If you have become a victim of a car accident, you may have been left with devastating injuries that have completely changed your life forever. Whether you’ve had to take time off work or give up your role altogether, taking the right steps to protect your future is crucial.
Contacting a DC car accident lawyer should be done as quickly as possible after the accident. With so many attorneys in the capital, it can be difficult to know who to choose to handle your case. When at your initial consultation, here are five questions you should ask your lawyer before making your mind up.
What is Your Area of Legal Specialty?
While there are dozens of personal injury lawyers in DC, you need to find an attorney who specializes in car accidents. This is because you need a car accident lawyer who has extensive experience in the field, so they know what steps to take to help win your case. You will find that every lawyer will climb over one another to handle your case, so only choose one who has the credentials to back them up.
Will You Be Handling My Case Specifically?
When navigating through a car accident case, you’ll want a lawyer who is by your side from start to finish. If your attorney is handling several cases at once, they won’t have the time or resources to fully invest in your case. All reputable car accident lawyers have excellent time management skills and know how to prioritize, meaning your needs will always be put first. Rather than your case being passed from person to person, you need a lawyer who sticks with you throughout.
How Will You Charge for My Case?
Each car accident lawyer’s fees will be structured differently. This means when going for your first meeting, you need to establish how they charge clients, so you know what to expect. The last thing you want is to pay out hidden fees that you weren’t aware of. For any car accident case, it’s wise to opt for a contingency fee payment method. This is so you can defer payment until you are compensated, meaning your lawyer will work harder to fight your corner.
What Kind of Damages Can I Claim?
If you’ve never been involved in a car accident before, you may have no idea of the kinds of damages you can claim for your injuries. Damages can include medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost income, and property damage. Other non-tangible losses include physical impairment and emotional distress. Your car accident lawyer will take you through what damages they believe you can claim for.
How Long Will It Take to Reach a Settlement?
Car accident cases are notorious for being lengthy. While clients would love to reach a settlement within a matter of weeks, this rarely ever happens. Having an idea of how long your case will last will help keep you sane throughout. Your car accident lawyer should give an estimate of when they think a settlement will be reached. In the meantime, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and looking after yourself.
Any experienced DC car accident lawyer will have answers to any of the questions above. If you don’t feel comfortable with a particular attorney, always trust your gut feeling and go elsewhere.
