Why Hiring an Injury Attorney on a Contingency Fee Basis is a Good Idea

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a car accident caused by the fault of another driver, you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting the compensation you deserve. While insurance companies may try to cover up their liability or minimize your injuries, the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Washington Law Center have years of experience helping people like you get the money they need to get back on their feet after suffering injuries due to the negligence of others.

How to Prepare Yourself

If you or a loved one has suffered injury in an auto accident that was the fault of another, it can be stressful to navigate the insurance process and know what to do with your claim. The best way to make sure your voice is heard and you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries is by hiring a contingency fee injury attorney from Washington Law Center. Here are seven ways you can prepare yourself when seeking legal help:

-Know Your Rights: You have rights under California law that protect against unfair treatment. Make sure you know them and how they apply to your situation. Understand what is being offered so you can negotiate in good faith. 

-Seek Advice: Ask around and find out if anyone knows any reputable attorneys who would represent your case on a contingency basis. 

-Look into Resources: Find out about local resources such as charitable organizations that may offer free services to those who cannot afford to pay for legal representation on their own. 

-Document Details: Take pictures of any damage done to the vehicle, file police reports if there was no contact between vehicles, get witness statements and keep all paperwork pertaining to your injuries as well as medical bills and documentation of other damages incurred. 

-Take Care of Yourself: It's important not only for healing but also for financial reasons too.

The Cost of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

-Do I have enough documentation? 

-Do I have an injury or just pain? 

-Do I need the cheapest or most experienced lawyer? 

-Can I negotiate directly with the insurance company or contact my local bar association for pro bono representation? -Should I wait to see if my injuries will heal on their own before pursuing legal action? 

-What are some steps that I can take to ensure that I am adequately compensated for any physical, emotional, or mental trauma that has been caused by this accident? These are all questions that you may be asking yourself after your car accident. To help answer these questions, Washington Law Center offers free consultations with one of our attorneys. 

We offer no cost consultations because we know how expensive hiring a personal injury attorney can be. Our consultations allow you to ask any question without any obligation so we can provide you with the best advice possible. If at the end of your consultation, you choose not to hire us as your personal injury attorney, there is no fee involved.

Is There Anything I Should Avoid While Dealing with my Injuries?

One of the worst parts about having an injury from a car accident is just how long it takes to recover. Doctors don't like to give timetables, but most injuries take at least six months before you start feeling like yourself again.

Some people find that the pain never fully goes away, though for many people, their symptoms improve greatly over time. Remember, it's important to speak with your doctor as soon as possible about any lingering or new pain you experience after recovering from an injury.

Do I Need an Attorney if the Other Driver is Insured?

Even if the other driver has insurance, it is still advisable to have an attorney on your side. They can help you negotiate with the insurance company for better compensation, and can represent you in court if necessary. With their help, you'll be more likely to receive the financial recovery that you deserve. You should also know about the dos and don'ts of filing a car accident injury claim. 

Don't sign any settlement agreements without first consulting with an attorney; don't file criminal charges without consulting with law enforcement officials; don't agree to pay back medical expenses without first consulting your doctor or health care provider; do consider seeking help from others who were injured in the accident, such as passengers or pedestrians; do preserve evidence by taking pictures of everything related to the crash including where it happened, how traffic signs are positioned at intersections, skid marks on roads before they disappear under rain water or snow melt.

Choosing The Right Personal Injury Attorney For My Case

The choice of personal injury attorney for your case is vitally important. While everyone wants to believe that it's easy to make a decision, nothing could be further from the truth.

In the majority of cases, you will find that more than one law firm is interested in taking on your claim. In order to find the right one for you, there are many things that you should do before deciding to make any commitment. 

When searching for an attorney, these five simple tips can help you weed out attorneys who may not be able to deliver what you need. You should also remember this final thought: it's only worth pursuing claims that can net a large settlement or verdict. Personal injury attorneys will typically provide free consultations with potential clients. Take advantage of those free sessions and speak with as many firms as possible before making a final decision.

When Can I Expect To Receive Compensation for My Injuries?

* Contact an attorney as soon as possible to review your rights and options for taking legal action. * Make sure that you file an accident report with the police so you can be compensated for injuries and damages. * Document everything that took place in the days following the accident including conversations with insurance adjusters, medical providers, law enforcement, friends and family members who witnessed the incident, plus any concerns or problems you experienced on your own or have noticed since then.

*If you are involved in a car crash that wasn't your fault—or if you were hurt or lost loved ones because of someone else's negligence—you deserve compensation. Get help from Washington Law Center.

How Will My Case Affect My Ability to Work?

It is common for car accident injury victims to experience periods of missed work due to their injuries. There are two potential effects your case may have on your ability to work, you may not be able to work at all, or it could affect the type of work you can do. It is important that you talk with your doctor and an attorney so they can help determine the best course of action for you. Your attorney will discuss with you which forms should be submitted to support any claim related pay. The following forms should be submitted as soon as possible after filing your claim:

A Request for Medical Records (this form must be completed by the healthcare provider); A Request for Wages/Income (this form must be completed by you); A Request for Income Tax Returns (this form must be completed by you); A Request for Property Records; A Request for Retirement Benefits; A Demand Letter.

What Happens If I File An Insurance Claim and Am Denied?

If you file an insurance claim and it is denied, then your only option for recovery will be to hire a personal injury attorney. This can be expensive, but your options are limited. Negotiating with the negligent party for financial compensation is difficult because they know the victim doesn't have another way to obtain funds. 

Some car accident victims choose not to file a lawsuit if their injuries were minor or they want to maintain their privacy. Whatever the circumstances may be, contacting an experienced lawyer should always be the first step in determining what route best suits the needs of each individual situation. For some, filing a car accident injury claim might seem like the last thing on their mind. For others, it's all that matters. Injuries from accidents such as these can lead to severe disability, disfigurement, and even death. It's important to get treatment as soon as possible after an accident and consult with qualified attorneys who understand how accidents happen so that you can receive the care that you need while fighting for justice against those who caused your injuries.

Read More:

Don't Let the Other Driver Get Away with It: How to Seek Compensation After a Car Accident