No one is ever prepared to face the consequences and losses after an unfortunate car accident. On-road mishaps are not rare in Vermont and can happen to the best of us. Vermont is a tort state, and if you sustained losses, injuries, or damages in an accident that was someone’s fault, you could sue them. It all starts with filing an injury claim, and although not necessary by law, you may want to lawyer up. Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Vermont can sound confusing, but if you can watch out for the red flags below, things should be easy.
- The lawyer doesn’t want to talk about their cases. As a client, you have every right to ask questions about an attorney’s experience, expertise, and portfolio. If the injury lawyer is too hesitant to share details or doesn’t want to talk much about their top settlements, you should look for other options.
- The injury lawyer makes exaggerated promises. No lawyer can ever promise a conclusion because car accident claims are inherently complex. If you come across an attorney or law firm that promises a precise amount in a settlement, you should look away. Your lawyer can definitely share key details and possible outcomes, but they have no control over many things.
- The injury lawyer wants an upfront fee. Personal injury lawyers don’t work on an hourly rate. They typically take a fixed percentage of the financial settlement, which is called the “contingency fee”. If an attorney asks for a fee to assess your case or to investigate the matter, look for other alternatives.
- The injury lawyer doesn’t want to listen. Your lawyer is not a counseling expert or your therapist. However, they can be an incredible source of support. Do not hire an injury lawyer if you find them to be too harsh or rude. A lawyer is expected to have some level of compassion for the client.
- The injury lawyer has limited experience with auto accident cases. Personal injury law covers all sorts of accidents, cases, and injuries, including medical malpractice and nursing home abuse. If the concerned attorney doesn’t have the experience or expertise of handling traffic accident and collision cases, look for other options.
Finally, don’t hire a lawyer who doesn’t have the time. Regardless of their case load and other factors, an injury lawyer should be available to take your questions and must offer regular updates on the claim.