to hire an attorney after a car accident. In most cases, in fact, it is unnecessary. Start by filing an insurance claim and proceed from there. If you are offered a settlement that you feel is unjustly low, you should hire a lawyer to negotiate on your behalf.

How to find the right car accident attorney for You?

Tips on Working with Your Lawyer

1. First, the lawyer should have a great reputation. Research reviews of lawyers by other clients to see how many other people have had success with him or her.
2. If you are the one filing the lawsuit, find a lawyer with the experience and knowledge to handle your case. ...
3. Ask the lawyer for a summary of his or her practice in these types of cases. ...

More items...

How do car accident lawyers work?

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.

What to do after a car accident?

Make the most out of your first meeting with a car accident attorney, and make sure this person is the best fit for you and your case. After a car accident, once you've made the decision to hire an attorney, you're probably wondering what the first visit will entail. There are two main reasons for this meeting.

What is the first step in a car accident case?

The first step will involve you explaining the facts of the accident, and the damages you've sustained.

What documents do you need to file an accident claim?

You'll also need to provide any documents you have relating to the accident, such as medical bills, car repair estimates/invoices, photographs, police reports, e-mails and letters from insurance companies (and copies of any insurance claims you've filed related to the accident).

Why do attorneys turn down cases?

Attorneys turn down cases for a variety of reasons, including: the attorney's workload. potential conflicts of interest. the scope of the lawsuit goes beyond the attorney's skills and experience, and. the attorney's firm may not have the financial resources to try your case, even though it has potential.

Do attorneys handle every aspect of a case?

Some attorneys may give the impression that they'll handle every aspect of your case, but many have inexperienced associates handle most of the work surrounding the case, with your attorney stepping in only when there's a trial or during settlement negotiations.

Is a first meeting with an attorney protected?

Even if you haven't hired the attorney, your first meeting is protected by attorney client privilege. Not to mention that if you withhold information that hurts your case, it will come back to haunt you.

What is an auto accident lawyer?

Auto Accident law is a complicated area of the law that often requires the help of an Auto Accident lawyer. A personal injury attorney helps people who have been injured in automobile accidents recover funds from the other driver. These funds can be used to cover medical expenses, provide for long-term rehabilitation, provide for lost wages, and provide for emotional pain and suffering. An experienced auto accident lawyer will know which laws apply to the particular situation, and how they can be enforced.

Can you get a settlement if your accident is successful?

If your case is successful, you may receive a settlement in addition to a car insurance discount.

1. How Long Will It Take?

Sometimes car accident victims go in with the expectation that their lawsuit or claim will be resolved quickly and seamlessly. While this is always the goal, case results and timelines always vary based on the severity of the traffic accident.

2. How Do I Pay You?

One thing you don’t want to do is pay your attorney by the hour. Your case could potentially take months to complete. You’d end up paying more in attorney fees than what you actually get back as compensation.

3. Have You Handled Similar Cases to Mine?

You should ask your car accident lawyer how many cases they typically handle. You’ll want to know if they have experience dealing with accidents and injuries that are similar to yours.

4. What Is Your Car Accident Case Experience?

While you should ask how many similar cases each lawyer has handled, you should also inquire about their overall car accident case experience. Asking specific questions will help give you a better understanding of how qualified an attorney is.

5. What Do I Need to Do?

Knowing what role you will have to play during the process of your case is important. Typically, you will only have to directly communicate with your attorney. When it comes to talking to insurance adjusters, your lawyer will speak on your behalf.

6. Will This Affect My Car Insurance?

Having multiple car accidents on your driving record may increase your car insurance premiums. Because of this, you need to contact a car accident attorney immediately after you’ve been in an accident.

Partner With the Best Car Accident Lawyer

Being in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. Your whole life can get turned upside down in just a few moments.

What to expect when meeting with a car accident lawyer?

When you initially meet with the car accident lawyer, you’ll want to get a feel for how they perceive your case. This is when you can gauge whether or not they’re the right ones for you to hire.

Why do you need an experienced lawyer?

A big reason that you need an experienced lawyer is for the guidance that they can offer you throughout this process. They can tell you how to handle the case moving forward.

1. Expect a Free Consultation

Most work accident lawyers offer a free consultation to determine if the case is worth pursuing. During this consultation, the lawyer will ask about the accident and injuries sustained. They will also ask about work hours, pay, and any other losses incurred as a result of the accident.

2. Expect a Comprehensive Case Review

Work accident lawyers offer a comprehensive case review to help accident victims understand their legal options. During this review, your lawyer will assess the details of your case and advise you on the best way to proceed. They will also help you understand your rights and responsibilities under the state’s workers’ compensation law.

3. Expect Honest and Accurate Advice

When seeking legal representation after a workplace accident, it’s important to expect honest and accurate advice from your lawyer. This means they will be upfront with you about the likely outcome of your case, and they will not promise results that they cannot deliver.

4. Expect to Work With an Experienced Team of Experts

Work accident lawyers are a vital part of the process when seeking damages after a workplace accident. Experienced lawyers will guide you through the process, working for you every step of the way. They will ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your situation.

5. Expect a Zealous Representation of Your Interests

When choosing a work accident lawyer, you should expect a zealous representation of your interests. This means your lawyer will fight for you every step of the way, and they will do everything in their power to get you the damages that you deserve.

6. Expect Regular Communication

Accident injury lawyers should be in regular communication with their clients, providing regular updates on the case status. This allows the client to be informed and make decisions accordingly. Furthermore, it builds trust between the lawyer and the client.

7. Expect to be Treated with Compassion and Respect

Work accident lawyers are there to help you through a difficult time. They should be compassionate and understanding about your situation, and they will work to get you the best possible outcome. They will also be respectful of your time and your feelings.