The aftermath of a car accident can be hard to process. If you have suffered severe injuries in a road accident in Los Angeles, you should focus on your recovery and treatment, but at the same time, it is essential to work on your personal injury claim. Because California is a tort state, you can file a case against the at-fault party, but it usually starts with an insurance claim. Regardless of the circumstances, you should engage a reliable Los Angeles car accident lawyer for the case. Here are four questions you must ask when interviewing lawyers.
Do I have a good case?
You were injured in the car accident doesn’t always mean that the other party is liable or responsible for your losses and medical bills. You need to provide evidence as the claimant to prove negligence, and sometimes, facts may be different from what you think. First, you should ask an accident lawyer whether you have a good case and what you can expect in compensation.
How often do you handle car accident cases?
Personal injury lawyers tackle a wide range of accident cases, including slip and fall mishaps and medical malpractice lawsuits. Not all lawyers have the same experience handling car accident lawsuits, and you need specific expertise to win a fair settlement. Ask the accident lawyer about their knowledge and the number of auto accident cases in their profile in the last five years.
What would be your fee like?
An accident lawyer will not charge an upfront flat fee or an hourly rate. Instead, they would charge a share of your compensation, also known as the contingency fee. The share is a fixed percentage, usually between 30% and 40%, depending on the work involved. Make sure that you have a heads up on anticipated costs, including the other expenses you are expected to pay for, such as the cost of investigation and hiring experts.
How will I get updates on my case?
Honest and transparent communication is particularly important between an accident lawyer and the client. A good lawyer will ensure that you don’t have difficulty getting updates on the case or asking questions. Even when the lawyer isn’t always available, they will have a team to handle queries.
It would help if you also asked the car accident lawyer for references in Los Angeles. Call a few clients to find out more about the lawyer’s profile.