What to Ask Your Car Accident Attorney

Phoning an attorney’s office and getting representation for your case in the aftermath of a car accident can seem daunting, especially if the accident resulted in significant physical or emotional stress. Can you afford an attorney? Will they honestly fight for what you deserve? Do you even have a case? 

These are just some of the questions you may be asking yourself after being involved in a traumatic car accident. Know you are not alone in feeling a little overwhelmed by the process and that’s why you should seek an experienced car accident attorney at Joshi & Patel who can walk you through the process step by step.

When working with our car accident attorneys, you should ask any questions about your case right away that will ease your mind as well as give you further insights into the process of filing a car accident claim.

It’s important to note that whatever attorney you choose to hire should have experience in car accident litigation, with a strong record of successful cases and the kind of personality you feel you can be honest with.

Here are some basic questions you will want to ask your car accident attorney as you start the process of filing a claim.

When should I file a claim?

You should file your claim as soon as possible to ensure you are within the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations varies state by state, and sometimes according to the details of each individual case. It’s also important to note that the statute of limitations vary. For example they can be shorter if the accident was caused by a state or local government employee.

What type of documentation does my attorney need?

Anything related to your claim. For example, records of medical visits, photos of the accident, written statements from any witnesses, and police reports are just some of the relevant materials your attorney will need so they can successfully investigate and pursue your claim.

How long will it take to settle my claim?

This varies greatly depending on the unique circumstances of your accident. However, settling a claim usually takes anywhere from a few weeks to a year or in rare cases even longer since it is dependent on many different factors. Keep in mind, some cases are settled without a lawsuit. Your Joshi and Patel car accident attorney will be able to give you a more specific time frame once they’ve had the opportunity to review your case and understand the details of your specific accident.

What are the things can I be compensated for in my settlement?

Your car accident attorney will answer this question based on your personal injuries, damages to your vehicle or items inside the vehicle, as well as any emotional stress and/or trauma you may have endured as a direct result of your car accident.

How much compensation can I get?

That will depend greatly on the specific details of your unique case. For example, if a car accident results in a brain injury that requires major surgery, you may receive much more than if you suffered an injury that was resolved with one or two trips to the chiropractor.

Should I accept an offer from their insurance company?

Never accept any offer from the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting your attorney. Do not sign anything or offer any statement to them without your attorney’s consent.

What are the fees?

At Joshi and Patel we work on a contingency fee basis meaning we only take a portion of the settlement collected if the case is successful. In other words, we only collect, if you collect. If you don’t collect, we don’t collect.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident and would like to speak with an experienced car accident attorney at Joshi & Patel. 

At Joshi & Patel we offer a free case evaluation, no obligation consultation. Once it has been determined that you have a case, we will work for you on a contingent fee basis. In other words, you don’t pay your personal injury attorney fees up-front. Instead, you sign an agreement to pay us a percentage of your settlement amount. You pay us absolutely nothing unless you recover. 

**Many of our blog articles discuss the law. All information provided about the law is very general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Every situation is different, and should be analyzed by a lawyer who can provide individualized advice based on the facts involved in your unique situation, and a consideration of all of the nuances of the statutes and case law that apply at the time.