Being injured in an auto accident can be traumatizing and stressful, and depending on the severity of your injuries it may take weeks or months to recover. During the time that you're recovering, you should not have to worry about dealing with the other driver's insurance company so you can get your car repaired and recoup a settlement to cover lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. After being injured in an auto accident, it is always in your best interest to hire an auto accident attorney. Some of the things to think about when hiring an auto accident attorney include:
Consultations are Typically Complementary
A lot of people don't even contact an attorney after being injured in an auto accident because they think it will cost too much money to have a consultation with an attorney that they are not sure whether or not they will hire. The good news is that a majority of auto accident attorneys do not charge a fee for an initial consultation. During your complimentary consultation, you can explain your case to the lawyer, ask questions, and get an honest assessment of what to expect.
Understand Fees
The majority of auto accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning that they do not charge an hourly fee for their services or require you to pay a retainer. Instead, auto accident attorneys receive a percentage of your settlement when it is awarded. Make sure you know exactly what percentage a lawyer requests before making your hiring decision. It is also important to ask if you will owe any money to the attorney if your case goes to court and no settlement is awarded to you.
Avoid Ambulance Chasers
The term "ambulance chasers" refers to personal injury lawyers who seek out clients who have been injured. After you're injured in an auto accident, you may be contacted by attorneys by phone or mail offering to represent you. Reputable auto accident attorneys don't need to resort to these tactics to secure clients. Avoid ambulance chasers, and focus on hiring an experienced and reputable attorney to assist you with your case.
There are No Guarantees
When it comes to monetary settlements after being involved in an accident that you were not liable for, there are no guarantees about the size of the settlement, or if one will be awarded at all. Be wary of an attorney who promises you that he or she can get you a settlement of a certain size.
Contact a law office like Goddard & Hammontree LLC for more information and assistance.