What You Need To Know About Your Auto Accident Case

Posted on: 4 May 2022

If you have been hurt in a car accident that was not your fault, you may have a lot of questions about what is about to happen. You can rest a lot easier once you speak to an auto accident lawyer about your case. The below common questions should get you started as you plan what to ask at your first appointment. Make the most of your first meeting by writing down these and other important questions.

Do I Have a Good Case?

A lot hinges on the answer to this question. Auto accident lawyers look for cases that have these characteristics, for example:

  • The other driver is at fault, undisputedly.
  • You sought medical treatment for your injuries.
  • You have proof of your damages, like eyewitnesses and more.

Do You Offer Contingency Fee Arrangements?

When a lawyer offers this sort of arrangement, you don't have to pay them unless your case is successful, and you are paid a settlement. A contingency fee lawyer takes cases that they know they can win or otherwise, they will not be paid. In most cases, the lawyer using contingency fee arrangements is paid a certain percentage of the settlement.

How Much Money Can I be Paid?

Your lawyer may only be able to give you a ballpark figure at this point and some won't even do that. The reason is that some investigations must be carried out to verify things like fault, insurance coverage, evidence, and more. Once your lawyer has the scope of your case, you will both decide on how much to demand from the other side. However, you can anticipate being paid for your medical expenses, lost wages from time missed from work, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.

Will My Case Settle?

When your case settles, you won't need to take it to court. Settling has several advantages over a court case, such as:

  • You can be paid sooner.
  • You don't have to go through the stress of preparing for and appearing in court.
  • It's less expensive to settle since you don't have to pay court costs.

Almost all personal injury cases settle outside of court for the above reasons. However, complex cases that involve more than two vehicles, when the sides don't agree on fault, and when there are countersuits being filed are not often good candidates for settling. Your lawyer can help you understand what type of case you have.

Speak to an auto accident lawyer to find out more.

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