What to Ask Your Attorney After a Car Accident
When you are in a car accident, you have a lot to worry about. Your first concern is your health, and your second concern is fixing any damage to your vehicle. In some cases, you may decide that your best bet is to seek compensation and for that you will need an attorney. Here are the five top questions to ask your attorney after you have been in a car accident in Austin.
1. How Will I Pay You?
This is no doubt at the top of your list. You think that you can’t afford an attorney, so you don’t even bother calling one. Don’t make this mistake. Many accident attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that they will take a percentage of the award you are given, if you win. If your case is not successful, your lawyer will collect no money.
2. Do I Even Have a Case?
During your free initial consultation, give your lawyer as much information as you have, and then ask this question. Because many lawyers work on a contingency basis, they will be up front with you as to whether you have a case or not — after all, their livelihood is on the line. There will be quite a few things you need to prove. If an attorney doesn’t believe that you have a strong case with a potential for success, they will tell you so.
3. What About Court Fees?
No matter how your lawyer charges you, you may still be responsible for investigatory and court fees. Ask your attorney exactly which fees you will be responsible for and how soon you will be expected to pay them. Each jurisdiction handles these fees differently.
4. What Are My Potential Awards?
There are a variety of awards that you may be entitled to. Ask your attorney which of these pertain to your case. If you were out of work, for instance, you may be able to recover lost wages. If you sustained injury, you may be awarded compensation for your medical bills. Your attorney will be able to tell you what your case qualifies for.
5. How Long Will This Take?
You may have visions of your case only taking a few weeks. In reality, if your case goes to trial, you need to prepare yourself for a drawn out process. You may be going to court for a year or more. You will need to determine how you will pay for your own medical bills and property damage while your court case is being heard.
If you have been involved in an accident in Austin, please call our office. We are here to provide you with a free case evaluation and advise you of your options. Call our Austin car accident lawyers now for assistance.