If you or someone you love wants to pursue compensation after a negligence-based accident, an Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help you build a strong case file. If a personal injury attorney represents you, you must know how to talk to them and what to ask to further your case and recover appropriate damages.
Personal injury law firms often offer a free initial consultation that allows you to talk to a legal professional and ask important questions. How you talk to a personal injury lawyer matters and should include an honest discussion of your accident and injuries from the start of your claim.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Accident and Injuries
Your prospective personal injury lawyer will want to know what kind of accident you were involved in, how you were injured, and what medical treatment you are receiving. Talk to your lawyer:
- As soon as possible after your accident
- Openly and in clear, concise terms
- Without guessing or speculating
- Before speaking with others about the accident
- Before posting on social media
Everything you discuss with your personal injury attorney is confidential, fostering open and honest communication. Avoid saying anything about your case that is not true. Instead, opt for complete honesty so your lawyer can accurately define the merits of your case, your rights as the injured party, and the at-fault party’s legal and financial obligations.
Consider Speaking to a Lawyer Before Speaking to the Insurance Adjuster
The at-fault party’s insurance company will want to hear about the accident in detail and request evidence of their policyholder’s negligence before considering negotiations. The best way to deal with the insurance company or adjuster is to:
- Share only necessary factual information (name, policy number, accident date and time, etc.)
- Let your attorney speak on your behalf
- Let your attorney review any settlement offers before accepting
If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, you should report the accident to your insurer. You should also consider speaking to a lawyer to help you manage the details of your claim and explore all possible avenues of compensation.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Talk to Your Lawyer About the Types of Personal Injury Cases They Handle
Not all personal injury firms and attorneys are alike; some will handle cases others will not. Ask your prospective lawyer about the types of clients they regularly represent and their practice areas. Some examples of personal injury cases include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Dog bite cases
- Premises liability
- Golf cart accidents
- ATV accidents
- Boating accidents
- Train accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Product liability
- Workers’ compensation
- Wrongful death
If you or a loved one was injured or a loved one was fatally injured in a negligence-based accident, a local attorney will help you seek a fair settlement.
Learn What Entitles You Can Sue for Financial Compensation
Your case constitutes personal injury if the liable party’s actions meet the legal definition of negligence, including:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
Your lawyer can define Georgia’s contributory negligence law (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) and its potential impact on your case. They can also help you comply with the personal injury statute of limitations in Georgia (O.C.G.A § 9-3-33).
Talk to Your Lawyer About Your Injuries, Prognosis, and Missed Workdays
These factors play an important role in assessing the value of your compensation request. Avoid embellishing your injuries or treatment plan. Your personal injury accident lawyer will document both when requesting compensation for your:
- Immediate and ongoing medical bills
- Immediate and ongoing income loss
Additional compensation they request can include:
- Property repair or replacement
- Lasting disability or disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
Assessing your recoverable damages is a complicated process. Tell your legal representative if you rode in an ambulance, require a cane or crutches, or need in-home medical support or rehabilitation. Your legal team will look for every avenue of compensation you are entitled to.
Tell Your Lawyer if a Loved One Lost Their Life in a Negligence-Based Accident
Georgia’s wrongful death laws allow family members to recover compensation for the loss of a loved one caused by negligence. Your lawyer will handle your case with compassion and kindness. They will also pursue the responsible party and fight to recover fair compensation for your family.
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Talk To Your Personal Injury Lawyer About Possible Expenses and Legal Fees
Concern about costs does not have to prevent you from hiring a lawyer after an accident. Often, personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they will cover any costs related to building your case, including:
- Court filing fees
- Expert witnesses
- Discovery costs
- Deposition expenses
- Mediation costs
- Fees for obtaining evidence
- Investigation costs
Your lawyer will clarify their fee, how the insurance company remits payment after you reach a settlement, and when you can expect to receive compensation.
Ask Your Lawyer How They Will Collect Evidence That Supports Your Case
The costs of obtaining reports and other types of documentary evidence are included in your contingency fee agreement. It will also cover the costs of consulting the following experts to strengthen your injury claim:
- Medical experts and specialists
- Economists and financial experts
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Specific subject matter experts
Your accident lawyer will describe the type of evidence your specific claim requires. They will ask you for any evidence you collected at the scene, including witness contact details. Ask about how they will collect evidence going forward, which can be a particularly important factor if your injuries are severe enough to limit your ability to participate in the legalities of your case.
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Get Legal Guidance for Your Personal Injury Claim
If you or someone you love was injured in a negligence-based accident, our law firm can help you pursue compensation from the at-fault party. You will communicate with your lawyer throughout your claim, so how you talk to them is important.
Contact our consultation team at Kaine Law to get a free personal injury consultation today.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
