There’s an average of six million car accidents in the US every year. In 2017, there were 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses.
While all types of accidents happen every day, they shouldn’t destroy you financially. There is help available but only if you know how to find the right lawyer for accident injury.
The best injury lawyers can help guide you through a complicated process and ensure you have enough money to stay in your home and receive proper medical care. Keep reading to learn what questions to ask before hiring the best accident lawyer to help you recover quickly.
Ask if the Lawyer for Accident Injury Specializes in These Cases
There are all types of lawyers out there. Each one has a niche they specialize in.
You don’t want to hire an immigration attorney to help you after being injured in an accident. Instead, find a lawyer that specializes in injury law.
Find Out How Many of Their Case is Referred by Other Lawyers
Good accident lawyers get referrals from other lawyers in their community. If a high percentage of their referrals comes from other attorneys, that means they are well-respected by other lawyers.
If you know a lawyer, ask them for a referral to a good injury attorney. They often are familiar with or know of others who can recommend a good personal injury lawyer to you.
Ask How Many Cases Like Yours Have Gone to Trial and How Successful the Outcomes Were
Many personal injury cases are settled without ever going to trial. Settling before going to trial can still deliver good results to you.
But you do not want to work with a lawyer with no trial experience, especially if that’s where your specific case is headed. Attorneys like the team at MGMillerlaw.com have the experience and leverage to get you the settlement you deserve.
Find Out Their Fee Structure
Top accident lawyers tend to work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay them any money until you settle and recover money damages.
Once you’ve received money damages, your personal injury attorney will then take a percentage of that amount. Most take anywhere between 25% and 40%.
Initial Consultations and Expenses
You should also expect to receive a free initial consultation. If one asks you for money, find someone else. If you are interested in speaking with a bicycle accident attorney during a free telephone consultation, contact Nehora Law Firm today.
However, be aware that there are certain expenses that happen while a lawyer is working on your case. Some attorneys expect you to reimburse them even if they lose. Make sure you fully understand their fee structure whether you win or lose so there won’t be any unexpected surprises.
Make Sure You Understand How They Plan to Communicate With You
Top accident lawyers keep in contact with their clients. If a personal injury attorney sends someone such as a paralegal or investigator to your initial consultation rather than showing up in person, that’s a sign you should find someone else to work with.
The best injury lawyers speak with their clients personally. They’ll provide you with consistent and easy access to them from start to finish. Most will even visit you in the hospital or home if you’re unable to go to their office.
Find Out How Long They Expect Your Case to Take Before it’s Settled
Until your case is settled and you’ve received your payment, it’s up to you to pay all expenses related to your injuries. And that can get expensive, especially if you’re unable to work and have a family depending on your income.
Knowing how long it should take to resolve a case like yours is important. While there are varying factors involved, good accident lawyers can give you a rough estimate.
Make sure your attorney is committed to resolving your case as soon as possible.
Ask What Your Case is Worth
The top accident lawyers will have a good idea of what your case is potentially worth. They should at least be able to discuss with you the various factors that may impact your settlement offer such as:
- Discovery
- Liability
- Preexisting medical issues
Should Be Able to Provide You a Spectrum of Possible Amounts
You’ll at least be given a general idea of how much you can expect to receive. However, do some research before you hire an attorney so you’ll know whether the attorney’s claims are viable.
Unrealistic claims such as being awarded several million dollars for a twisted ankle should make you very wary.
Ask if They’re Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
The best injury attorneys are all board certified. They know that being a member of the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) means they have achieved extensive experience in the courtroom.
Those who are board-certified also passed an all-day examination before being certified. This means the attorney takes their job very seriously and will do their best for you and your case.
Get References From Your Accident Lawyer
Ask for a few references from an injury lawyer. They should provide you with a few names of satisfied clients.
Do yourself a favor and call those references yourself. Do not rely on testimonials on their website because they only publish the good ones.
And while online reviews from outside sources are helpful, asking someone directly is the best way to get the information you need. Ask the reference what they liked best and least about working with the personal injury attorney.
Find Out What Your Role in the Case Will Be
Some clients want to be personally involved in their own cases. They want to attend meetings such as depositions.
However, there are many attorneys out there who prefer you do not get involved. In fact, some lawyers prefer they handle your case without your involvement.
Whether you wish to be highly involved or not at all, make sure you and your prospective attorney are on the same page as to what your professional relationship looks like.
Know the Law
Before you hire a lawyer for accident injury cases, get to know the law a little better. The more informed you are, the easier it is to find the best attorney for your case.
You’ll also have a better understanding of what to expect so there are fewer or no surprises. And you can get a lot of your information from us.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.