Driving Can Be Risky
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 1.7 million Americans reported being involved in an injury-related car wreck in 2015. A study in 2013 also found that car crashes resulted in more than 2.4 million hospital visits. Thus, no matter how careful you think you may be, you are always at risk of a car accident whenever you get behind the wheel of your car. If you find yourself in the undesirable role of an accident victim and have questions about your rights, you should contact a car accident lawyer to inquire about your rights.
Car accident lawyers are oftentimes uniquely qualified to handle car accident cases. Because of their experience, they will quickly determine issues related to liability and damages, and act to make sure that your rights are protected while you are recovering and recuperating from your injuries. It is important to note that there are time deadlines that most claims, including claims for personal injuries. If these deadlines are missed, the potential claimant can lose his or her rights. Therefore, it is important to retain a skilled car accident lawyer as soon as possible so that he or she can make sure to meet all your time deadlines. However, before deciding which car accident lawyer to hire, you should compare their relative experience, skill, and knowledge. You may consider asking the following questions, among others:
1. Do I Have A Case?
Sometimes liability can be clear and obvious. If, for example, you are rear-ended while stopped at a red light, it can hardly be argued by the other driver that they are not at fault. On other occasions, liability is not always clear. This question can get even more complicated when there are multiple drivers who are all at fault, at least to some degree. An experienced car accident lawyer should be able to quickly determine questions relating to liability, and tell you whether or not you have a case, and if so, how strong it is in terms of liability.
2. How Are Legal Fees Billed?
This is a big one. If you are the victim of a car accident and are facing mounting medical bills, the last thing you probably want to do is pay upfront cash out of pocket to pay for a lawyer. This is especially true if you are unable to work because of your injuries. It is not unreasonable to ask a lawyer about fees. Some car accident lawyers may charge a flat fee or an hourly fee, while many will work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee car accident lawyer will only get paid if they recover money for you because their fee is a percentage of the recovery.
3. What Is My Case Worth?
Let’s face it – without a crystal ball, nobody could predict the future. However, when it comes to valuing a personal injury case, an experienced car accident lawyer should be able to provide a reasonable settlement range for a case based on the nature of the incident and the resulting injuries. The experience of handling car accident cases provides the car accident lawyer with insight into how insurance companies approach settlement, which can allow them to approximate a likely range for the outcome of your case.
4. Have You Tried A Car Accident Case Before?
This may seem a forward question, but it is an important one. Having an experienced attorney to act as your car accident lawyer is an important part of maximizing your recovery. Insurance companies keep track of lawyers and usually know which car accident lawyer would likely take a case to trial and which one would likely not. If your car accident lawyer has experience trying cases, then that may likely increase the settlement value of your case.
Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Now that you have some pointers on how to interview a car accident lawyer, it is easier for you to find the right fit. In sum, you should look for an experienced lawyer who is not afraid to go to trial, and who will take your case on a contingency fee basis. You are welcomed to contact Akopyan Law, which serves Glendale, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas. Click here to learn more.