Pursuing a car accident claim is complex. When you hire a personal injury attorney, he or she has to do some “heavy lifting.” Not only do you need to receive compensation for your medical expenses, but you also need reimbursement for lost wages (past, current, and future), and vehicular or property damage.
You can also ask a vehicle accident attorney about pain and suffering, a generic term that is used to describe a reduction in your quality of life. Pain and suffering covers physical and mental pain, including depression and anxiety.
Medical Costs and Damages: The Primary Costs Involved
Your medical costs for a car accident claim typically cover the following:
● Surgery costs
● Doctor visits
● Prescription and over-the-counter medicines
● Medical aids or devices, such as crutches or wheelchairs
● Future medical care and the costs of rehab
Even if your insurance covers some of the expenses, you can still ask for compensation for the full medical costs related to your accident.
Given this information, it is important to scrutinize your choices for a
car accident lawyer. Make sure he or she meets specific criteria so you can receive full compensation for your settlement.
Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer: How to Make a Decision
The following four tips will help you make the right decision for choosing a legal representative.
1. Experience in Handling Auto Accident Claims
Choose an attorney or legal firm with direct experience in the management of car accident cases. Preferably, the lawyer or firm should handle claims similar to yours. Ask the firm or attorney what volume of cases they cover.
Also, ask the following:
● How many vehicle claims have you prosecuted in the court system?
● How many wins have you had that were taken to trial?
It’s important to find out the number of cases the attorney has handled like yours, as he or she can tell you what to expect in your case. This often tells you, as well, how far they are willing to go during the legal process. If your attorney has a reputation of winning cases at triail, an insurer is more likely to negotiate a larger settlement.
2. Excellent Communication Skills
The auto accident lawyer you
choose should possess excellent communication skills. You should feel comfortable discussing your case and getting your questions answered. As your legal counsel, he or she should respond promptly to emails, texts, and phone calls.
The success of your case depends on having a good rapport with your legal advisor. Trust your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable talking with the attorney, look for another lawyer.
3. The Attorney’s Reputation
If your attorney has a good reputation legally and professionally, you are more likely to receive compensation. Therefore, it pays to review his record. Warning signs may include malpractice claims or professional violations. An attorney who gets along well with judges and other lawyers can help you navigate through the court system more easily.
4. Legal Resources and Contacts
A car accident case can turn into a confusing array of facts, especially if there is an issue about who is at fault or the claim involves serious injuries. Make sure the attorney you choose has the resources needed to pursue your case. That means, he or she should have associations with medical professionals or expert witnesses who regularly reconstruct accident scenes.
In Summation
Use the four tips above to choose an accident attorney who can get the money you need. Turn the tips into a
checklist so you can make the best choice personally and legally.