How to get legal assistance to settle a civil case filed by the bank against a loan?

Hi,

I had taken a personal loan from a bank (it's now under a different name) back in 2018 for AED 260,000. Then I left the country and continued to pay for a while, but then I couldn't and now in Dec 2020, they have filed a civil case.

I would like to know if I hire a lawyer for my case to clear, would that help to solve the issue or should I try contacting the bank to negotiate?

Not sure if the bank will negotiate to close the outstanding as I was told by a friend that banks have insurance on the debt that is lent.

And if there is a civil case, they can claim insurance for the lost money rather than negotiating especially after a civil case is registered. Is that true?

I want to clear my name at the earliest but I don't have that much money (now AED 293000 with interest and late fee).

In a civil case, what are the proceedings if I hire a lawyer? And does it help to get the amount of payment lowered?

If so, how much lower can the court order to close the case and how long would it take?

Thanks.