A car accident is a stressful and intimidating experience. If you think the accident was caused by the wrongful actions of another driver, you might need to hire a car accident lawyer Portland Oregon. But how do you know which one to hire?
Below are some important tips to hire the best car accident attorney for your case.
#1 Most Car Accident Lawyers Do Not Charge For The Consultation: Set up meetings with several attorneys to find the one you are most comfortable with. There is a good chance you will be communicating with this person and her staff for weeks or months as the case proceeds. So you should make sure your attorney is professional, communicative, and has your best interests at heart.
#2 Most Car Accident Lawyers Charge Nothing Unless They Win: If you are worried about big legal fees upfront, this is not usually a concern with car accident cases. Personal injury attorneys are compensated at the end of the case when it settles or there is a favorable verdict. Your lawyer will then collect part of the money as her legal fee.
#3 Ask The Attorney What Their Fee Is If You Win: Most personal injury attorneys keep a percentage of your settlement. Make sure you know what this amount is before you sign with them. Ask for a contract that shows what the percentage is and keep a copy of the document for your records.
#4 Give The Attorney All Information You Have About the Accident: When you visit a car accident lawyer Portland, bring your car insurance policy, medical insurance policy, medical records or bills from the accident, pictures of the vehicle and your injuries, and a copy of the police report. All of this information is needed for your attorney to build your case quickly and effectively.
#5 Don’t Expect a Fast Settlement: It is possible your case could take months before you see a settlement. While your lawyer should continue to communicate with you during this process, understand that going to court over a car accident can and does take time. Part of the job of your attorney is to negotiate the best possible settlement for you and to not take the quick settlement the insurance company wants you to take.
#6 Do Your Part: The personal injury attorney you hire for your car accident case is just one part of a larger team. Keep all appointments to meet with their legal team, keep your accident documents organized, and answer all letter and phone calls you get from your attorney quickly. If you need to show up in court at some point, follow your attorney’s directions carefully, look presentable, and be polite to the judge.
When Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
The best time is to hire your attorney early in the process to avoid mistakes. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case varies by state and can range from one to four years. Because you may have to pay for thousands of dollars of medical bills and may have lost wages, the sooner you get in touch with an attorney, the better. Generally, an injured person should reach out to an attorney within a week or two of the accident. If you wait until the statute of limitations is about to expire, you could lose out on the ability to reach a settlement.
Talk to A Car Accident Lawyer Today: If you have been in a car accident, it is a smart idea to talk to a car accident lawyer Portland Oregon soon, such as The Herron Law Firm. Contact them today for a free consultation.
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