People involved in a serious car accident are often initially shocked by what has happened. Next comes the realization that your car may have suffered some damage, and if the passengers seated inside have also sustained serious injuries, what sort of medical care and treatment may be needed.
While you are still processing what led to the accident, whose mistake it was, what damages are suffered, and how to get proper compensation and the treatment and care you need, it is not easy to wrap your mind around everything. To make sure your interests are properly protected, you require a personal injury lawyer. But how do you ensure that you are trusting your case to the right lawyer?
Here are the top 9 questions to ask your lawyer if you’ve been involved in a car accident in Kingston, Ontario.
1. What is Your Experience as a Lawyer in the Region? Have You Handled Car Accident Cases Before?
You must understand that not every personal injury lawyer you meet may have expertise in car accidents. Ask for how many years they have been practising and the number of car accident cases they have handled. You should hire someone who stays updated with the latest amendments in motor vehicle accident claims and knows innovative tactics to deal with insurance companies, medical professionals and local court procedures in Kingston. In particular, the lawyer should have experience not only in negligence litigation, but also extensive experience handling no-fault accident benefits claims.
2. Can You Provide References for Similar Cases You Have Handled Earlier?
Many firms or individuals accept all kinds of cases related to personal injuries, having little to no experience in handling car accident cases. Refer to previous cases and their results before you move forward with the lawyer for the case proceedings.
3. How Long Does It Take for Car Accident Cases to Resolve?
How long claims in a car accident case take to be resolved depends on several factors. These can include the type of injuries you have suffered, the driver responsible for the accident, and the damages to your car. The lawyer understands and evaluates all such factors to determine the time for the final result.
4. Will My Case Go To Trial? May I Know Your Success Rate in Trials?
Most motor vehicle claims settle either at the insurance adjuster level or following the start of a lawsuit. Some proceed all the way to trial. It is important to ask your lawyer their success rate to ensure you trust your case with an experienced professional. At SG Injury Law, our car accident lawyers have excellent negotiating skills that will help you achieve rightful compensation.
5. Are You Aware of Ontario’s No-Fault Insurance? Can You Guide in Achieveing the Benefits?
Ontario has a no-fault insurance system, through which a person involved in a car accident, whether at fault or not, can claim compensation for medical expenses and wage loss from their insurance provider. The person can still file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for the pain and future income loss that they may face. The personal injury lawyer in Kingston must be aware of this system and be able to guide you through the complex procedures of Statutory Accident Benefits (SABS) and tort claims.
6. Should I Take Legal Action?
In cases where you suffered minor injuries in a car accident that are not both serious and permanent, there often no point in filing a lawsuit against the driver at fault. Your legal representative must be able to assess all damages and consequences you may have in future to determine whether or not you should take legal action.
7. What Compensation Should I Realistically Expect?
The compensation amount for each car accident case is different. No lawyer should promise you a specific amount. An experienced car accident lawyer will provide an approximate after evaluating several factors. These may include the type of injuries you’ve suffered and if the accident has led to loss of income or other damages; and, often most importantly, the opinions of medical experts. The lawyer must be transparent when saying if the claims are strong, if challenges may affect the compensation amount, or the time taken to receive the compensation.
8. What Kind of Support Will You Provide for Medical and Rehabilitation?
Beyond handling legal paperwork, some firms have connections with trusted medical care and rehabilitation support. If not, reputed firms can refer you to trusted healthcare professionals who will look after your injuries and take the right course of action for your speedy recovery. Moreover, car accident lawyers need to work closely with doctors to assess the extent of injury to claim for an appropriate compensation.
9. How Much Do You Charge? Do You Work on Contingency?
Most car accident lawyers in Kingston work on a contingency basis, meaning they only accept payment if they win. You should have clear knowledge of the fee you’d be required to pay to the firm or an individual lawyer for handling your case.
The Expertise of SG Injury Law in Car Accident Claims
As the types of accidents vary, so does the severity of injuries. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can make a huge difference in the extent of damages and compensation you receive after an accident. Beyond representing you in court, they can be your legal guide in advising whether or not you should pursue a case.
SG Injury Law, with a team of highly qualified and experienced injury attorney in Kingston, has successfully handled thousands of car accident cases. We have a proven success record, as you can see from the testimonies of our past clients. We understand that recovering from a horrifying incident can be stressful. While you focus on getting better, we want to take away the tension of going through complex legal procedures.
As your legal representative, we assess your case thoroughly and find an estimate of the compensation amount you are owed. Depending on whether your claims are strong or not, we strategically decide the right course of action. No matter how many questions emerge, we are prepared to answer them during the initial consultation, which you can book for free.