If you have recently been involved in a car accident, especially a serious one in which you have been injured, contacting an attorney may be the last thing on your mind. But while recuperating is certainly understandable as a top priority, getting legal representation is also vital. An experienced lawyer who handles auto accident cases will advocate on your behalf, handle the legal paperwork, and make sure that you have the time to take care of everything else. When searching for an attorney to represent you, keep in mind the three questions below that you'll want to ask before making a final decision.  

What evidence should be gathered?

One of the key questions any attorney should be able to answer immediately involves the evidence you should seek out following an accident. This may be everything from police reports to witness accounts to medical documents. Some of this an attorney will of course be able to help you obtain more easily, but the sooner you're aware of the evidence needed in your case, the better. 

Is going to trial the best option? 

Many people suffering the effects of a serious auto accident may be inclined to pursue legal action immediately, and they might expect that an attorney will fight for a trial. That said, not all cases are best served by taking insurance companies to court. It is more likely that a skilled attorney can reach a settlement out of court instead of wasting time and money on a prolonged legal battle. Conversely, an attorney can also tell you when it is more beneficial to persist and to ignore low-ball settlement offers from insurance companies who do not have your best interests at heart.

What settlement can be expected?

In the event that your lawyer has handled many cases similar to yours, it is likely they can provide a general estimate of the settlement amount you can expect. Don't hesitate to ask different attorneys the same question and compare their answers; you may find that some are willing to spend a bit more time on your case because they think there is a realistic shot to get a better payout. Others may suggest that a slightly smaller payout is worth the time and effort saved. It is, of course, ultimately up to you to assess your priorities in a given situation, but asking about expected settlement amounts is nonetheless a vital question.

Contact an auto accident attorney to learn more.