By When injured in a slip & fall accident or a car crash in Salem, you should check whether there is scope to recover a settlement. Personal injury laws in Oregon are meant to help in such circumstances, but as you try to haggle with claims adjuster and look for ways to prove the fault of the other party, you will have hurdles to deal with. Your best bet is to engage a personal injury lawyer Salem, and before you do that, watch out for these red flags.
The lawyer doesn’t respond sooner
You can expect a delay of one or two days to get a call from the selected lawyer’s office, but don’t wait beyond that. Following an accident, you want an injury lawyer to act promptly to gather information and evidence, and if they are not serious enough to give you an immediate response, they are certainly not worth your time.
The lawyer doesn’t provide free consultations
Most of the top law firms in Salem don’t charge a fee to review potential cases. If you have a personal injury case, ensure that you choose an attorney who will listen to the details and offer a fair outline of the various legal elements. Even when the fee sounds too low, do not agree to pay.
The lawyer doesn’t educate you
An injury lawyer is expected to educate clients. As someone who has never filed a claim or talked to an insurance representative, you may not know the relevant dos and don’ts. The lawyer is expected to answer your questions and share information about your rights. They will also offer insights into how your actions after the accident can impact the outcome.
The lawyer promises you an exact settlement figure
While every client believes that their case is worth thousands of dollars, there are factors that can change things. Don’t assume anything, and let the attorney share an expected compensation figure. However, never hire someone who guarantees an outcome, as the lawyer cannot predict with 100% accuracy how the case will shape up.
They are not working on a contingency fee
You shouldn’t have to pay an injury lawyer unless they recover money from you. Be very upfront about the case expenses and their charges. Also, it is always better to have an engagement letter or a contract with the attorney that states all details.
Get an injury lawyer before you start the insurance paperwork.
