Several lawyers offer a whole range of services, so how do you choose the right lawyer for your situation following an automobile accident? This list of simple questions will inform you about what you should expect from the first meeting. Do not hesitate to ask questions!
Who
A personal injury lawyer – Lawyers are like doctors because they often specialize in a particular area of law. It goes without saying that specialization comes with experience. When the time comes to take care of the finicky and important details, it is better to surround yourself with a specialist rather than a generalist.
A local lawyer – Laws can vary from province to province, so it is very important that your lawyer is aware of the regulations that govern business in the province where the incident occurred. On the other hand, it is very common for a law firm in the Maritimes to represent clients from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia if it specializes in the field of accidents automobile and personal injury. If a firm is a member of the provincial bar association, they may be able to help you. As a general rule, a lawyer who works with this type of file on a daily basis will be able to help you.
A strong team – A lawyer cannot work alone. This is why an experienced lawyer will surround himself with competent people who will allow business to run efficiently. This team is important to the success of your case.
What
The first meeting – A lawyer will need information to open your file quickly and take action. Information such as details of insurance policies of all parties involved in the incident, medical documents, testimony and contact details of the police force are important to start off on the right foot. It’s always better to have too much information than to have too little and have to do some research.
When
As soon as possible – It is important to protect your rights. The best person to do this is your lawyer. Indeed, once you have contracted a lawyer, they are obliged to do everything in their abilities to protect your rights. If you lose your rights, it’s hard to get them back, so don’t delay.
Where
Where it’s convenient for you – An initial consultation normally takes place in the lawyer’s office. However, if you are admitted to hospital or need to stay home due to injuries from an accident, a lawyer should meet with you where it is convenient for you.
Why
The whole process can be complex and very unfamiliar. You are already injured and have to deal with treatments, your doctor, logistics and paperwork. Add to that the fact that the insurance companies are hounding you like wolves, and you have a dire situation. An experienced lawyer can take care of many of these stressful items and lighten the burden while negotiating a fair and equitable settlement for you. You can rest assured that your situation is well taken care of.
How
The free consultation – One of the important details of your file is your method of payment. Many personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation. Usually, this first meeting includes an in-depth interview about your situation during which you are able to ask pressing questions about your rights as well as the lawyer’s qualifications and skills. There is no obligation to hire the lawyer following this initial meeting.
Contingent Fee – If you agree to hire a lawyer, this is the most common method of payment for personal injury cases. This standardized contract is approved by the Bar Association of the province in which the lawyer is licensed to practice law. The contract states that the lawyer will receive a proportion of the settlement, a percentage which normally in your case is around 25%. If you decide to take this approach, you won’t have to pay anything until a settlement is received.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to keep in mind when hiring a lawyer. Ultimately, it’s important to find a lawyer you trust and who will see your case through to a successful conclusion.
