Car accidents are not uncommon in Oregon. Some are minor blips, but many car crashes have serious consequences. What happens if you were injured in such an accident that wasn’t your fault? Oregon is a fault state, which means you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer and ask compensation for your losses and injuries. However, without legal advice, dealing with insurance companies can be hard. Insurance companies eventually make money through premiums. The claims adjuster would do anything to minimize the settlement paid to you. With a skilled Salem Oregon personal injury lawyer on your side, you can expect a fairer payment.
Working with an attorney for the first time can be overwhelming. For you help, below is a list of questions worth asking a car accident lawyer.
- How often do you deal with car accident lawsuits?
Dog bites, trip & fall cases, medical malpractice, product defects – These are all examples of personal injury. You need to find an attorney, who has experience with car accident cases in particular. Make sure that the lawyer is known, has good reviews, and to know them better, you can ask for references too.
- Do you have experience of trial?
While most car accident cases are settled through negotiation outside of court, things can be different at times. If the matter ends up in trial, you will need a lawyer with experience. A good car accident lawyer will work on the case, keeping all possibilities in mind. They will build the case from day one, gather evidence and information to bolster your chances. Trial experience may not eventually matter, but is a key aspect to consider.
- How much do you charge?
Usually, personal injury attorneys in Oregon (and most other states) take car accident claims and lawsuits on a contingency fee. This means that the lawyer only gets a fee, if they win. The fee is a fixed percentage of the settlement, not exceeding 40%. The fee of an attorney also depends on the complications of the case and their own experience. Many car accident lawyers charge more, because they have the expertise and confidence to win a fair settlement.
Finally, ask the lawyer about their evaluation of your case. A respectable attorney will ensure that clients have a realistic outlook from the entire process, and they can give an overview of the predictable settlement. Call a lawyer soon after the car accident for immediate advice.
