Being involved in an automobile accident is really stressful. You have to recover physically and probably emotionally too. When you are the victim, you would most likely look for a lawyer to handle your case. With the huge number of auto accidents per year, a lot of legal professionals have opted to become car accident lawyers. Throughout Washington, DC alone, you will already see a lot of car accident lawyers. Choosing a lawyer is not as easy as 1, 2, and 3. There are things to be done and questions to be asked.
Questions to ask an auto accident lawyer in DC
Before the meeting, write down the things you want to discuss. Include the questions you want to ask the lawyer. Here are some questions that can help you find the right lawyer.
- How many years have you been practicing as a car accident lawyer?
- Do you focus on representing victims of car accidents or are you also involved in other kinds of legal work?
- How many car accident victims do you usually represent every year?
- How many lawsuits are settled every year and how many go to trial?
- Have you dealt with a case that is very similar to mine?
- What organizations do you belong to?
- Do you have experience in representing car accident victims who incurred injuries to the back and neck as well as injuries that lead to lifelong problems?
Let the auto accident lawyer assess your case
After asking the questions, describe what happened to the lawyer and talk about the injuries you got. Let the lawyer share his or her thoughts on the case. Moreover, you should ask about financial settlements that are realistic. It also pays to know the things that work in your favour as well as those that are not. Find out if there is a big chance you will have to go to trial or if meditation is possible.
Ask about legal fees
Obtaining the services of an attorney requires you to shell out a substantial amount. Ask about the fees that the car accident lawyer in DC imposes to clients. Is there a contingency fee or will you follow an hourly rate? Find out if you have to pay the lawyer in case you lose the case or no settlement is reached. Furthermore, you should ask about a retainer fee. All other expenses must be clear to you. You can even ask for an estimate. If you are not satisfied, ask the lawyer to show an example of the amount you can take home after all the expenses and other legal fees are subtracted.
Hiring a car accident attorney in Washington, DC is not something you can do in an instant. Be meticulous. After all, it is for your own good. Do not delegate the case to someone who barely has experience. You want a lawyer who gives you peace of mind, knowing that you are in good hands. At the end of it all, you want things to go your way. It might not heal all the emotional wounds that the accident caused you, but it can surely help you start again.