If you have recently been involved in a car accident, you are likely looking for guidance on how to successfully pursue compensation for the losses you have suffered due to the crash. The best source of information on how to successfully navigate a car accident claim is a car accident attorney.
The lawyers at Salango Law have secured over $250 million in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. Our firm’s track record clearly confirms that we know how to get our clients the compensation they deserve. We pursue every claim aggressively and work diligently to secure the most favorable outcomes for our clients. For a free consultation, reach out to us today by calling (304) 342-0512 or by contacting us online.
Questions To Ask Prospective Attorneys
The following questions are meant to give you an idea of what you can expect from a potential injury attorney, should you decide to hire one. It is recommended that you speak to multiple attorneys to get a glimpse into their different approaches and perspectives concerning legal representation before committing to work with one as opposed to the others. While no lawyer is perfect, these questions will help you get a clear picture of how a particular professional operates and whether their approach is a good fit for you and your case.
What Are Your Fees?
Having a clear understanding of how much your attorney will charge to handle your case is essential. You should also seek to understand precisely how the attorney’s fees will be calculated. The majority of car accident lawyers generate their fees on a contingency basis. What this means is that they will not get paid unless you receive compensation. The lawyer’s fees will come out of any settlement or verdict they secure in your case. Most car accident lawyers will take up 40% of the gross proceeds of the settlement or award as their fee.
Who Will Handle My Case?
Many law firms hire support staff. These individuals are often non-lawyers who assist in case preparation, filing, administrative tasks, and conducting correspondence. In reality, many law firms could not function without these employees. However, in selecting a lawyer to handle your car accident case, you’ll want to ensure that a lawyer will be handling the essential parts of your case. While delegating some tasks is expected, having non-lawyers carry most of the load is not ideal and could potentially be problematic.
Are You Licensed In West Virginia?
Not all attorneys who claim to practice in West Virginia are actually licensed by the state. While it is important to ask your attorney if they are licensed and in good standing with the West Virginia Bar, you can check for yourself at the West Virginia state bar’s website. It is also important to note that a lawyer who is currently licensed but has been disbarred in the past may not be an ideal candidate to represent you in your car accident case.
Have You Handled Car Accident Claims In The Past?
Lawyers with experience handling car accident cases should be preferred over ones who have limited or no experience with this area of the law. Experienced car accident lawyers will know what to expect as the legal process unfolds and may have established connections with insurance companies, other attorneys, and court staff. These connections can be invaluable in getting your case resolved quickly and fairly. A less experienced lawyer may charge less but ultimately may not be able to secure the same outcome as a more seasoned attorney unless they are part of a larger practice wherein they can lean on the experience of their colleagues.
How Will I Get In Touch With You?
Knowing how to contact your attorney is vital to a productive working relationship. It can also reassure you that your case is valued and is being taken seriously. Many attorneys feel that constant communication with a client whose case is being handled on a contingency fee basis is a waste of time. The clients of these lawyers often feel left in the dark about the status of their case and are more prone to be dissatisfied with the overall performance of their lawyer. Finding a lawyer who understands your preferred communication style and frequency will go a long way in making you feel heard and will almost certainly make the process go smoothly.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
While it would be difficult for any lawyer to give you an exact figure of how much your case is worth before thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your crash, an experienced car accident lawyer should be able to give you a ballpark number. A conservative estimate of the value of your case will appropriately set your expectations and give you an idea of whether a claim is worth pursuing. You should be skeptical about any lawyer who promises you the moon or who promises you anything related to the outcome of your case, really. You’re hiring a professional. Not a fortune teller.
Do You Have Past Client Reviews?
An established, experienced car accident lawyer should have references and previous client reviews. These reviews may be found on their website or in an aggregate review publication. Still, some lawyers rely on word of mouth for marketing, and speaking to past clients about their experience can be just as insightful as looking at reviews. A lawyer or law firm with a large number of positive client reviews may be preferable to firms with sparse testimonials.
Do You Go To Court?
Not all lawyers have courtroom experience, and some intentionally never set foot in a courthouse. Because car accident cases may end up going to trial, you will want to know if your lawyer has courtroom experience in the event that pursuing compensation at trial is the best way forward. Some lawyers will pass your case off to a different attorney if it cannot be resolved through a settlement. Be sure that your lawyer will be the one handling your case if it ends up going to court.
How Long Will My Case Take?
Car accident cases can take anywhere between two months and a few years to complete. The amount of time your case will take will depend on a number of factors. After your lawyer has reviewed your case, they should be able to give you a rough estimate of how long it will take to resolve the matter. Still, even the best estimates can be off, so you shouldn’t be surprised if it takes longer than your lawyer predicted to handle your case. Generally speaking, the more complex your case is, the longer it will take to resolve.
Contact West Virginia Car Accident Lawyers
Choosing a Charleston, West Virginia car accident attorney to represent you as your car accident case progresses is an important decision that should be made carefully and intentionally. Taking the time to ask thoughtful questions can save you time and money. At Salango Law, we treat all of our clients like part of the family and work hard to ensure that they feel heard and respected. We take great pride in representing car accident victims and do everything we can to see that they get their lives back on track. For a free consultation, reach out to us today by calling (304) 342-0512 or by contacting us online. We look forward to hearing from you.