What should I look for when choosing a personal injury lawyer?
Focus on three key factors: experience with your specific type of case, track record of settlements and verdicts, and communication style. A good personal injury lawyer should have handled cases similar to yours—whether it's a car accident, slip and fall, or medical malpractice. Check their case results, but remember that past performance doesn't guarantee future outcomes. During your consultation, pay attention to how well they explain the legal process and whether they return calls promptly.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless they win your case. The standard fee ranges from 25% to 40% of your settlement or verdict, with 33% being common. This percentage may increase if your case goes to trial. Always clarify what expenses are covered and whether you'll owe anything if you lose.
When should I contact a personal injury lawyer after an accident?
Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after receiving medical treatment. Washington state has a three-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, but evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget details, surveillance footage gets deleted, and physical evidence at accident scenes changes. The sooner you call, the stronger your case can be.
What's my personal injury case worth?
Case value depends on several factors:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Severity of injuries and recovery time
Every case is unique. Beware of lawyers who promise specific dollar amounts without reviewing your medical records and understanding your situation.
How long will my personal injury case take?
Simple cases with clear liability might settle in 3-6 months. Complex cases can take 1-2 years or longer, especially if they go to trial. The timeline depends on your medical treatment duration, the insurance company's cooperation, and court schedules. Your lawyer should give you realistic expectations after reviewing your case details.
What if I was partially at fault for my accident?
Washington follows comparative negligence rules. You can still recover damages even if you're partially at fault, but your compensation reduces by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're 30% at fault for a $100,000 claim, you could recover $70,000. However, if you're more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Do I need to go to court for my personal injury case?
Most personal injury cases (about 95%) settle without going to trial. Your lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement. If negotiations fail or the insurance company offers too little, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit. Even then, many cases settle during the litigation process before reaching trial.
What should I bring to my first consultation with a personal injury lawyer?
Bring these essential documents:
- Police report or incident report
- Medical records and bills
- Insurance information (yours and the other party's)
- Photos of injuries, property damage, and the accident scene
- Witness contact information
- Employment records if you've missed work
The more information you provide, the better your lawyer can evaluate your case.
How do I know if a lawyer has experience with my type of injury case?
Ask specific questions during your consultation. How many similar cases have they handled in the past year? What were the outcomes? Do they regularly work with medical experts in your type of injury? Request examples of settlements or verdicts in cases like yours. Experienced lawyers will gladly share this information without revealing client identities.
What happens if the person who injured me doesn't have insurance?
You still have options. Check your own insurance policy for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. You might also pursue a claim against other potentially liable parties, such as employers or property owners. In Washington, you can file a personal lawsuit against the at-fault party directly, though collecting damages from uninsured individuals can be challenging.
