The free case review offered by a Dublin car accident lawyer serves two purposes. The potential client can evaluate the attorney’s experience and success rate. And the legal counsel can analyze the merits of the case and tell the potential client if they have a valid case.
If you want to get reliable legal advice and retain the services of an experienced lawyer, make sure that you are prepared for the first appointment. Here is how to do it:
Write Down How the Accident Happened
Many people start recalling a lot of details once they put pen to paper. Also, they feel more comfortable preparing their story at home than describing the traumatic events to someone they see for the first time.
The written statement will save a lot of time during the first meeting with an attorney, especially if you are still under the effect of mental trauma after the crash.
Prepare a List of Questions for the Attorney
Just as the lawyer wants to know if you have a solid case, you have the right to know if the legal professional is capable of winning your case. Here are a few things you should ask during the free case evaluation:
- What areas of law do you practice?
- What is your experience in car accident cases?
- What is your success rate?
- Can you give me an example of a similar case to mine that you’ve won?
A good attorney often specializes in one or two practice areas, because this is the only way of getting in-depth knowledge of the law. Also, it means that most of their cases involve car crashes, and the lawyer knows how insurance companies handle such cases.
Bring All the Available Evidence with You
An attorney needs to be able to ascertain that your case meets all the basic prerequisites of a personal injury case:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care
- They breached their duty through negligence causing the accident
- You suffered injuries and property damage in the accident
- The injuries and property damage resulted in economic damages
Of course, the lawyer cannot determine all these elements in detail during the first meeting. However, the evidence you present should at least indicate that the other driver was more at fault than you for the accident and that you suffered economic damages.
For this reason, bring all the available evidence you have to the meeting, especially:
- The police report
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Eyewitness statements
- Medical records
- Various bills with expenses incurred as a result of the accident
Contact a Dublin personal injury lawyer to find out how to preserve evidence and what other documents you should bring, depending on your case.
Discuss the Lawyer’s Fee Structure
It is important to know all the facts from the very beginning. So, don’t be afraid to approach the issue of fees during the first meeting. Car accident attorneys usually work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer will retain a percentage between 33% and 45% of the settlement they manage to negotiate on your behalf.
The value of the percentage depends on various factors, such as the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of your case. Also, the lawyer will explain how they will charge various expenses they incur while representing you, such as:
- Document filing fees
- Fees to obtain copies from official records
- Hiring expert witnesses
Prepare to Answer In-Depth Questions
Last but not least, when seeking legal advice after a car accident, the attorney will ask you various probing questions to determine the validity of your claim. They will inquire about:
- Whether you drank or used controlled substances before getting behind the wheel
- Your actions immediately before and after the crash
- A description of your injuries and the level of pain you experience
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Skilled Dublin Car Accident Lawyer!
At Joe Durham Jr., P.C you will get reliable legal advice after your car crash. Make sure to bring all the evidence you have and be honest and upfront in describing what happened.
If you have a valid case, we will represent you on a contingency fee basis. Also, as a new client, you benefit from a free case review, so call us today at 229-210-6226!
