Are You a Car Accident Victim? Steps to Take to Build Your Case
Car accidents are not only the scariest things that can happen to you in a car, they are also the most stressful. All of a sudden, you're out of work due to injuries caused by the accident, you can't pay the endless hospital bills or the costs to repair the vehicle. You may feel stuck and frustrated—but there is hope for you. Due to certain laws, you can start a lawsuit against the other driver if they are at fault. The lawsuit will typically end in a settlement, which you can use to pay off your debt from the accident and recuperate the loss of wages while you recover.
Finding a Lawyer
If you are going to start a lawsuit, you really need to have a good lawyer to get the best results. The lawyers are experienced and have the benefit of knowing the laws related to cases like yours. A good way to find car accident lawyers is local listings in your phone book, referrals from people you know, or even commercials. Even if time is an important factor in reaching a settlement, don't just settle for the first lawyer you meet with—unless you feel they are the best fit for you.
Sometimes it takes a few consultations with multiple attorneys before you find the one you want to retain. If you are short on funds, the best type of lawyer to use is one that will work for a percentage of the settlement, meaning you don't have to pay anything until the case is over.
Preparing for Court
Once you have your lawyer, you need to prepare for court. This means gathering all the appropriate documents related to your case so your lawyer can be ready with all the evidence against the other party. Some of the documents you may need are:
- Proof of wage loss
- Accident report
- Medical bills
- Repair costs for vehicle
- Insurance claim
- Pictures of accident
Your lawyer needs this information to present your case to the courts. It will show that you have surmountable debt due to the other driver causing the accident you were in.
Considerations
The amount of time it takes to process a case like this will vary from each case. The other party may settle right away or they may contest it. Stick in touch with your lawyer throughout the entire process and don't hesitate to contact them anytime you have questions or concerns.
For more information on the process and how a car accident attorney can help, you can click here to connect with local services.
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