What Questions Should You Ask Your Attorney After a Car Accident?
Car accidents are stressful in any situation, but they are even more stressful after an injury that may significantly affect your life. After a car accident, several things should be done to make sure everyone is safe, to follow the law, and to make sure the insurance claim process is started. If you are a victim and feel that you need to seek out an auto accident attorney, certain questions need to be asked. Here is a list to get started when consulting with auto accident attorneys.
- What should I do first?
An attorney from The May Firm would first advise a car accident victim to seek out medical care. The extent of injuries may not be fully evident immediately after the accident. Sometimes, it takes several days, weeks, and even months to realize the full extent of an injury. A medical professional will be able to diagnose any injuries and identify any injuries which might worsen over time.
- How can I protect my case?
Often, to preserve a case, an attorney will advise clients to keep from giving a statement to the opposing insurance company. It will be important for the attorney to first review all of the facts.
- How much time do I have?
Each state has a statute of limitations, so it’s important to know how long you have until you need to file a claim. Connecticut eliminated its no-fault insurance system in 1994 but if your claim is not filed within a certain timeframe, there is no legal action that can be taken. Once a claim is filed, there will also be other deadlines that an attorney will have during the life of the case.
- What information do I need?
Like any attorney, car accident attorneys will need to document all parts of the accident, case, and injuries. Ask your auto accident lawyer about what types of evidence, witnesses, documents, and photographs they will need to best handle the case. This will help as you make requests of witnesses, insurance companies, and others involved.
- How often and how will you communicate with me?
It is important to understand how your attorney will communicate with you. It is essential in a personal injury claim case that an attorney check in regularly with their client to give updates. Find out if the attorney will be contacting you or a paralegal or legal assistant will be doing the bulk of communication. Will communication be conducted via email, telephone, or in-person meetings at the attorney’s law office? To avoid stress and uncertainty in the future, consider establishing a communication protocol with the attorney.
- Should I take an offer from the other insurance company?
Always speak to your attorney before taking an offer from the other insurance company. Insurance adjusters often try to pay as little as possible. Insurance companies are usually concerned with their bottom line and they make an offer that is lower than it should be. Make sure to contact your attorney, who has your best interest in mind.
- How much will it cost to hire an attorney?
The cost of hiring an attorney will vary from one firm to the next. Many personal injury claims do not require any upfront payment at all. All fees and costs are collected from a final settlement. If the case is not won, the client pays no money.
A victim of a car accident should have to suffer more pain. Asking these questions may help protect the victim from more unnecessary worry.