Stephen Hasner | Personal Injury | August 11, 2021
Have you been involved in an accident? Do you suspect someone else’s negligence or carelessness caused the accident? You may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
If your accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, you could file a claim to collect from their insurance. If your accident occurred at work, you could file a workers’ compensation claim.
However, it’s important to be aware that insurance companies are businesses. An insurer may try to deny your claim or convince you to settle for less than it’s truly worth.
This is one of the many reasons you should seek representation from a personal injury attorney before filing a claim or lawsuit. You’ll be more likely to recover fair compensation if you have a legal professional on your side. The vast majority of personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means they don’t charge fees unless they recover compensation for your first.
Additionally, many personal injury attorneys will review your case for free. During your free case evaluation, they’ll go over the details of your accident and determine if you have grounds to file a claim or lawsuit.
Your free consultation is more likely to be productive if you take certain steps to prepare for it. This overview will cover what you need to do to prepare for yours.
Ask Questions
It’s best to come into your free consultation with some questions of your own. Questions worth asking include:
How much do you charge?
Most personal injury lawyers use the contingency fee model. However, some may not. Likewise, some personal injury attorneys won’t charge you fees but will charge you costs, e.g., the costs of filing, printing, and copying documents. You need to understand how much a lawyer charges for their services to avoid surprises later.
Do you have experience handling cases like mine?
Personal injury is a broad term that applies to a wide range of practice areas. You want to make sure your attorney is qualified to serve your needs. Specifically, you should hire an attorney who has handled accident cases like yours.
How can I contact you?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer gives you the freedom to focus on your recovery. They handle the legal tasks of corresponding with insurance adjusters, filing paperwork, and more. That said, there will be times when you need to communicate with your attorney about the status of your case. You should ask them their preferred method of communication and identify any support staff who can help you with your questions.
Gather Documentation Related to Your Claim
A lawyer will be better prepared to evaluate your case if you provide them with certain information and documentation. Before your free consultation, it’s smart to draft a thorough and accurate narrative of your accident. Be honest about the circumstances of the accident, the injuries you’ve suffered, and the parties you believe are responsible.
You should also bring any physical evidence you have regarding your claim. For example, if you were involved in a car accident, you may have photographs of the scene and your injuries. You might also have the names and contact information of witnesses. An attorney can contact your doctor for copies of your medical bills and records. However, you can speed up the process by bringing copies to your case evaluation as well.
Don’t Delay
Most importantly, don’t delay when scheduling a free consultation after an accident. In Georgia, the statute of limitations typically requires victims to take legal action within two years of being injured. Contact an attorney sooner rather than later to preserve your right to compensation.
Contact the Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers at Hasner Law PC For Help
For more information, please contact the Atlanta personal injury law firm of Hasner Law P.C. at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Fulton County, Chatham County, and its surrounding areas:
Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 888-4878
Hasner Law PC – Savannah Law Office
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334