Dealing with the immediate consequences of an accident is never easy. There are numerous aspects to consider, especially if the accident happened due to someone’s fault. Filing an injury claim in Louisville may sound easy on paper, but without understanding the laws, you may end up in a situation where you end up accepting whatever the insurance company has to offer. If you are hiring a louisville personal injury attorney, here are some questions you must ask.
What can you tell me about your work as an injury attorney? What cases do you typically encounter?
As a client, you have the right to ask questions about the injury attorney’s body of work. Firstly, ensure that you choose a local firm that’s based in Louisville and has a credible team of lawyers. Personal injury claims range from auto accident lawsuits to dog bites, and you need niche-specific expertise to deal with the situation. Make sure to ask about the lawyer’s top cases, the landmark wins, and the number of claims and lawsuits they have handled.
What can you tell me about representing clients in court?
Not all lawyers can claim that they are great at representing matters at trial. That’s because personal injury claims are usually settled, as going to court can be an expensive alternative. However, you don’t know how your case may swing, and it makes sense to engage an injury attorney who is capable of dealing with a lawsuit in the civil court.
How much would you charge?
You shouldn’t have to pay an injury attorney until you win, which is called a contingency fee. The lawyer gets a share of the settlement only when they recover compensation for you. Typically, the standard fee for lawyers is 33%, but in some cases, it can be as high as 40%. It is best to have a clear engagement letter with your lawyer, which should also mention the terms & conditions. You should also ask the attorney whether they can help with additional expenses and an estimate for the same.
Final word
Hiring an injury attorney may not seem like a great proposition when dealing with financial distress after an accident. Because there is no immediate fee or expense involved, seeking advice from an expert is the best way to secure your interests. Don’t let anyone tell you that the process is easy because insurance companies and at-fault parties have ways to protect their sides.
