Car accidents can be stressful and overwhelming experiences that can leave you with physical injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. It only takes just a second of your or someone else’s negligence behind the wheel, and bad things can happen.

After the initial stress of being a car accident victim, you have to think rationally. You have to pick up and react on time to find out your legal options and how to protect your rights and interests. The help of an experienced lawyer might come in handy (tips on hiring them are here), as you might be confused with all the deadlines, forms, and procedures you must follow.

Some car accidents with minor vehicle or property damage can be resolved out of the court and without a lawyer. But, if you were a participant in a car crash where you or someone else suffered serious injuries or significant material damage, hiring a lawyer is a must. And before doing that, here’s what you should ask them.

 

What Should I Do First?

After the initial shock, you’ll probably want to call your lawyer to guide you on what to do next. Certainly, their first advice is to get medical help and diagnosis for all injuries. Some internal wounds may not be noticeable, but their consequences may occur later.

Then, your lawyer will advise you to wait for the official report from the accident site and document all the evidence. Check what photos you need to take, what documentation to get, and how the witness will best benefit your case. In the meantime, don’t fall under the pressure of insurers and attorneys of the opposite side until your lawyer comes. Also, don’t sign anything that’s not an official police report.

Of course, be sure to ask when you need to react. In general, the deadline for filing a lawsuit is usually up to two years. But there are also deadlines the lawyers must follow, so if you decide to hire an attorney, you should also meet them.

 

How Will You Handle My Case?

After giving the attorney all the necessary information, reports, and evidence, you will want to know whether or not they can pursue your case. It’s a matter of free judgment of the legal representatives, and they certainly have the right not to accept your case. But if they do, it’s good to know how it will go, that is, what plan the lawyer has to achieve a favorable outcome.

More tips on collecting evidence after car accident find below:

https://www.justia.com/car-accidents/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident/evidence-in-car-accident-cases/

Now is the moment to ask whether the chosen lawyer will personally work on your case or leave it to one of the partners. This may not be of crucial importance because your representative will certainly be legally knowledgeable. But it’s still good to know who’ll be on your case so that you can establish the best cooperation.

Once you know who’s in charge of your legal issue, don’t hesitate to find out how you’ll communicate. Some lawyers meet with clients in person, while others don’t have much time, so they prefer phone or email correspondence. Also, don’t hesitate to ask how frequent you’ll be in touch.

 

Can You Help Me Negotiate With the Insurance Company?

If you’re injured or damaged in a car crash, the opposing party will likely try to offer you compensation. Their goal is to make it as low as possible, so don’t expect high amounts. Even if you think you got a fair offer, don’t accept it without consulting an attorney.

Car accident attorneys have many years of experience in negotiating with insurance companies. They can’t tell you the exact figure they can get for your case, but if you hire an experienced personal injury attorney Raleigh NC, they’ll definitely guide you in the process and the amount you should expect.

 

Should We Go to the Court?

If you fail to settle, that is, if your lawyer can’t get you fair compensation, ask them if they will go to court. This is a slightly longer process where you’ll prove the damage and injuries all over again, but the final outcome can be much more favorable. Plus, there are court costs that the defendant will have to pay if a judgment is entered in your favor.

In case of a trial, you might wonder how long it takes. That doesn’t depend only on your lawyer. If the court and the insurance company are involved, checks on their part can prolong the trial up to a year.

 

Can You Provide References from Similar Cases?

After bringing out the details of your case and before making a decision on hiring a car accident lawyer, you should learn about the expertise of your prospective legal representative. Ask them for references and experience in similar trials.

Certainly, the lawyers’ past successes do not guarantee results in your case. It’s always good to have someone experienced and professional watching your back, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid less experienced attorneys, especially if they come from a well-established firm for car accidents. They certainly have good teachers and support.

 

How Much Will Your Services Cost?

In cases of car accidents, most lawyers work on a contingency basis, that is, they don’t charge their costs until they have won a settlement for you. Then they take a percentage, about which you must be informed before the process begins. Also, be sure to ask if there are any fee differences if the attorney chooses to settle out of court or the case goes to court. Inquiry about possible additional fees to avoid unpleasant surprises, and check this website to know what costs you can expect.

Whether you’re dealing with an insurance company or need to file a claim, a car accident lawyer can give you the guidance, support, and legal representation to achieve a successful outcome. But before hiring them, ask some questions to get a better insight into your case and know what to expect.