A careless driver could affect your life in many ways. Fortunately, civil law provides accident victims with the legal means to be paid for their losses. To ensure you are paid what you deserve, it's important to seek legal help and retain a personal injury lawyer. The way you and your lawyer get along and work together can influence your chances of personal injury success. Read on to find out more.
Find Out if You Have a Good Case
The best way to approach your accident losses is to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. As soon as you are well enough, make an appointment for a consultation. Consultations are often free of charge and you'll leave the office knowing whether or not you have a good case. When it comes to personal injury cases, a good case might mean the following:
If the lawyer agrees that you have a good case, they might agree to represent you and be paid by contingency fee arrangement. This means that you will only owe a legal fee if you win your case.
Understand How to Communicate With Your Lawyer
As you come to an agreement with the lawyer and sign the retainer, address communication issues with them too. Most have policies in place to deal with ongoing phone calls, texts, emails, etc. Don't be surprised to work alongside not just the lawyer but others in the office. Paralegal assistants often take on part of the work for the lawyer so that they are free to negotiate with insurance companies and represent clients in court. Patience will be needed with your case. It can take months for settlements to be made and for cases to come to court. Stay in touch and keep your lawyer apprised of all changes to your medical status or any communication you receive in regard to medical bills and insurance issues.
Don't Be Hasty to Change Lawyers
Things can get tough for accident victims as they recover and begin to deal with the consequences of the wreck. It's not uncommon to become dissatisfied with your legal representation and want to speak to someone else. You may want to get a second opinion from another lawyer but if you end up changing lawyers you might owe the original one for the work they've already done for you. In many cases, the lawyers are doing everything possible to win you the compensation you need. If you have concerns about the way your case is proceeding, it's best to be upfront with your lawyer. Speak to your lawyer to learn more.
For an example of a car accident attorney, look online for one near you to find one like Anthony Smith Law, P.A.
Share17 October 2019
It can be hard to know what to do to protect yourself legally in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. You’re liable to be disoriented or in shock, you may be injured, and you’re surely worried about your passenger or the other driver. At least, that’s how I felt. The thing is, the things you say and do in the immediate aftermath of an accident may affect a legal case later. Depending on who’s at fault and what the laws are in your state, you may want to sue the other driver for damages, or you may find yourself being sued. My blog is designed to give you tips for a car accident lawsuit, no matter which side you find yourself on.