If you have decided on hiring a personal injury attorney after an unfortunate car accident in LA, you are on the right track. Car accidents are all too common in California. In 2019, there were 3,606 deaths related to motor vehicle accidents, collisions, and crashes in the state. If the accident happened because of someone’s negligence, you may have the scope to seek compensation for your economic and noneconomic losses. For that, an attorney could be your biggest asset. Ask these questions when you interview and meet Los Angeles car accident attorneys.
- Have you handled cases similar to mine?
The scope of personal injury law is huge, covering every kind of injury or suffering, including medical malpractice and nursing home abuse. Don’t assume that an injury attorney has experience with personal injury lawsuits and claims similar to yours. Ask them about comparable cases and outcomes, and make sure that your lawyer has both negotiation and trial experience.
- What do you think of my claim?
Just because you believe that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident, it may not be the truth. The law works on evidence, and an experienced personal injury lawyer can give you a fair evaluation of your car accident claim. They will explain the merits and demerits of the case, besides how much you can realistically expect in compensation. An injury attorney may ask a lot of questions before they discuss these aspects.
- Do you work on a contingency basis?
When it comes to personal injury lawsuits, including car accident cases, many attorneys and law firms in LA work on a contingency fee. This means that the lawyer wouldn’t charge if they don’t win. If the lawyer gets a settlement for you, they will ask for a fixed percentage of that final amount, typically not exceeding 40%. Note that other costs may be applicable for your case, so ask your lawyer if they can advance expenses on your behalf. These costs are later adjusted with settlement.
Check the basics
If a car accident attorney promises things that seem too good to be true, it probably is. For instance, the time taken to win a settlement may vary for every case. There is no way that a lawyer can give a final timeline of the lawsuit.
Also, ask the attorney if they are going to handle your case personally, because there could be multiple car accident lawyers working for the same firm.
