Tips & Advice
How long will the legal process for filing an auto accident suit take?
This can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the severity level of the injuries, if and when a lawsuit is filed, and how long it takes for a settlement to be agreed upon. The case can go on for many months depending on the seriousness of the accident and if there are major liability disputes between the parties involved.
What is the best way to select an accident attorney?
- Ask for referrals: Find out if anyone you know has ever had an accident attorney, and if so, what was their service like? Would they recommend them?
- Research lawyers: How much experience do they have? What is their success rate? What is their level of willingness to go to trial? Do they specialize in auto accident law? Are there any peer reviews from other attorneys or clients available?
- Know your budget: Employing an attorney can get costly, and some are more expensive than others. Have a budget in mind and find an attorney that won’t exceed it.
Should the police be called after an accident?
Call the police if someone is injured or if the damage to property is extensive.
What type of evidence should be collected at the scene of the accident?
- License plate number, contact information, and insurance provider of other driver
- What happened during the accident
- If the other driver is intoxicated
- Weather conditions
- How many witnesses there are, as well as their names and phone numbers
Is there a time limit in which a claim can be filed?
Some states have a statute of limitations on when auto accidents can be reported. In addition, insurers often have specific time windows during which claims can be filed. Check with your insurer and local DMV for more information.
How much does it cost to hire an accident attorney?
Most auto accident lawyers and their firms are paid via contingency fees - meaning the attorney will not be paid until after a settlement has been reached. Payment is then deducted as a percentage of the final settlement.
Contingency fee percentages range between 25 percent and 40 percent, but 33.3 percent, or one-third, is considered the industry standard.
Law firms can also charge for things like accessing medical and police records, filing court fees, delivering summonses and subpoenas, and more. Payment for these fees is either required as they are encountered or tallied and billed in addition to the contingency fee.
What does an accident attorney do?
Accident attorneys help those they represent receive compensation for damages to their body and their property after an auto accident.
What costs can an accident attorney help recover?
Attorneys can help cover serious medical costs and the costs of repairing or replacing your car in the event the insurance company denies your claim.
When should an attorney be contacted?
- If the insurance company has denied your claim and you believe they did so unjustifiably
- If the offer from the insurance company is too low
- There are significant medical bills resulting from your injuries
- You are presented with a lawsuit from the other person in the accident
- If there is an issue of liability and you are not responsible, or only partly responsible
- You are unable to work as a result of your injuries
- If the details of the accident are complex and could require proper investigation
- One of the parties is a minor with at least moderate injuries
What steps should one take after a car accident?
Following a car accident, the first thing you should do is dial 911 and get medical assistance if it’s necessary. Then, ensure the crash area is safe and that no one is in any further danger.
You will also need to document as much information as possible about the crash and those involved:
- Get license plate numbers, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information
- Get contact information of all passengers and witnesses
- If the other driver seems to be intoxicated, make note of symptoms
- Collect all details about the accident itself: what happened, date and time, weather conditions, injuries sustained, and any citations the police issue
- Note any vehicle problems not caused by the accident, such as bald tires or a faulty headlights
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