Traffic mishaps in Manchester often involve pedestrians, passengers, drivers, and motorcyclists who offer the consequences of someone’s negligence. If you were hurt or have endured property damage in such an accident, you should take effective measures to recover a settlement. According to Connecticut’s statute of limitations, you have a deadline of two years to file a lawsuit, but the usual process starts with an insurance claim. Before taking a step, consider meeting a Manchester car accident attorney, and below are some hiring mistakes you must avoid.
- Looking for lawyers without specialization: Would you ever trust a cardiac surgeon for a liver transplant? When it comes to filing a claim for compensation, you need a personal injury lawyer. Check if the attorney deals with such cases frequently in their practice and whether they have experience with auto accident claims.
- Hiring someone who is not based in Manchester: While many law firms have a presence across many states, it is always better to hire an attorney who is located in Manchester. This will ensure the lawyer is familiar with the state’s system. Also, local attorneys are more likely to have important connections and contacts.
- Paying for the first consultation: You want to meet an accident attorney for help, but remember that you don’t have to pay for the meeting. Free consultations are a typical norm in this area of law, and firms will be happy to review and evaluate your case.
- Failure to ask questions: How long the accident attorney has been practicing? What are their top settlements and wins so far? Do they have trial experience? These are essential and pertinent questions that one must ask when comparing options. Don’t hire someone based on recommendations alone.
- Not looking at online reviews: You can always ask an attorney for references, but it is still necessary to check for reviews and ratings. You can find independent reviews on many social media sites and search engines, including Google.
- Agreeing to pay an immediate fee: If an injury lawyer wants you to pay an amount for starting the case, they are indeed bluffing about facts. For car accident lawsuits, the standard norm is a contingency fee, which could be 25% or more of your settlement. In other words, the lawyer gets a share after you win.
Call an accident attorney at the earliest to know more, and don’t forget to ask about the expected compensation.
