When you’re injured in an accident, it can be a trying experience. Even if you weren’t hurt physically, it could leave you emotionally shaken and financially drained. As a result, many people avoid seeking representation from lawyers altogether.
But getting into legal representation about your potential personal injury claim isn’t the only thing you should consider before making that decision. Keep reading to discover what to expect when you consult a lawyer about your potential personal injury claim.
1. During Your Consultation, the Lawyer Will Ask You Questions About Your Injury
When you first meet with a lawyer, they will likely start by asking you several questions to get to know you better. This may include details about your medical condition, injuries, and past medical treatments. These are essential questions to get the information you need to start the legal claim process.
However, the lawyer will also want to know about your insurance coverage. This is because many personal injury lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis and want to ensure they are paid solely for your injury.
If you have an accident that results in an injury, you will almost certainly be covered by some form of insurance. Most people have car insurance, home insurance, or health insurance. If you have not been covered by insurance, the lawyer will likely help you find a policy that meets your needs.
2. You Shouldn’t Need to Pay Any Money
The lawyer should not ask you to pay them while you’re in the process of exploring your claim. They will charge you a reasonable fee for their services if you decide you want to hire them.
Regardless of your accident, it’s important to remember that the lawyer is helping you with a legal claim and not paying themselves. Lawyers from wieandlaw.com will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they will get paid if you ultimately win your case.
There are a few circumstances in which you may be required to pay the lawyer fee upfront, but for the most part, you won’t have to pay them until you are successful in court.
3. The lawyer Will Explain the Legal Process to You and Answer Any Questions You Have
Lawyers will explain the legal process to you.
This may include:
- Who you can contact if you have a legal problem
- How your case will be handled
- What you need to do next
The lawyer will explain the legal process to you, so you know what to expect. This is particularly helpful if you are a first-time client. The lawyer will not just explain the procedures in your legal system, but they will also explain why those procedures exist and what you can expect if you are successful in your claim.
4. It takes a while for your case to go to court, but the lawyer will keep you updated along the way
Even after hiring a lawyer to help with your potential personal injury claim, you will likely continue to work on your case informally with the lawyer’s staff. This is because you and your attorney will be working on the case in parallel. The lawyer will probably call you periodically to check in on your case, but you will be making all the calls to your client.
The lawyer will also keep you up to date on the status of your case through regular emails and letters. This will allow you to stay informed on your case and provide updates to your attorney as needed.
In the End, You May Receive a Financial Settlement from the Other Party’s Insurance Company
Suppose you and the other party agree on settling your potential personal injury claim. In that case, you may be able to get a financial settlement from the other party’s insurance company. The insurance company will pay you a sum of money as a “payoff” for helping to settle your claim.
Your lawyer will help you with this process, but you can call your insurance company and speak to a claims representative. This is a great way to end your journey with a financial settlement. If the other party’s insurance company is willing to pay you a large sum, they will almost certainly be willing to lean on the other side to settle your claim.
This is also known as a “2-for-1” offer. If you get a financial settlement from the other party’s insurance company, they will likely pay your lawyers. This will help make up for the time you and your lawyer have spent working on your case.
Even if you don’t think you have a case, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Hiring a qualified personal injury lawyer can save you a lot of heartaches and financial loss.
Find a lawyer to help you understand your potential case and take the time to get to know you and your situation better than anyone else. While it may take longer to process a claim, the rewards are worth the wait.
