You were injured in a car accident that happened because of someone’s negligence. In Indiana, you can hold the at-fault driver responsible for your losses and injuries. Filing an insurance claim and getting fair compensation, however, may not be an easy journey. Insurance companies have their own ways of dealing with claims, and the claims adjuster will look for all possible ways of denying or delaying your claim. Whatever the insurance company offers will be lower than what you deserve. You need a reliable Fort Wayne car accident lawyer on your side, so as to protect your rights and interests. Here are some questions to ask before you hire an accident lawyer.
- How long have you been a personal injury lawyer? What percentage of your practice is dedicated to car accident cases?
Experience is key when it comes to personal injury cases. From medical malpractice, to nursing home abuse, a bunch of cases are covered under personal injury law. When you look for a lawyer, make sure that they have experience in car accident cases in particular.
- How often do you go to court?
Majority of car accident lawsuits are settled outside of court. A trial can be an expensive option for everyone involved. Your lawyer will ideally try for a settlement at an early stage. However, if the matter comes up for trial, your lawyer needs to have courtroom confidence. Make sure that the attorney has represented clients in the court.
- Will you work on a contingency fee? What about other costs?
People often have their reservations about hiring lawyers, because they are already under financial distress following the accident. The good news is most attorneys in Fort Wayne and rest of Indiana work on a contingency basis. The lawyer will only ask for a fee if they win. The contingency fee is usually not more than 40%. Ask the attorney about their fee in advance. There could be other costs related to litigation, investigation, and other things. Sometimes, lawyers will advance these costs, and later when you get a settlement, these expenses will be adjusted, along with their fee.
If you want to know an attorney better, check online for reviews. When a law firm claims to be the best for handling car accident cases, they will have enough clients and will share references on request. Don’t shy away from asking questions related to the lawyer’s background.
