Once you have selected a specific personal injury attorney to handle your case, you will likely be curious to know what happens next. After having discussed your case’s details with the legal representative, you probably now have a general understanding of the goal to secure the rightful compensation to which you are entitled. However, you may not be clear on the process, the potential complexities ahead, or the steps you can follow to help. The information below can act as a guide to what will happen after hiring an attorney.
What to Expect from an Attorney
There will usually be no retainer fee or upfront payment required, and you will most likely not be responsible for covering any costs your attorney may incur during the process of structuring your case. The attorney you hire will receive payment at the end, but only if he or she wins. The amount will be a percentage of the compensation won.
Your legal representative will begin an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident in order to show that you weren’t at fault. In the process, your lawyer will obtain medical records, witness statements, dashcam footage, police reports and more.
Your attorney will provide the following to you:
- Professional advice on your case
- Keep you informed throughout the entire process
- Obtain your input during every step
- A realistic timeline for settlement of the claim
- Honest feedback on which you can base realistic expectations
- Explanation of options and discussion of strategy
- A fair estimate of your cost upon winning
- Phone calls returned promptly and continual communication
- Information regarding any delays or setbacks that occur
- Ethical confidentiality
- Representation within the boundaries of the law
- Your interests will come first
- Information to help you make educated decisions
- The strongest possible case
Your Role in Helping Your Case
While your lawyer works to build your case, there are things you can do to help. These include:
- Provide Important Information: Your attorney will need all of the information about your lawsuit that you have. This includes police reports, medical reports, statements from witnesses, photos of the accident, receipts, and more. All of these things can become crucial pieces of evidence that your attorney can use to build your lawsuit. The more evidence you have available to prove negligence of the at-fault party the better chance you have in winning a maximum settlement amount.
- Stay Up-to-Date: It’s important to keep current with all communication, like emails, from your legal representative. The attorney may need further information about accident facts, your inability to work, or your injury progression. It is crucial to report any changes right away.
- Keep Medical Appointments: Heavy emphasis should be put on following medical instructions. Keep all follow-up appointments. If you miss a physical therapy visit or doctor appointment, this could be used negatively by the other party to demonstrate that your injury might not be as serious as you claim.
- Do Not Share Information: Do not discuss the particulars of your case in person or online. This helps avoid giving the other party’s attorney information to use against you.
Select a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney
If you are debating whether to hire a personal injury attorney for your situation, remember this: Individuals who hire a personal injury attorney typically recover up to three times more compensation than people who don’t. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you need a legal representative to help obtain the financial compensation you deserve for medical bills, the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, your lost wages, and more. Without delay, check into your options by contacting a lawyer.
There are various ways to find an attorney that can represent your case. You can search online law firm directories, contact the state or local bar association, or speak with friends and family for referrals. It is recommended to set up consultations with different attorneys to get a chance to speak in person or over the phone. During this meeting, you can determine if this is someone that you trust to handle your personal injury case.
Personal injury attorneys can help with the following tasks:
- Explaining your rights – Your personal injury lawyer can help you understand the litigation process and how it affects your rights. There are different laws in each state such as the statutes of limitations and comparative negligence.
- Legal advice – Your personal injury lawyer will act as a guide during your lawsuit and give advice on how to proceed in complex legal situations. After your accident, your judgment may be clouded by fear, stress, or frustration. An experienced attorney is not affected by these things and will provide you with objective opinions that will help you handle your lawsuit.
- Court representation – Most cases will not result in a trial and will settle before going to trial. If, however, an insurance company denies your claim then the only way to recover damages may be to go to trial. This is a task that is best handled by a skilled personal injury attorney.
Other ways an attorney will help include:
- Negotiating settlements
- Handling insurance companies
- Gathering and evaluating crucial evidence
- Interviewing witnesses to the accident
Legal Fees and Other Expenses
Going through the process of a lawsuit may cause a plaintiff financial strain as lawyer fees, medical bills, and daily expenses begin to accumulate. Plaintiffs who win their case will still have to wait for their settlement to process.
For financial stability while waiting for your case to settle, you can apply for a lawsuit loan with The Legal Funding Group. A pre-settlement loan can help you get through your legal battle without having to worry about paying your bills.
Plaintiffs can use pre-settlement funding for medical bills, legal fees, and any other expense that is causing financial difficulties. Getting approved for legal funding does not require a credit check and does not require financial history.
If you need financial help while waiting for your personal injury lawsuit to settle, call (912)-777-3997 or fill out an online application today.
