If you've been involved in an auto collision, you may need to hire a lawyer. A lawyer can help you recover losses resulting from the collision and/or reduce the hefty amount of paperwork, "red tape," and hassle often associated with insurance claims.
Unfortunately, auto collisions are everyday occurrences. Most personal injury claims in the U.S. are a result of a crash involving a car, truck, or other motor vehicle. Many of these collisions result in vehicle damage in the form of a "fender bender." However, collisions that involve physical injury, death, or other significant damage may warrant the representation of an experienced attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you get compensation to cover any losses incurred due to the collision, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and car repairs.
It's best to hire a lawyer early to avoid any costly mistakes. The deadline for filing personal injury claims varies from state to state (e.g., 3 years in Washington, 2 years in Idaho). Because you may need to pay for medical bills and/or cover lost wages, the sooner you contact a lawyer the better.
Before speaking with a lawyer, you should have as much detailed information and facts about the collision and your injuries as possible. Documents you might want to show your lawyer after a collision may include your insurance policy, information exchanged at the accident scene, photos of the vehicles and/or injuries, and medical records, among other things.
Most personal injury cases are handled on a contingency or "no recovery-no fee" basis. This means that if the lawyer does not win or settle the case, he or she does not collect a fee. On the other hand, if the lawyer wins or settles the case, the lawyer will get a percentage of whatever is recovered. The attorney's percentage varies from case to case, but can equal approximately 33%-40% of the total recovery. It's important to note that attorney fees are different from costs, and you may be responsible for certain out-of-pocket expenses associated with your case.
If you're interested in talking with us about your claim, you can meet with us free of charge. Give us a call at 253.858.5434 to set up an appointment right away.