You were injured because of someone’s negligence. This could refer to medical malpractice, a slip & fall accident, or even a car accident. In California, you can file a compensation claim with the at-fault party’s insurer, seeking recovery of your damages. If you have already selected one of Orange County personal injury lawyers, the next obvious step is to schedule the first appointment. In this post, we are sharing the top tips and suggestions for an initial successful meeting with a personal injury lawyer.
Prep in advance
Before you step into the office of a personal injury lawyer, you need to carry a few things in advance. The list includes medical bills, lost income details, copy of police report, your insurance details, and any evidence that you have may have collected at the accident site. If you have details of other drivers, witnesses, and pedestrians involved in the accident, make sure to have this information with you.
Be honest
No matter the experience and expertise of a personal injury lawyers, someone can only help, if you are honest with your version of the case. California follows the “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that if you were partly responsible for the accident that led to your injuries, your eventual compensation will reduce by percentage of your share of blame. However, if you really had a role to play, let your injury attorney know, because they will then figure out the strategy that may work best in your interest.
Ask about your case
Once you have shared everything, the lawyer can offer a fair overview of the expected settlement and the damages that can be recovered. You can recover for all losses, including lost future income, but all that depends on the facts of the case. Ask the attorney as how they plan to tackle the insurance company. The “statute of limitations” in California only allows 2 years to file personal injury lawsuits, from the date of accident, so you have to act quick.
Know the costs
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, depending on factors like work involved and the expected settlement. There could be other costs related to the case, which the lawyer can advance for you. Lawyers may insist that you pay these expenses from your pocket. Nevertheless, make sure that you know the cost hiring an attorney and pursuing the case.
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