The aftermath of an accident is an uncertain time. Aside from dealing with injuries and expenses, one must figure out how to file a claim. A personal injury attorney’s job is to help win your case, but the legal process discourages many people. Here are answers to several questions to help get the most out of your accident attorney.
1. How Do I Know I Have a Case?
If your injuries occurred due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, you have a right to seek compensation, so long as you can prove fault.
2. What Is the Value of My Case?
The value of your case depends on medical bills (past and future), rehabilitation costs, lost wages/future income, and pain and suffering; your attorney will carefully research your case to estimate its value.
3. How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
For most personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is two years. The age of a minor or involvement of a government agency can affect the time limitations you have.
4. How Do I File a Personal Injury Claim?
Bring all documentation to your attorney, including repair bills, medical paperwork, results of diagnostic tests, receipts, and police reports. Explain every detail to your lawyer and follow their instructions.
5. Do I Need a Lawyer?
A lawyer will fight for your rights. Insurance companies don’t want to provide the compensation you deserve; without legal representation, you risk getting a lowball offer and being overwhelmed by a complex legal process.
6. How Do I Work with My Attorney?
You’ll first need to provide every detail of your accident and injury, as well as your employment and medical history; your attorney will help in filing the necessary paperwork, and discuss fees, expenses, and applicable laws.
7. Do I Have to Go on Trial?
Most personal injury cases reach a settlement before the trial date. Disputes in facts, contested legal issues, and unreasonable or no settlements from a defendant are common reasons to go to trial.
8. How Long Will the Process Take?
A simple case, in which your attorney works directly with an insurance company or other parties, can resolve in as little as a few weeks. If litigation is involved, the process can take a year or more.
9. What Will I Spend on Legal Fees?
Legal expenses are determined by your attorney, law firm, and arrangement, which can be on an hourly basis or upfront retainer. If your attorney works on a contingency basis, payment will be a pre-determined percentage of your settlement. The actual total cost differs with each case.
10. Can I Win If the Accident Was Partially My Fault?
California’s comparative negligence law enables you to still recover proportionate damages even if you were partially to blame for the accident, so long as the defendant is more to blame.
11. Is There a Way to Maximize My Settlement?
Gather as much evidence as you can; the stronger the evidence and the more you understand the categories of damages that apply to your case, the more aggressive your lawyer can be in maximizing your injury settlement.
Apply Now for Legal Funding in Los Angeles
The personal injury legal process can be time-consuming and expensive. With non-recourse lawsuit funding, you can afford to pursue your lawsuit, pay medical bills and daily expenses, and let your attorney fight for the highest settlement possible. Apply now and pay nothing out-of-pocket. To learn more, call Fund Capital America at 855-870-2274.
