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If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident, a Rutherfordton pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation and understand your legal rights. These cases often involve serious injuries and complicated insurance issues, so it’s important to work with an attorney who has handled similar claims. During your first meeting, you’ll want to ask questions that help you feel confident in your choice of representation.
Knowing the right questions to ask your pedestrian accident lawyer can make a difference in the outcome of your case. For example, you can ask about their fee structure, past case results, and how they will keep you informed. Getting clear answers from the start can help you build a trusting relationship with your lawyer.
What are the Merits of Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
Once you have explained your entire story to the lawyer, ask them this question. They should be able to give you a good idea of the potential strengths and challenges your case may pose.
Keep in mind that there is no “average” pedestrian accident settlement for you to aim for, so your attorney will not be able to tell you immediately how much money you could recover. Instead, they will investigate your case very carefully, collect all available evidence, and interview everyone involved in the accident. Then they can determine what kinds of damages you are eligible for.
What Options Do You Have for Recovering Pedestrian Accident Damages?
Some pedestrian accident victims can recover a pretrial settlement through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Others have to go to trial and convince a jury to award them money. How your case goes will depend on factors like:
- Whether the insurer is willing to cooperate
- Whose insurer is responsible for paying for your injuries
- If there are multiple insurers you can file a claim with
- How much evidence is available
- Your case’s value
- How complex your case is
Your options may change as your attorney digs deeper into your case, but they should always keep you informed about what is happening and what, if anything, you will need to do along the way (e.g., sign documents).
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (828) 286-3866
How Much Experience Do You Have With Pedestrian Accident Cases?
Even if a lawyer seems competent and experienced, if they have not handled pedestrian accident claims and lawsuits before, they might not be a good fit for your case. This is because different case types require different approaches and may present the attorney with unique challenges.
Make sure to ask specifically about how they have handled past pedestrian injury cases. If they cannot provide any examples, you might be better off finding another law firm.
How Will Your Pedestrian Accident Attorney Get Paid?
Many law firms work on a contingency-fee basis, which means your lawyer would take a percentage of your payout instead of an upfront or hourly fee. You will want to understand what this percentage is, what your lawyer will do to earn that money, and what happens if you do not recover compensation (your legal representative typically would not get paid).
Not every firm works on contingency, and those that do may use different calculations to determine what percentage they will charge. Ask for details about their fee structure, and ask for clarification if there is anything you do not understand. You should also take a copy of their contract home with you to review before you sign.
Can You Ask Your Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Follow-Up Questions?
Your case may take months or longer to resolve, so you want to work with a lawyer who is open, honest, and supportive. If they seem impatient with your questions or take a long time to return your calls or emails, this is a good sign that they will not be able to provide the information and reassurance you deserve.
In addition to making sure your law firm welcomes your legal questions, you should ask:
- How often they plan to update you about your case’s progress
- How you can get in touch with them
- If you will have direct access to your attorney
- How long it will take your attorney to get back to you after you call or email
Our personal injury law firm offers a 24/7 helpline for clients. Members of our team are always available to assist you.
When to Ask an Attorney These and Other Questions
While getting medical attention should always be your top priority after a traffic accident, it is also important to get legal advice as soon as you reasonably can. There are multiple reasons for this urgency.
First, remember that you have a limited time to file a lawsuit, depending on who is at fault and where you live. In both North Carolina and South Carolina, for example, you generally have three years to sue. Once the deadline expires, you will have one less option for recovering financial compensation.
In addition to this official deadline, it is better to start collecting evidence right after the accident, as important materials might start to disappear or lose value as time goes on.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers recommend that you speak to us as soon as you are medically stable and before speaking to any insurance companies. This allows you to:
- Learn about your case’s merits right away
- Avoid having to deal with an insurance adjuster whose main goal is to save their company money
- Avoid inadvertently giving up your rights or giving the insurer an excuse to underpay your claim
- Relax and focus on your recovery while your legal representative takes all appropriate actions
Our Pedestrian Accident Law Firm Can Answer Your Questions 24/7
If you are thinking of hiring an attorney, call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, today. We can answer all of the questions you ask our pedestrian accident attorneys, both during our initial meeting and as your case moves through the legal system. With five locations throughout North and South Carolina, our legal team is ready to provide compassionate support to clients across two states.
