Unfortunately, car accidents are an everyday occurrence throughout the country. Some of them can be fatal, some severe, and some less devastating. However, no matter the severity of the accident, it is always important to contact a lawyer who specializes in the matter and can advise you and help you obtain compensation for damages—choosing an attorney who has the necessary experience and whom you trust to handle your case is crucial to make the process as easy as possible.
Here is a list of some of the most important questions you will want to ask a lawyer before hiring him:
- What is your area of expertise? Lawyers specialize in different areas, so not everyone can handle the same cases. Therefore, it is essential to know if the lawyer has the specific knowledge and experience to handle a car accident case.
- Do I have a solid case to file a lawsuit? The main objective when filing a lawsuit is to obtain compensation for damages. For this, it must be possible to show that the other driver acted negligently. A lawyer will be able to advise you on whether it is feasible to proceed according to the circumstances of your case.
- How much do you charge? Many people decide not to file a lawsuit due to the mistaken belief that they will have to spend big sums of money to be able to hire a lawyer. The reality is that most personal injury attorneys work under contingency fees, which means that the victim does not have to give any advance payments until his/her attorney has won the case or has reached a favorable settlement.
- How long do I have to file my claim? Each state has a certain period of time in which a lawsuit must be filed after an accident has occurred. This time is known as the statute of limitations, which varies from state to state. It is important to consult with your lawyer about how long you have to file the lawsuit according to where you live.
- Will you be the one working on my case? Most law firms have a team that handles the different cases that come in. It is important to know if the attorney advising you will be working directly on your case or, if not, you should know who the attorney in charge will be.
