A car crash is a traumatic experience, and the injuries sustained can significantly change your life. Not only will you be facing mounting hospital and personal bills, but you might also find yourself unable to work or do the things you usually do. The collision can exact an enormous physical, financial, and emotional toll on your life, which can be challenging to bounce back from. However, the good news is that you can always seek the help of a personal injury attorney to get compensation for all the injuries you suffered.
Unfortunately, if you’re injured in a car crash, you will have to move fast in making a lot of decisions. However, this is not as easy as it may sound. The uncertainty surrounding your injuries can lead you to make the wrong decisions, which will later affect your case. Therefore, it’s important to immediately consult a personal injury attorney after a car crash. Read on for some of the personal injury questions to ask your attorney after a collision.
Are You Experienced in Car Accident Law?
One of the first things that you should ask a lawyer immediately after a car crash is whether they have experience in car accident law. Remember that not every lawyer is well acquainted with car accidents and personal injury claims.
If the lawyer lacks sufficient experience in this field, then it means that he may have little knowledge of how the personal injury claim process works. This means that by hiring that particular lawyer, your chances of getting the maximum amount that you deserve are relatively minimal.
Attorneys who have passed the bar exam and hold a current license to practice law in their state can represent clients in car accident cases. However, this alone doesn’t guarantee success. To obtain the best results, seek a legal professional specializing in this specific branch of law in your state. For instance, if you’re facing DUI charges in San Jose, do research on local lawyers. You may also consider asking for recommendations from friends or family who have experience with such cases.
On the contrary, if a lawyer proves that they are well acquainted with this field and can advise on the steps you can take to maximize your claim, you should hire that particular lawyer.
How Many Car Accident Cases Have You Successfully Handled?
It’s one thing to handle a car accident case and another to win a case. Not only is it essential to work with an experienced car accident lawyer, but you’ll also want to work with a lawyer who has successfully handled car accident cases in the past as well. A lawyer with a good reputation in handling car accident cases will most likely succeed in handling your car accident case as well.
Entrusting your case a capable and experienced car accident lawyer can help secure fair compensation for your damages.
Do You Think I Have a Strong Personal Injury Case?
To recover damages sustained through a car crash, it’s paramount that you prove beyond any reasonable doubt that the defendant caused the accident due to negligence or driving under the influence. Once you confirm that the defendant breached their duty of care by acting unreasonably while driving, then you have a good chance of being compensated for all the injuries you stationed in the crash.
Although proving that the defendant was at fault may sound simple, it’s not a walk in the park. The responsibility solely lies with your lawyer to verify that your injuries were caused due to the defendant’s fault. Your attorney should also advise you on the best option to take if you don’t have a strong case, primarily in regards to settling with the insurance company.
What Should I Do to Protect My Case?
While you might have a strong case, there are some things that you should do, and there are others that can compromise your case. For starters, you should ensure to meet all your deadlines regarding filing for a lawsuit or filing a notice with your insurance company. Apart from that, you should always consult your lawyer in every matter about your case. Your attorney should debrief you on all things that you should do and something that you should avoid at all costs.
It’s crucial to secure copies of hospital bills, doctor’s fees, and receipts for medical equipment, medications, and other medical expenses to prove the nature and extent of your injuries. You must also document the damage to your car and other personal items due to the collision. On the other hand, you should avoid discussing the accident on social media, meeting with insurance adjusters without your lawyer present, and other missteps that can jeopardize your claim.
How Long Will It Take to Settle My Claim?
When it comes to personal injury lawsuits, there is no specified time when the case will end. In a real sense, a personal injury lawsuit case can last for months or even years. This is because the courts always want to ensure that you get your full and fair compensation.
It’s important to manage your expectations to avoid excessive worrying, which can hinder your recovery.
Your attorney should explain the challenges of your case with regards to the nature of the accident and who the defendant is.
Wrap Up
Since legal matters can be utterly complicated, there are many questions that you should ask your lawyer in the event of a crash. Not only will these questions give you an idea of how your case will turn out, but they can also help you choose a formidable personal injury lawyer for your case.