Following a car accident or a slip & fall mishap in Cedar Rapids, you may have numerous things to deal with. From seeking medical care for your injuries to managing the financial consequences, you have a full plate. While you may assume that the insurance company would be fair to you or that the at-fault party will admit their fault, these are far-fetched dreams. When it comes to protecting your rights, you should get a personal injury lawyer in Cedar Rapids on your side. Here are some basic points to remember about hiring an injury lawyer.
You need an experienced injury lawyer
If hiring a lawyer, you should look for someone with credible experience handling similar cases. For instance, if you have a medical malpractice lawsuit, you need a lawyer who has worked on such matters in the past. It would help if you asked a few questions like –
- How long have you been working as an injury lawyer in Iowa?
- Do you take up such cases frequently in your career?
- If yes, what is your success rate?
- Do you ever go to court? What is your trial experience like?
- Can you share a few references?
You don’t have to pay an hourly rate
Usually, injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. The legal fee you pay depends on whether you win the case. If you do, the lawyer will take a share of the settlement, which is usually 33.3% of the final amount. If your case goes to trial, the attorney’s work increases manifold; therefore, the fee could be higher. The fee range may vary between firms, but the norm is between 25% and 40%.
You need to know important factors
Let’s say that you agreed to pay 40% to the attorney and won $100,000 in a settlement. In this case, the lawyer will take $40,000 as their fee. However, if your claim is only worth $10,000, the whole battle may not be worth it, as the final amount you get would be much lower. The lawyer will probably tell you to accept the insurance offer in such cases. Therefore, it is imperative that you hire an injury lawyer who is open about the expenses and overall worth of your claim so that you can make an informed decision.
Check now to find out more about local injury lawyers near you in Cedar Rapids. Get an attorney at the earliest.
