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Car Accident
- Car Accident
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Car Accident
HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL
(877) 880-4090In 2018, there were over 2,000 car accidents in Utah, resulting in 25,645 and 260 fatalities. Many of these accidents occurred in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. While accident attorneys represent people in a wide variety of cases, car accidents are among the most common types of accidental events that lead to legal action.
Often, people involved in accidents leave monetary decisions in the hands of insurance companies. However, hiring an accident attorney is often in your best interest, even if the case does not go all the way to trial. If you leave your fate to the insurance companies, you may not get enough money to cover your injuries or to seek treatment for your pain and suffering.
The Salt Lake City metropolitan area comprises two counties: Tooele and Salt Lake. This area is home to many of Utah’s residents. Due to the area’s high population, many of the state’s accidents take place in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.
Accident lawyers in Salt Lake City work on a variety of personal injury cases. Personal injury law allows injured individuals to seek compensation if someone else’s actions result in harm. You are allowed to seek compensation whether the act was intentional or due to negligence. There are many instances when you may need to hire an accident lawyer, including:
The vast majority of accident cases are settled without going to trial. Many cases are settled by other means such as mediation or arbitration. It is a good idea to seek the advice of a lawyer, even if a formal lawsuit is never filed in your case.
Finding an experienced lawyer in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area who is accepting new clients and charges reasonable fees can be a challenge. Luckily, there are many places where you can search for local attorneys. Here are some ways to find lawyers:
Perhaps the easiest way to find a lawyer is to ask your family and friends for a recommendation. While reading online reviews can be helpful, nothing compares to getting a recommendation from a trusted friend. The recommender can give you some helpful information such as the lawyer’s area of specialization, fee structure, success rates, and personality. Reach out to your inner circle and ask if anyone knows an experienced attorney in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area that takes on accident cases.
Many employers, unions, and academic organizations offer legal plans to employees or students. These plans allow members to get legal advice for free or at discounted rates. Most of these group legal plans have a directory in which you can search for attorneys by area or specialty. While the consultation may be free of charge, you will likely have to pay the lawyer’s regular fee if you sign a retainer. However, be sure to ask if the lawyer gives discounts for members of the group’s legal plan.
A lawyer directory provides critical information including names, specializations, and addresses of legal professionals in your area. Online is the best place to find lawyer directories. Check your state’s local county bar, nearby universities, and legal societies for directories. Many directories contain lawyers who provide initial consultations for a reduced fee.
Attorney referral services are different from lawyer directories because they are designed to match you with legal professionals that may be a good fit. Most bar associations have attorney referral services. Contact the Utah State Bar for more information on its referral service. After going through the referral process, you’ll only get a few names, making it easier to make a choice.
Once you’ve narrowed your search to a few attorneys in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, there are a few things to consider before signing a retainer. Consider these factors before you choose an accident lawyer to work with:
The most important aspect to consider is the lawyer’s experience. Experience is often more important than the attorney’s success rate. While law school is informative, many lawyers gain the majority of their knowledge through on-the-job training. During your initial conversation with the attorney, ask them about their areas of specialization, years of experience, and active certifications. Come with a list of questions to ask about the lawyer’s experience in personal injury cases, particularly your type of accident. You should also inquire about education and apprenticeships.
Consider the attorney’s track record, particularly in personal injury. How many personal injury cases have they taken on? How many of those cases resulted in a favorable outcome for the client? What is the firm’s average settlement amount in personal injury cases? While the track record is not the most important thing to consider when hiring a lawyer, it is a good way to eliminate attorneys you don’t want to work with from a long referral list.
Consider the attorney’s fees and make a realistic budget before signing a retainer. You should ask if the lawyer offers flexible fee options and what percentage of the settlement the firm requires as payment if a favorable result occurs. Some lawyers charge a fixed price for representation, while others charge by the hour, which can quickly become very expensive. Consider the fees and when you need to make payments before deciding which attorney to work with.
Consider the lawyer’s experience, track records, and fees before signing a retainer. Other things to consider include client reviews and how well you connect with the attorney.
Are you looking for an accident lawyer in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area? Look no further than Fielding Law. Our experienced legal team can help you with a variety of accident cases, including automobile crashes. Contact us today to set up a case consultation session with a member of our legal team.