It’s natural to have questions if you have been in a car accident and are considering taking legal action. Before you meet with an attorney, it’s a good idea to prepare yourself mentally — that way you can make sure you ask them any questions you may have and come away from your initial meeting with the information you needed. Topics to discuss with an attorney include:

• The amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. Every state has a statute of limitations dictating how much time you have from the date of your accident (and sometimes the discovery of your injuries) to file suit. You should keep your state’s statute of limitations in mind as you consider your options.
• The extent of your injuries. More information is always better when it comes to telling an attorney about the extent and nature of your injuries. Bring documentation from your doctor if you have them. This will help your attorney assess the value of your claim and give you a better idea of what to expect.
• The role of the auto insurance company. Insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. Talk to a lawyer about any settlement offers you receive from an insurance company and be very careful about what you say to the insurer. If you hire an attorney, tell the insurance adjuster to speak directly to the attorney instead of to you.
• The process of establishing fault. Determining who is responsible for an automobile accident is not as straightforward a process as you might expect. For example, another driver may be responsible for your accident, but if their brakes stopped working unexpectedly then you may be able to name the manufacturer of their vehicle as a defendant in your lawsuit.

You can also ask a lawyer for their opinion on how successful your suit may be, how long it may take for you to receive compensation from the liable party, and on whether they think you should take a settlement — if one is offered — or go to court. The law is nuanced, and the elements of your accident that set it apart from others will impact the outcome of your lawsuit in ways you might not expect. Talk to an Atlanta auto accident lawyer for legal advice tailored to your particular situation.