You were probably injured in a car crash in Des Moines that wasn’t your fault. Or, it would have been a case where the neighbor’s dog bit you for no apparent reason. When another party is responsible for your injuries and the losses that arise out of it, you have the right to file a claim for compensation. Usually, it moves through insurance, but depending on the circumstances, you could file a direct civil lawsuit and demand a settlement. No matter what’s ideal for your circumstances, you should meet an injury lawyer in Iowa without delay. Check the website of any top law firm and book an appointment to get started. Here are seven things you must know before you step in for that meeting.
You don’t pay for the case evaluation
Family lawyers or criminal law attorneys typically charge a fee to meet new clients, but personal injury cases are different. You must understand that when going through a divorce or trying to defend yourself against a criminal charge, there is no financial aspect involved. Lawyers have to charge for the time they spend. Injury lawsuits are unique, and most law firms in Iowa won’t ask for a consultation fee.
You should go with everything you have
Did you manage to take images of your injuries or the accident site after the mishap? If yes, take that evidence with you. If you want an injury lawyer to give you a detailed overview of the case, you must provide them with everything they need for assessment. Lawyers also want to check your medical bill, the treatment you have received so far, and other things, such as doctor’s notes.
You can ask questions
As a prospective client, you should ask questions to know an injury lawyer better. From details of their background and experience to the number of cases they have handled so far, every aspect is crucial. You should ask the attorney whether they have worked with similar claims and the outcome of those cases. There is also no harm in asking for references from previous clients.
You should know the laws
Qualified attorneys always take the time to educate clients. While you may not need to know everything, certain laws are worth noting. For example, if you were speeding when the other car crashed into your vehicle, that could impact the settlement. Comparative fault and the statute of limitations are two things that you should discuss with your lawyer.
Watch out for the red flags
If you come across an attorney who is more than willing to tweak the details of your case to fetch you a higher settlement, you know they are not adhering to the ethics. Make sure you don’t hire a big talker. Anyone who promises you a certain settlement amount or says things unlikely to translate into results is lying and should be avoided.
You pay a contingency fee
Don’t hire someone who wants an immediate fee. Personal injury lawyers are interested in the financial gain, and they charge a percentage of it. The contingency arrangement could mean paying anywhere between 30% and 50% to the lawyer but ask in advance. Also, if the lawyer expects you to cover a few expenses, they should mention that. There is no upfront financial pressure.
You should have access to the attorney
Before you get an attorney on board, ask them about communication. You should get frequent updates when available, and when you have a query, you should be able to reach out for a response. Ask the attorney who will answer your calls and emails and how often they are available to meet you.
Start your search for an injury lawyer in Iowa now!