Frequently Asked Questions
Answering Your Questions about Hiring a Lawyer
When you’re injured in an accident, it can be an overwhelming experience. You have doctor visits to attend so you can restore your health. You may be dealing with an insurance company. If you were driving, you may have to repair or buy a new car. This can lead to a lot of stress and frustration, especially when you were not at fault for the accident. Cockayne Law Firm can help you through this difficult time by assisting you in getting compensation from the responsible party or an insurance company who won’t pay their share, which will help you cover medical expenses, car repairs, and more. We know this can be a confusing time and you likely have a lot of questions. We’ve put together a list of our most common questions to help you gather the information you need. Please reach out to us if you have any additional questions or concerns. We’re here to help you in your time of need.
Will It Cost Me More to Change Lawyers or Law Firms on My Case?
At our law firm, it will not cost extra for you to switch to our firm after retaining a different lawyer prior to finding us. Though we may have to split the fee with the other law firm, the money will not come from you. Our team is happy to take on your case even if you’ve hired someone else first. We encourage you to speak with our team to learn how you can switch your case to a new representation.
Can I Get Benefits from My Insurance Company if the Accident Was Not My Fault?
You do have benefits available to you from your own insurance company, provided you have a Utah insurance policy. These benefits are known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. According to Utah law, these PIP benefits will cover the first $3,000 of medical bills, with some offer even higher amounts. You may also be entitled to essential service benefits or lost wage benefits from your own insurance company. Our team will be able to determine what benefits you should be receiving and help to ensure you get a fair amount.
What Happens If the Person Who Caused the Accident Doesn’t Have Insurance?
When the person who caused the accident is uninsured, you may think you have no options to help you cover your expenses. However, most insurance policies in Utah contain coverage for their holders should they ever be in an accident caused by someone without insurance. This means your own insurance policy should cover you in these cases. Your medical and vehicle expenses will be handled separately in these cases:
- Medical: Insurance policies in Utah are required to have uninsured motorist coverage equal to the liability limits that cover your medical injuries. The only exception to this rule would be if you voluntarily waived your uninsured motorist coverage. Even if your insurance company claims you have waived this coverage, you should speak to a lawyer, as many times the waivers are not proper, and you are still entitled to this coverage.
- Vehicle: If your vehicle is damaged by an uninsured driver, your insurance will cover the cost of repairs or a replacement vehicle if you have a full coverage policy, but you will still have to pay your deductible. However, if you elected to include uninsured motorist property damage on your policy, your insurance will cover your vehicle costs without you having to pay the deductible. If you do not have these types of coverages, you will have to take legal action against the person who caused the accident.
What is a Personal Injury Lawyer & Why Do I Need One?
A personal injury lawyer is a legal professional whose cases involve individuals who have suffered injuries through another party’s negligence. Their goal is to prove that their client was an innocent party who was hurt by the behavior of another, and as such is entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. They can also help individuals stand up to insurance companies who are refusing to pay out benefits by proving their client meets the criteria of their coverage. You need a personal injury lawyer to be an advocate for you and ensure you are not treated unfairly. Insurance companies have their own legal team looking out for their best interests and you should too.
When Should I Call a Personal Injury Attorney?
You should call a personal injury attorney as soon as you are able to follow your accident. The sooner you have legal assistance, the better your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Our team will ensure your rights and all necessary evidence to prove your case is protected. Be sure you do not state the insurance company until you have retained a lawyer, as this statement can be used against you later. Our team will get to work right away to protect your best interests.
How Do I Choose a Personal Injury Attorney?
Choosing a personal injury lawyer for your auto accident, pedestrian accident, slip, and fall accident, or other situations that caused your injury will have a profound impact on the outcome of your case. This is the team that will be fighting for your rights, so you want to ensure you choose an experienced professional. Since most attorneys will offer a free consultation, we recommend interviewing the ones you feel are the best candidates. Ask them about their approach to cases, how they would handle your situation, and how many cases they’ve handled. You’ll want to choose a lawyer who has experience successfully handling cases like yours.
What Do I Do If I’m In a Car Accident?
The first thing you should do when you’re in an accident is to document as much of the scene as possible if you are physically able. If you are injured, you may not be able to do so. However, if you have able passengers, ask them to take photos of the scene. Next, you’ll want to call a reputable car accident attorney in West Jordan, UT as soon as possible. Make sure you do not give any statements to the insurance companies until you have found a lawyer to represent you. Your lawyer will then take it from there.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a car accident lawyer will vary depending on the law firm’s individual fees. However, many firms will simply take a percentage of the settlement you receive when the case is won. If the firm does not win the case, the client owes them nothing.
What If I Cannot Afford a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you cannot afford to pay for a personal injury lawyer, we still encourage you to call a lawyer who offers free consultations. This will give you an opportunity to discuss your case with a professional to determine whether you are eligible for compensation. Often many personal injury lawyers will not require you to pay upfront, which could mean you can afford their services, as they will simply take a portion of your settlement.
How Difficult Is It to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
It is very easy to hire a lawyer following a car accident. All you have to do is call a law office like Cockayne Law Firm. Often, we can discuss your case immediately over the phone and get started helping you right away. We make sure the process is easy, so you have one less thing to worry about.
