You sustained injuries in a freak car accident in Seattle. If the accident happened because of someone’s fault, you could possibly sue them for damages. Washington is a tort and claimant-friendly state, yet many car accident victims do not get a fair settlement for their injuries. Also, such car accidents, crashes, and collisions are not rare in Seattle or the rest of Washington. No matter the facts and circumstances surrounding the case, you should consider hiring a lawyer. This post brings a list of questions you must ask when meeting a personal injury lawyer in Seattle.
“What is your Assessment of my Car Accident Case?”
Washington allows you to file the other driver, even when your fault is more than theirs. This is known as the pure comparative fault norm. If you win a settlement, your fault will determine what you get from the awarded amount. A skilled injury lawyer can check the preliminary evidence and share an overview of the case. Of course, it can take considerable time and effort to investigate the car accident, but your lawyer can briefly talk of the possibilities. Remember that no attorney can ever guarantee an outcome or a fixed settlement amount.
“What can you Tell me about your Experience?”
It would help if you had a personal injury lawyer who is locally based in Seattle and frequently works on car accident cases in their practice. The scope of personal injury includes medical malpractice, product-defect related injuries, slip and fall accidents, and much more. Find a lawyer who has worked on auto accident cases similar to yours. Also, ask the attorney if they have ever represented clients in court for a car accident lawsuit. Almost 95% of personal injury cases are settled outside of court, but you need to be ready for all situations.
“How much would you Charge?”
Beware of lawyers who ask an upfront fee to evaluate your car accident case or fight the battle. All personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, only payable when the client wins a settlement. The fee is dependent on factors like the lawyer’s experience and the work required to investigate the case. The standard range is between 25% and 40%, and experienced attorneys often charge on the higher side.
You can find more on Washington car accident laws online. Always hire an attorney before you file the insurance claim or negotiate a settlement.
