When you meet with an accident and choose a vehicle accident lawyer, it is important for you to keep him abreast of all the facts and details you know.
How fast you were driving, other passengers in the car and what happened according to them. Any other victims who were passengers, whether the police did a breathalyser test on the drivers of both vehicles and any other details that you can provide.
In turn, he should keep you updated on the progress particularly if the matter is taken up in courts. You also need to keep in touch with him and find out details of the proceedings. If the matter is taken up in courts, you must ask the senior lawyer what the situation is and his opinion on the path the case may take.
You must discuss with the senior lawyer what sort of compensation he expects to receive from the insurance company. He may ask you for details of whether you were on duty when the accident happened and whether you could collect any money under a workmen’s compensation policy. In this case, you may be able to cover up your costs with an excess for any eventuality.
One must also not rule out the possibility of the lawyer negotiating with the insurance company for an out of court settlement. This would reduce legal costs and avoid the hassle of long drawn court procedure. A decision can be made depending on the net amount you would receive after paying legal costs. In the event that a negotiated out of court settlement is not possible your senior VAL must advise you on how long he thinks the court hearings would take to run to completion.
As for the Lawyers fee, this would depend on the following.
1. Is the VAL very senior in the profession and works for a firm of lawyers?
2. If so, does this company have a reputation for handling the type of case you are involved with. He could probably give you an idea of how much was collected by him on similar cases in the past.
3. Does the VAL entrust the bulk of the work to a junior?
The fee would depend on how much the VAL could obtain on your behalf. He may ask for an advance that you should tactfully avoid if possible.