Hired an attorney. Now what?
Obviously once you hire a vehicle accident lawyer, they will tell you exactly what you can expect from that point forward. However, sometimes even before you contact a lawyer, it can be a little more reassuring to know what to expect in advance. Because, when you’re sitting there assessing your options or planning your next move, any and all good information is very helpful.
Let’s back up. First of all, in the process of selecting your vehicle accident lawyer, you need to be very clear with the lawyer about expectations – your expectations and theirs. Don’t be afraid to ask them about how things will work immediately after hiring them and over the period of time they are handling your case.
This whole experience is probably new to you so sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know. Meaning, you may not know all of the questions you need to ask. Again, don’t be afraid to express that to the lawyer. The lawyer should be more than willing to provide you with information and to make you feel comfortable and confident. In other words, they should be willing to communicate.
Communication Is Key with Your Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Communication will be the biggest factor in your relationship with your vehicle accident lawyer.
With that being said, here are some things you should expect from your lawyer.
Your lawyer should give you advice about your legal situation, keep you informed about your case, and tell you what they think will happen in your case. They should also allow you to make important decisions regarding your case. Remember, they work for you.
To keep you abreast and at ease, they should keep in communication with you and inform you of any changes, delays or setbacks. They should give you the information you need to make good decisions.
And, whether it be a settlement or a trial, your vehicle accident lawyer should prepare you for your case, including deposition and trial preparation. Also, they should provide you with an estimate about what your case should cost as well as assist you in any cost-benefit analyses you may need.
You Have Major Responsibilities When Working with Your Vehicle Accident Lawyer
You must understand that as much as you have expectations of your attorney, but you also have some responsibilities as a client. As a client, your vehicle accident lawyer will have expectations of you.
First, you are expected to abide by the agreements that both of you sign and pay your bills on time. Please keep in mind that your lawyer may have other clients that need their time. When requested, you must gather all useful evidence and prepare any timelines.
As much as you want for your vehicle accident lawyer to communicate with you, you need to keep your lawyer informed as to any new evidence that may come to light. This can be extremely vital to your case. Reply to requests from your lawyer in a timely manner. Also, inform your lawyer, in advance, when you will not be able to attend certain hearings or other proceedings
Above all, please don’t lie to your attorney; no matter what. Don’t be a detriment to your own case and don’t put them in an awkward or embarrassing position. And keep your relationship with your lawyer as a business relationship.
The videos below can help educate you about what you can expect after hiring your vehicle accident lawyer.
NEXT SEE: What Happens after You Hire an Injury Accident Lawyer?
Additional Resources for Personal Injury or Accidents:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_injury
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_of_Personal_Injury_Lawyers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_injury_lawyer
http://www.justice.org/cps/rde/xchg/justice/hs.xsl/default.htm (American Association for Justice)
http://www.apil.org.uk/ (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers)