Top 10 Questions To Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer

It’s important that an auto accident attorney in Anchorage answers the following questions before you can make a commitment.

1. How do you charge? Your lawyer should let you know if they charge based on hours spent on your case or a percentage of the total settlement. With the former, you’ll still pay even if you lose the case.

2. What court fees and costs will I be responsible for? Ask your lawyer, for instance, if you’re the one to pay for expert testimony or long distance calls. There may be other costs for you to take care of besides the flat contingent fee.

3. Do I have a case to sue? It’s important that you have a case so that you don’t waste time and money on a case you can’t win. Thus, a car accident lawyer evaluates your case and determines if you’ve suffered damage and can prove liability on the party you’re suing.

4. Whom should I name as defendants? You should seek to know if you should sue the driver or both the driver and their employer. If the driver hits you while exercising their responsibilities to an employer, then the latter should be named in the suit too. This enhances your chances of receiving a commensurate settlement.

5. How long do I have to file my lawsuit? Every jurisdiction has a time limit within which you must file your case. Thus, find out what it is in your location.

6. What are my potential damages? Should you win the case through court or otherwise, you may be compensated for medical costs, lost income and physical/mental/emotional suffering.

7. What should I do to protect my case? Ask your auto accident attorney in Anchorage if you need a police report or to file a notice with the insurance company before going to court.

8. What’s the difference between suing and settling? Most insurance companies or liable parties will agree to an out-of-court settlement, which is acceptable to all parties to the case. However, suing means going to court, where a judge or jury decides the case.

9. Should I consider settling? If you choose to settle, make sure the defendant’s offer matches your damages, costs and suffering. Once you settle, you lose any other possible legal recourse.

10. How long do you think my case will take? The court and compensation processes may take very long while settlement takes a shorter time. Decide depending on your financial circumstances.