If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’re probably wondering whether to hire a personal injury, or car accident lawyer. With your recent experience fresh in your mind, it may seem like you’re seeing advertising everywhere on billboards, TV, radio, and even Google asking you to call. It can be confusing to know where to start, but these simple tips will help you understand if you need a lawyer and how to choose the best one for you.
1. What if the injury is minor?
One of the most common reasons that people don’t contact car accident lawyers is because they feel their injuries are not serious enough to warrant it. However, some injuries take time to appear following a car accident, and may not be as minor as you think.
By contacting a car accident lawyer immediately after your injury, you can receive important advice on managing your medical bills and records, counselling appointments, and any other details affecting your case.
2. What benefits are there to hiring a lawyer?
Some people hesitate to engage a law firm because they fear the process will be too much hassle, too expensive or too time-consuming. However, there are numerous benefits to working with legal representation in your car accident case.
Lawyers have professional trial and mediation expertise. They also have experience dealing with insurance carriers and can communicate with them on your behalf. Finally, lawyers have access to experts who can bolster your case. Regardless, car accident lawyers are a useful resource that you shouldn’t worry about using.
3. What advertising should I trust?
Law Societies across Canada regulate lawyer advertising in each province. Some societies have more means for enforcement than others, so can be uneven from province to province. As a result, consumers may be exposed to advertising that is misleading, false or untrue.
Make sure your chosen lawyer’s advertisements match what is actually provided. Watch for hidden costs, and ask who, on your lawyer’s team will actually be doing the work on your case. Check your lawyer’s credentials and registration. Taking these steps will ensure you are working with a true professional who will get you the compensation you deserve.
4. What information will I have to share?
Your chosen lawyer will want to ascertain as many details as possible about your injuries and the accident itself. You’ll have to share financial records of medical bills, as well as information on how much income you were earning before and after the car accident. By freely sharing the details of your case with your lawyer, they will be in a better position to prepare your case, and support you if other parties challenge the validity of your claim.
At the very least, it can be beneficial to meet with a car accident lawyer to discuss the details of your case to learn what your options may be. Even if a civil suit is not filed, you will have the knowledge to get through this difficult time.
