If you’re consulting a personal injury attorney for the first time after being injured in an auto accident, you may have a wide range of questions about each step of the process. It’s important not to feel overwhelmed during the early stages of a personal injury case and remember that your attorney will be there to address and resolve your concerns every step of the way.
Here are some of the most common questions that first-time clients ask their attorneys:
– What should I do following my auto accident? After contacting the authorities, seeking medical attention is your top priority after the accident not only to identify any potential injuries, but also to prove with documentation that you did so for the benefit of your case.
– How can I protect my case? Don’t be afraid to gain a better understanding of what you should and shouldn’t do, such as meeting deadlines, keeping up with all paperwork, and avoiding discussing your case on social media.
– How will you represent me? Your compensation is your attorney’s number-one priority, and you will be walked through any steps or details that you may not immediately understand. Your attorney will not leave you in the dark about anything relevant to your case so long as you maintain regular communication at all times.
– What will you need from me? This will help you understand what types of documentation and paperwork you may need to provide for your attorney, as well as physical evidence you may have that pertains to your accident.
– What is my potential compensation? Even a rough estimate is difficult to provide in the early stages of an injury claim, as your compensation depends on a wide range of time-sensitive factors and is based on successfully proving that the defendant was indeed responsible for your injuries. However, at some point in your case your attorney will be able to provide a decent estimate depending on these factors.
– Can I be compensated for future medical expenses? If your injuries require long-term care and/or rehabilitation, your legal claim will need to demonstrate the full extent of these injuries and the need for long-term care. With the proper documentation and other evidence, you may be eligible for compensation for long-term medical expenses.
– How are settling and suing different? Most personal injury claims are actually settled out of court before a legitimate lawsuit or trial by jury is necessary. You will work closely with your attorney to reach the best-possible settlement with the other driver’s insurance company and make the decision that is best for you and your compensation.
– How often will we communicate about the case? This can vary depending on the case, but generally speaking it is important that you maintain regular communication with your attorney, at least as often as necessary. In some cases, you may receive updates from a paralegal; some cases benefit from weekly communication while others need only monthly communication, and this can also vary depending on which phase of the case you are in. It’s also helpful to get a better understanding of how updates work, which forms of communication work best, and what your legal team is up to when you haven’t heard from them recently. Communication with your attorney is essential in more ways than one!
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to another’s negligence, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.