what to expect car accident attorney

If you retain an experienced car accident attorney, you will receive the following services and benefits:

• Free initial consultation: Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation to prospective clients.
• Investigation: An attorney’s investigation may include obtaining police reports, photos of the scene and of the car (s) involved in the accident, procuring witness statements, and various other documents.
• C laims: Your attorney will advise you as to what types of auto accident claims you may pursue.

Full Answer

How do I hire a car accident lawyer?

Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. (Learn more about how much a car accident lawyer costs .) If you decide to hire an attorney, you will need to sign a fee agreement, representation agreement, or some other document formally establishing the attorney as your legal representative.

How does a car accident lawyer consultation work?

Even if an initial consultation has taken place online or over the telephone, the attorney will not have a full picture of the facts and circumstances surrounding your car accident case until the two of you can sit down and talk. The first step will involve you explaining the facts of the accident, and the damages you've sustained.

Will my car accident case go to trial?

Most car accident cases settle. But in order to obtain the best outcome possible, your attorney must have the ability to take your case to trial and win. Who will actually handle the case?

What does the first visit involve after a car accident?

After a car accident, once you've made the decision to hire an attorney, you're probably wondering what the first visit will entail. There are two main reasons for this meeting. The first is for the attorney to assess your case. The second is for you to make sure you're comfortable having this person represent you.

Expect Your Injury Accident Lawyer to Be Knowledgeable

To practice personal injury law successfully in Florida, an attorney must know the state’s laws, case law, and the court system. You should expect your lawyer to be in the business of practicing personal injury law.

Expect Your Attorney to Have the Necessary Resources

To make your case effectively, your lawyer must call on a variety of resources, including experts in the medical field. Investigators, accident scene reconstruction specialists, and other subject matter experts may also contribute.

Expect Your Car Accident Lawyer to Be Proactive

You should never have to worry about whether your lawyer is pushing your injury claim through the process, rather than waiting to see what happens next.

Expect Your Car Accident Lawyer to Be Prepared

The insurance company’s lawyers will scrutinize every document, and they will not hesitate to produce repeated requests for information. If your car accident lawyer prepares your claim with as much documentation as possible, they may have a difficult time in drawing out the process.

Expect Your Car Accident Lawyer to Communicate

You should expect your attorney to keep you up-to-date on where your claim is in the process.

Expect Your Car Accident Attorney to Provide Answers

Most car accident clients do not have a familiarity with the law. In fact, this may be your first experience with a legal action. So, it stands to reason that you will have many questions.

Expect Your Personal Injury Lawyer to Take Payment When You Do

After a car accident, you will have many unforeseen expenses and, if your injury keeps you from working, a potential financial challenge. You should expect your lawyer not to require upfront fees and, instead, receive payment when your case settles.