The initial meeting with your Vancouver personal injury lawyer is the time at which each of you will evaluate the other to determine whether this attorney/client relationship is a good fit. You will want to know whether you feel comfortable with this attorney and assured that he can provide your case a strong chance. Your attorney, likewise, will consider what you will be like as a client and whether your case is likely to succeed.
Matters Your Vancouver Personal Injury Attorney Will Consider
Many lawyers have a checklist of questions they ask when deciding whether to take a case. Since personal injury attorneys general work by contingency—they don’t get paid unless the client obtains a settlement—they need to be careful to avoid cases that are hard to prove. The following are a few of the areas that your attorney will take into consideration:
• When the accident occurred and whether any statutes of limitations have run;
• Your actions in the day prior to the accident, as well as your driving history;
• Whether the potential defendant is another driver, the manufacturer or other owners or employees;
• If you were charged by officers because of the accident;
• Whether you share in the blame for the accident;
• The likely damages and their value;
• How long you will be out of work;
• Your earning capacity;
• Whether you are likely to make a good witness; and
• How likely it is that a judgment can be collected upon.
Past and Future Damages
Your Vancouver personal injury lawyer will also ask about your past and future damages. Past damages are costs you have already incurred including the cost of the hospital, any surgeries related to the accident, ambulance and emergency room fees, prescription medications, lost work time, cost of household help if needed, etc.
Future damages are those that you are likely to incur in the short and long term. Some victims of car accidents need continued medical care and may not be able to return to work for a long time if ever. Your Vancouver personal injury attorney will need to do more than speculate on such future damages. He may need to hire an expert medical witness who can testify to the cost of your likely continued medical treatment. Keep in mind that non-economic loss, such as pain and suffering, may be listed among both past and future damages.
What Is Your Personal Injury Case Worth?
If you are thinking about filing a personal injury lawsuit, you might be wondering how much compensation you will recover. Your attorney will meet with you to review the relevant factors in the case and will discuss the options you have as you seek a fair and just outcome. If you have further questions please contact a Vancouver personal injury lawyer.
Legal Representation Can Help You Win Your Case
There are no guarantees when it comes to personal injury claims. However, you can be sure that the insurance company does not want you to gain compensation if it can avoid it. Call a Vancouver personal injury lawyer at the Etengoff Pak Law Group today to set up a consultation at (360) 693-2919.
