If you were injured in an accident because of someone’s neglect, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations in Washington state allows a period of 3 years, from the date of the accident, to bring such lawsuits. In other words, you have to act quickly. Hiring a reliable Seattle personal injury lawyer can be really handy. In this post, we are sharing more on why you need an attorney, how to find one, and things to discuss.
Should you hire a personal injury lawyer?
This is one of the biggest questions that victims and families ask. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is entirely your personal call. However, you should contact an attorney, if –
- You have suffered serious injuries
- You have lost your capacity to earn because of the accident aftermath
- You have suffered wage loss
- There was extensive vehicle damage
- You had a part role in the fault
Washington state follows the “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that if you had a share of the blame, you can recover compensation, but the settlement will reduce accordingly. Even if someone has a major fault in an accident, they can get something in compensation, although they (or their insurance company) will have to handle lawsuits(claims) filed by other parties. You need a known lawyer, who can help in understanding the true value of your claim.
Finding the right lawyer
If you are hiring a personal injury lawyer for the first time, make sure that –
- Your lawyer is experienced in similar cases
- They specialize in personal injury law
- The lawyer is accessible at all times
- The lawyer is handling the case personally
- The lawyer is willing to work on a contingency basis
Keep in mind that many law firms have multiple personal injury lawyers working for them, and in the ideal world, the lawyer you meet should be the one working on your case.
What to discuss?
Make sure that your lawyer gives you a free case evaluation. You should also ask if they can work on a contingency basis and how they would charge the fee. The approach and strategy of your personal injury lawyer should be transparent. When you meet an attorney, ask them about the possible outcomes of the case and ask them about their experience with different insurance companies.
A good personal injury lawyer can make or break your case – take time to choose one and don’t forget to get a few references.
