Car accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Accidents often result in injuries, car damage, and emotional distress. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to seek legal help to protect your rights. During your initial consultation with a car accident attorney, you will get a chance to discuss your case and ask questions. The purpose of this blog is to prepare you for what to expect in your initial consultation with a car accident attorney.
Case Evaluation
During your initial consultation, you will be asked to describe the accident and the injuries you sustained. You will be asked about any medical treatment you may have received as a result of the accident. During this time, the staff and the attorney are evaluating your case to determine whether or not you have a case that the Firm is willing to undertake. Case evaluation is very important for car accident attorneys because car accident attorneys usually work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, they do not get paid if they are not able to get you a settlement or a win at a trial.
Questions and Concerns
During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns. The attorney will address your questions and concerns to the best of their ability. It’s important to ask as many questions as possible to ensure that you fully understand your legal options. The attorney may not be able to answer all of your questions at this time. One question that a good attorney will tell you that they are not able to answer after just an initial consultation is how much your case is worth. This is because there are so many additional facts and evidence that must be investigated before an attorney can have a real idea of what your case is worth. Run away from any attorney who tells you definitively what your case is worth at the initial consult. Most of the time they are either lying to you or they do not really know what they are talking about.
Communication
The attorney will tell you how the Firm will communicate with you while representing you. It is important that you understand when and how you are to communicate with the Firm. Also be sure you ask and get a clear answer as to whether or not you will be able to speak directly with your attorney when you have questions or concerns about your case.
Fees
Finally, the fee arrangement should be explained during the initial consultation. Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. The percentage of the settlement or verdict they will receive varies from Firm to Firm, but usually ranges from 30-45%.
Conclusion
Your initial consultation with a car accident attorney is an important part of the legal process. The attorney will evaluate your case, address your questions and concerns, explain the communication process, and provide information about their fees. It’s important to come prepared with questions and paperwork related to your case. Remember, the attorney is there to help you navigate through the legal process and protect your rights.
