According to the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), many Americans struggle to understand the nuances of their own legal system – including their right to an attorney. A recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center also found that only two out of three Americans can name all three branches of government. The same survey found that only one out of 20 can name the five freedoms under the First Amendment. While this lack of knowledge may be alarming to some, the truth is that the average person only cares about the legal system when it directly affects them. Many encounter the legal system for the first time after suffering an injury in a car accident – and this inevitably leads to many questions. Fortunately, average citizens do not need to become legal scholars before pursuing compensation after crashes. Instead, they can work alongside experienced New Hampshire car accident lawyers who thoroughly understand the legal system. During consultations, injured victims may ask various questions before hiring lawyers. What kinds of questions might help a victim choose the most appropriate candidate? Consider continuing this dialogue by calling Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC at (603) 707-4800.
What Are My Chances of Receiving Compensation?
One of the most important questions to ask a car accident lawyer is whether a claim is even possible. New Hampshire is an “at-fault” state, which means that an injured victim must hold someone else liable if they want to receive compensation. In other words, a victim must prove that they were not the primary cause of their own injuries. A car accident lawyer can examine each crash and determine who might be at fault. If it becomes clear that an injured party caused their own injury by some form of negligence, then it might not make sense to pursue the claim. For example, a distracted motorist who suffers an injury after rear-ending another vehicle would likely lose the right to pursue compensation in New Hampshire.
The Granite State is also a “modified comparative negligence” jurisdiction. Under this doctrine, injured parties can still sue even if they are partially to blame for their own injuries. However, victims lose the right to pursue compensation if their level of fault is 51% or greater. Comparative negligence can be complex, and victims are often unsure of who caused their own accidents. For example, a victim might have failed to yield before being struck by a drunk, speeding driver. Who is the primary cause of the accident in this situation? This is a question that an experienced car accident attorney at a firm like Friedman & Bresaw may be able to answer.
How Long Have You Been Practicing Law?
During a consultation with a car accident lawyer, an injured victim might want to ask about their experience levels. To some degree, virtually every lawyer has extensive qualifications – as it is impossible to practice law in the United States without completing several years of post-secondary school. Lawyers must dedicate at least three years of this post-secondary study to a Juris Doctor (J.D) program at an accredited law school like Vermont Law School or the University of New Hampshire School of Law. Even then, law school graduates must pass the New Hampshire Bar Exam – a challenging undertaking that often requires months of preparation. All of these educational qualifications allow injured victims to confidently work with licensed lawyers in New Hampshire.
Some argue that “on-the-job” experience is more important than education when it comes to law. Injured victims might want to ask car accident lawyers about how many cases they have handled, how many settlements they have secured, and whether they have any trial experience. Be sure to confirm that the lawyer has a firm understanding of the local state, county, and municipal laws that apply to the specific accident. Car accidents can occur in numerous ways, and certain types may require more specific experience. Examples include semi-truck accidents, claims against government agencies, and drunk driving crashes. Injured victims may want to ask lawyers whether they have handled cases similar to their own specific circumstances.
How Much Compensation Will I Receive?
Injured victims are perfectly justified in inquiring about the amount of compensation they might receive. Many people face expensive medical bills and a complete loss of income while recovering from car crashes. As these financial burdens continue to mount, injured victims might need prompt answers. A car accident lawyer may be able to give a victim a rough estimate – but it is often challenging to accurately predict how a case might proceed. Although parties generally settle injury claims outside of court, trials sometimes occur. Litigation is inherently less predictable than negotiated settlements, and one can never predict a jury verdict.
A financial settlement is more likely, and it is also more predictable. Generally speaking, injured victims should receive compensation for both their economic damages and non-economic damages. Examples of economic damages include medical bills, lost income, and (in the case of a fatal crash) funeral costs. Non-economic damages are more complex, as they represent the emotional or psychological losses associated with crashes. Examples include depression, emotional distress, disfigurement, and pain & suffering. A car accident lawyer may be able to help victims estimate the value of their economic and non-economic damages.
More Questions? Ask Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC
Not everyone has the time or resources to become a legal scholar. Although some academics might be shocked by the lack of legal knowledge among average Americans, these citizens have busy lives, families, and careers. One should not feel dissuaded by the complexities of civil courts after a crash. Victims are under no obligation to learn how this system works in detail, and a basic understanding of the overall process will suffice. Experienced New Hampshire car accident lawyers are available to answer questions, and consultations could provide general education about civil courts, damages, negligence, and other legal concepts. Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC may be able to shed more light on how this system works. Our offices are conveniently located in Meredith, Laconia, And Belknap Counties, so consider calling (603) 707-4800 to continue this dialogue.
