Accidents are common and sometimes inevitable. Sometimes, no matter how cautious you are, you’re not exempt from being subjected to them. After being involved in an accident, we may enter a state of shock, especially if the injuries are too severe. Dealing with the aftermath of an accident alone is hard. That’s why you should contact a lawyer to handle the paperwork, get you the compensation you deserve, and negotiate on your behalf. However, consider asking your attorney the following four questions to guarantee the best outcome of your case.
1. What are the Costs and Charging Protocols?
It is important to know the amount of money that you will need to spend to pursue a case before you advance. This is because sometimes, the obstacles and cash won’t be worth your while. Lawyers charge differently according to the case and their protocols. Some of them will ask for contingency fees only, meaning that they will take a percentage of the money you will recover after you win.
Other attorneys work on a contingency fee basis in addition to the case-related costs. It is crucial to know how much you will pay in the event of losing the case. Some of them will ask for the out-of-pocket costs only, while others will fully charge you for their time. You should pick the option that suits you best and make sure to go for the experienced lawyer, not the one that will charge less.
2. How Can You Help with the Case?
An experienced lawyer should know how much your case is worth. Not only in terms of money spent, but the benefits you will gain out of pursuing a lawsuit. Furthermore, the attorney should be able to provide you with all the factors that might affect the outcome of the lawsuit. Have you been drinking or under the influence when the accident happened? It might lead to a DUI case that would be considered as criminal charges. For instance, the extent of your responsibility in your injury, the position of the defendant, and pre-existing medical issues. That being said, understanding the law will help you gain a clear picture and avoid unrealistic assumptions.
Negotiations are one of the hardest aspects of a case, so the lawyer you choose should have the reputation of being a good negotiator. They will talk with the at-fault party and the insurance company to make sure that you get a fair settlement. Calculating future losses and meeting the deadline for filing the papers are also a part of their job.
If your lawyer promises you that your case will be settled, you should consider getting a second opinion. This is more pressing if you live in a state as populated as Colorado. If you ask a Denver personal injury attorney, you will understand that every lawyer must expect the case to go to trial. This is because it is hard to foretell everything the defendant’s lawyers will throw at you. That way, you will keep your expectations in check and prepare yourself for standing before a jury. The lawyer will have to advocate for you in court and give you proper representation as well.
3. What are the Injuries Worth?
Injuries control a huge part of the settlement and the amount of compensation you will get. When they are severe, you will be entitled to a lot of money to cover your medical expenses such as surgery, prescriptions, doctor visits, and recovery necessities. The cash should also cover the lost wages during the period that you will be unable to work. You will also get paid for property damage if you were in a car accident.
Less tangible injuries such as mental distress and anguish that emerge from the trauma of the incident are worth a lot. This is especially if physical disfigurement is a part of the effects of the accident. A smart lawyer will be able to prove it even if the defendant’s attorneys try to invalidate your pain and suffering.
4. Can I Have the Number of Past Clients?
Hiring the first lawyer that you come across may do more damage than going to settlement meetings on your own. This is because if the legal practitioner doesn’t have experience in your kind of case, they may fail to get you compensation. The best way to figure out the success rate is by asking for past clients’ information. This way, you will know that the lawyer has dealt with similar cases, and you will get to hear the stories of people that were in your position.
Questions are the key to understanding the law and your position before filing a lawsuit after an accident. This is to know whether it is worth investing money, time, and effort or if the case isn’t worth the fight. Asking the right questions will also help you determine whether you landed the right lawyer or should keep looking. The above four questions will help guide you through the process following an accident.
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