A few things compare to the trauma of suffering injuries and financial losses after a car accident. Connecticut has followed the typical fault-based system since 1994, which means that the driver (or any other party) that caused the mishap is liable for the victim’s injuries. You can take legal action for a financial settlement, which will help cover your medical bills, income losses, and other noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering and mental anguish. Regardless of other factors, working with a car accident lawyer is always a smart step. Below, you can learn more about collaborating with an attorney.
- Always tell the whole truth. If you were partly accountable for the accident, everything might change. State laws allow you to recover compensation only when you are less than 50% liable, and the comparative fault rule is often used by claims adjusters to undermine settlements. When you meet an attorney, it is always better to tell the whole story so that they can figure out an apt strategy.
- Discuss how you can communicate. You would want to know what’s happening with your car accident claim, and a competent lawyer should be accessible at all times. Make sure that you discuss the best way to contact them for updates. Also, remember that it can take a long time to get the final settlement, and therefore, don’t expect new information every week.
- Ask about out-of-pocket expenses. You may have to pay for the investigation expenses and other relevant costs, such as court fees. It is best to ask the attorney about these aspects in detail, and depending on the situation, they may pay for now until you win.
- Get a clear contract. You should have an engagement letter with your attorney that must specifically mention their contingency fee. For car accident cases, many law firms charge 33%, but if the matter is complex or when there is an expected trial, you may have to pay more.
- Listen to the attorney. Your lawyer may advise you against talking to the claims adjuster directly or posting details of the car accident on social media. Make sure to keep up with their suggestions as they are working to maximize the final compensation and have your interests on their priority list.
Lastly, trust an attorney to do the best for your claim. They only get paid when you win and have as much interest in the case as you.
