You were injured in an auto accident in Grand Junction and want to take legal action against the driver at fault. The first step is to determine whether you have a valid claim in the first place. Various factors can influence the outcome of such lawsuits, and it’s wise to consult a car accident lawyer Grand Junction. If you are hiring an injury lawyer for the first time, here are some key things you can expect.
Immediate interest
Lawyers are busy people and often don’t have the time to review each potential case personally. However, they usually have a team of associates and partners, who would make time to listen to a client. Make sure that the lawyer’s office is prompt and responsive. Look for other options if the attorney doesn’t respond to your calls and emails within 48 hours.
Free review
You shouldn’t have to pay an attorney to review your accident case. Top law firms in Grand Junction usually offer a free initial consultation, where the lawyer will listen to your case and gather details that would help them decide the further course of action. This is also a good opportunity to know the attorney and ask a few key questions about their work profile.
A contingency arrangement
PI lawyers generally take auto accident cases on a contingency fee. This means that the lawyer’s fee is contingent on the outcome. Since the lawyer doesn’t charge an upfront fee and is taking a risk, they get a share of the final settlement. The fee for auto accident lawsuits may vary between lawyers, but the standard range is between 33% and 40%.
A detailed conversation
Your lawyer should answer your questions pertaining to the case. Remember that no attorney can promise an outcome for your case, but they can certainly evaluate the worth of your case and determine the possible influencing factors. They should also explain how your fault (if any) can impact the case, besides sharing details of their top cases and settlements.
Final word
You have three years to file a car accident lawsuit in Colorado. The deadline is set by the state’s statute of limitations and starts from the date of the accident. You must act immediately to gather evidence, and once you hire an attorney, they are in charge of investigating the car accident. As needed, they can talk to experts, witnesses, and accident reconstruction experts.
