3 Important Reasons You Should Speak With a Car Accident Attorney
Being involved in an auto accident can be a life-altering experience. There are many things to handle in the aftermath of the accident: filing an insurance claim, gathering evidence, and communicating with the insurance company, among others, all while trying to focus on your medical treatment. With so much going on, you might want to consider contacting a car accident attorney.
As a personal injury attorney at The Paul Benson Law Firm, I understand what you are going through and how you feel after your car accident. With an office in Janesville, Wisconsin, I serve accident victims in Beloit and throughout Rock County.
Reasons to Speak with an Auto Accident Attorney
While contacting a car accident attorney is always a good idea following the collision, there are three obvious reasons you may need legal counsel.
1. You Need to Prove the Other Driver’s Fault
In Wisconsin, auto accidents are governed by a tort system. This means that when a car accident occurs, the person who is at fault is responsible for paying for the damages that occurred. A tort system also means that you will have to prove the other driver’s fault in order to recover damages. Unfortunately, proving fault can be a challenging task. To prove the other driver’s fault, you need evidence to support your claim. A car accident attorney has experience dealing with these types of cases and can help you gather the evidence you need to prove fault.
2. You Have Suffered a Serious Injury
If you have suffered a serious injury in a car accident, it can be tough to navigate the complex legal system on your own. You may be dealing with surgeries, therapy, and rehabilitation, and worrying about how to pay your medical bills. Your attorney can take control of everything else. They also help you determine the extent of your injuries to be able to fight for the compensation you deserve.
3. You Need to Negotiate with the Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be a challenging and frustrating experience. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the amount of money they pay out on claims. When you have an attorney advocating for you, they can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation to which you are entitled. Your attorney can also handle all communication with the insurance company so that you can devote your time and energy to your recovery.
Things to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney During a Consultation
A consultation with a personal injury attorney is your opportunity to know your prospective attorney better, so it is crucial to get the maximum benefit out of it. In order to be sure that you are hiring the right attorney, here are key questions to ask during a consultation:
How many years of experience do you have?
Experience matters a lot when it comes to personal injury cases. A personal injury attorney who has worked on similar cases to yours will be better equipped to handle your case. It is crucial to ask how long they have been practicing this area of law specifically. The more experience they have, the more they have seen and can anticipate potential pitfalls.
What is your initial assessment of my case?
During your first consultation, an experienced attorney should be able to do a quick evaluation and tell you the viability of your case. Ask for their initial thoughts on the matter and what they feel are the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
While it’s impossible for an attorney to give an exact timeline, they should be able to give you an average range. The length of your case will largely depend on the complexity of your case and other factors. You need to set realistic expectations regarding the timeline involved in resolving your case.
How much do you charge for your services?
It is essential to know how much money you will be required to pay your attorney. You do not want any surprises when it comes to legal fees. Different attorneys have various fee structures, so you need to understand what to expect upfront.
Compassionate Legal Help
If you were involved in a car accident, you need to seek compassionate and personalized legal help. As a car accident attorney at The Paul Benson Law Firm, I can provide you with the assistance and guidance you need to recover fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact my office today to set up a consultation.