After creating a list of potential lawyers to hire in your car accident case, the next step should be to ascertain the relevance of the services rendered. There are several things to be kept in order before filing your case in court. But how do you know where to start and the steps to take? How do you make your case viable and successful? Finding answers to the following questions before starting your car accident claims becomes paramount.
How Much Time Do You Have to Take Legal Action?
After the accident and the case’s specific circumstances, your physical state determines the answer to this question. The statute of limitation for personal injury cases differs from one state to another. It’s important to talk to your lawyer and inquire about the statute of limitations to understand the time you have. Your case can be dismissed when the filing is done after the statute of limitations expires. This also means you might end up losing the chance and right to seek compensation. Let your lawyer give you the timeline after an intensive assessment of the circumstances around your lawsuit.
What is Your Plan for the Car Accident Case?
The knowledge you have about the statute of limitation and the timeline will help you take the next step. You need to have an answer concerning the plan for your car accident case. Each auto accident case is unique and differs from the other. You should use the knowledge you have about a previous case or one you heard about in your situation. Allow the car accident lawyer to create the right plan for you. Consider a lawyer who is familiar with the civil court’s process and how insurance companies work. With a lawyer, it is easier to determine the plan’s effectiveness and make changes when necessary.
What Does the Lawyer Need From You?
You should ask the lawyer what the attorney needs from you for the case to proceed smoothly. Getting the answer to this question is beneficial in many aspects. Firstly, the answer you get will show the lawyer’s willingness to participate and offer help when needed. Secondly, you get informed on the lawyer’s roles in the case and the expectation of having. Finally, it helps you gather information and evidence needed for the case. This includes medical records, pictures and videos of the accident scene, and witness testimonials, among other information. If you have everything needed, saving time and resources for both you and the car accident lawyer becomes possible.
How Will You Pay the Medical Bills While the Case is Pending?
You should note that car accident claims can take time. This means that the medical bills will pile up as you wait for the case to be resolved. You need to figure out a way to cover the treatment costs and other expenses until the case verdict is given. Remember, your health depends on how you keep up with the treatment needs. Your lawyer should guide and help you access aids such as personal injury protection coverage (PIP), Supplemental insurance, medical payments coverage, litigation funding, credit cards, or contingency-based medical billing.
How Much Can You Expect as Compensation?
It is easier to underestimate the value of car accident losses. In most cases, people accept the defendant’s amount as compensation after the accident without questions. You need to work with a lawyer as this is the best way to know the accident’s value, especially if you have sustained severe injuries. A lawyer looks at all the possibilities that might raise the compensation amount in the long run. The knowledge of the lawyer has helped in calculating and negotiating for a better settlement amount.
Before you decide to file a car accident claim, ask yourself the above questions. Work with a reputable lawyer to find the right answers to the questions, plan, prepare well, and have a successful car accident claim in the long run.