People often have concerns about filing a personal injury lawsuit in Iowa, primarily because they don’t understand the process and their legal options. If you were injured in a mishap caused by someone’s negligence in Cedar Rapids, you might have a valid claim, which allows you to recover compensation for your losses. The compensation will cover the cost of medical care, lost wages, pain & suffering, and other losses. If you feel intimidated by the legalese, it is prudent to hire a Cedar Rapids personal injury lawyer without delay. Here are some suggestions for choosing the right lawyer.
- Look for specific expertise. Personal injury law covers various types of accidents. An attorney may have extensive experience working on fall accidents but may lack the same depth for car accident lawsuits. Find an attorney who has prior experience working on similar cases. You can ask for references too.
- Comfort is important. Discussing an accident or your injuries with a stranger is not easy. The client and the lawyer must share a bond based on trust, and therefore, you should consider whether you feel comfortable around an attorney. Stay away from lawyers who seem arrogant or don’t want to answer your questions.
- Discuss the lawyer’s trial work profile. Not many personal injury lawsuits in Iowa end up in court, which is why many attorneys don’t know what it takes to represent clients at trial. If you are hiring a lawyer, it is wise to discuss their experience in court. They should be able to go to trial when needed.
- Ask about their strategy and your case. An attorney should share their overall approach to a case and must be transparent with the client about the settlement. Ask the attorney about the factors that would negatively impact your case and how you can avoid the common mistakes related to personal injury lawsuits.
- Don’t forget to discuss their fee. Most lawyers in Cedar Rapids don’t charge a retainer fee for injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Instead, they take a fixed percentage of the settlement only when the client gets money from the other party or insurance company. The contingency fee for personal injury lawsuits may vary but doesn’t exceed 40% for most cases.
Before you start with an attorney, ask if they are personally going to handle the case. If the lawyer intends to assign an associate, meet your new lawyer and discuss your lawsuit again to know their approach.
