how an attorney changed the outcome of my lawsuit

Posted on: 7 September 2021

Being hurt in an auto accident that was not your fault is bad enough but dealing with what happens to your financial situation can be just as bad. To be paid what you need, many victims find themselves speaking to a personal injury lawyer. If your injuries were severe, that is a very smart move to make. When getting started, it can save a lot of time if you know what your lawyer is going to be looking for at the first appointment. Read on and take note of how to be ready.

Making Informed Decisions

It's vital that your lawyer begin your case knowing what is what. They need to know all about your case because they may only be interested in good cases. A good case is one that contains the following elements:

1. You were definitely not at fault for the accident.
2. You were injured physically and had to have medical treatment after the accident.
3. You have not already signed an accident released, cashed or deposited a check, or signed a settlement agreement with the other side.
4. The other driver has enough insurance to pay for your damages. If they don't, the other driver is sufficiently capable to pay the damages without insurance.

Why a Good Case Is Necessary

It's all about contingency fee arrangements. Many lawyers that handle auto accidents also participate in this way of handling legal bills. Rather than charge you for their services right away, some personal injury lawyers accept payment later on after you have settled your case or won your court judgment. You may have heard that you don't owe any money unless you win money. That means the lawyer will be a lot more interested in cases that can be won and that won't be a waste of their time. The legal fees, in contingency fee arrangements, are a percentage of your total settlement amount. The actual amount can vary from place to place and lawyer to lawyer.

Other Important Accident Information

To make a determination, your lawyer may also want to see what you brought with you to the appointment. To that end, gather as much of the following as you can:

• Insurance information (your policy and the other driver's policy) along with everyone's contact information.
• The accident or police report prepared by the first responder at the scene.
• A summary of your medical treatment along with any medical bills, statements, and receipts.

At some point, you will provide your lawyer with access to your medical records, more details about the accident, damages estimates, and so on. To find out more, speak to a car accident lawyer.