If you want to file a claim against the responsible party for an accident, there are a few things you should know. Before you hire a Roseville Personal Injury Lawyer, you should learn what to expect so you are prepared for filing a personal injury claim.
No Up-Front Costs
You won’t pay a dime up front when you file a personal injury claim. It’s only after you win or lose your case that you will have fees and court costs to pay. You will only pay your lawyer a contingency fee—often 33% of your award—if you win the case. But, if you lose, you still have fees to pay. Even if a lawyer feels confident about your case, there is still the chance that something unexpected could happen. Make sure you know what fees you will be paying and if you are capable of paying these if you don’t win your claim.
Mediation
You have the chance to get compensation before you even get to trial. Before trials, your lawyer in Roseville, CA will attempt to reach a settlement agreement with the defendant during mediation. This happens right before a trial and its goal is to avoid going to trial. This saves the court money and time, and you as well. Don’t accept the first offer you get during mediation. Many defendant lawyers will try to low-ball you. Make sure you talk to your lawyer and get their honest opinion. They won’t lead you astray because they want to get paid. If they are able to get you money, they will get their contingency fee. Since this fee is a percentage, they want you to get the most compensation they can get you.
Don’t Sign
Before you put your John Hancock on anything, discuss it with your attorney in Roseville, CA. Your insurance company might not have your best interest at heart and might try to get you to sign an agreement without you fully realizing you are doing it. If you are in the process of filing a personal injury claim, don’t sign anything without reading it fully and showing your lawyer. Even documents as simple as medical authorizations can create issues with your claim if you don’t talk to a lawyer beforehand. The final document the insurance company will have you sign after an car accident is called a Release of All Claims and Liability. You should always talk to your lawyer before signing this as it could make filing a claim impossible. Some forms could state that the case is settled, and you won’t take further legal action. Don’t get tricked into settling for less than you deserve.
