If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, seeking legal advice is always a wise choice. Not only will an experienced injury lawyer advocate for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve, but it will also allow you and your family to focus on the road to recovery.
However, choosing the right legal representation can be stressful and challenging. Injury law has no shortage of slick-talking salespeople who are more interested in making a profit for themselves than seeing justice served. Similarly, some insurance companies may discourage you from obtaining legal representation, preferring to deal with you directly (and trying to minimize what they have to pay in damages). Nonetheless, retaining an experienced injury lawyer is the most effective way to receive fair compensation that allows you to move forward.
Who you choose to represent you can be the difference between a successful settlement and a long, drawn-out legal battle with disappointing results. To help you make the right choice for your situation, here are some questions you should ask your auto accident injury lawyer before retaining their services.
1. Where are you based?
Auto accident laws vary across jurisdictions. For example, in Alberta, some injuries sustained in car accidents are covered by the Minor Injury Regulations and the Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols, better known as the “Cap.” These regulations collectively “cap” general damages for minor injuries to a maximum amount, although it does not apply to all injuries or all situations.
This is only one example of how complex injury law can be depending on where you live. When selecting a lawyer, ensure they have experience handling cases in your geographic area and have the knowledge required to get you the compensation you deserve.
James H. Brown and Associates has been involved in numerous precedent-setting cases in Alberta over the last three decades. We also have extensive experience in other jurisdictions, including the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and across Canada.
2. How long have you been practicing injury law?
Experience matters! When your health and livelihood are at stake, you need a team behind you with a proven record of standing up for the rights of accident victims in court.
Since 1993, James H. Brown and Associates have worked on countless injury law cases across Alberta and other parts of Canada.
3. Is this the only type of law you practice?
Personal injury law is a unique and challenging branch of the legal profession. While lawyers who handle a wide variety of different types of cases may bring a unique perspective, the focus needs to remain on you and your right to fair compensation. Auto accident law in Alberta is complex; the lawyer you choose should have a proven record of successfully navigating the courts and achieving results.
For nearly 30 years, James H. Brown and Associates have been dedicated to advocating for serious injury victims, having experience with motor vehicle accidents, whiplash, brain injury, spinal injury, and more.
4. How large is your firm?
After a serious auto accident, victims should seek the best legal representation available. While bigger isn’t always better, a large firm usually has more tools, resources, and collective experience that can be put to work on your case.
As a well-established firm, James H. Brown and Associates is proud to offer comprehensive resources to our clients, including:
- An experienced team of injury lawyers with a proven record of success.
- Investigation and evidence preservation services, including accident reconstruction.
- Access to a network of multi-disciplinary professionals to support you through rehabilitation and recovery.
5. Do you have results?
Nobody hires an injury lawyer for fun; when you seek legal representation after an accident, you want someone with a proven track record of achieving positive resolution for their clients.
Due to privacy and ethical concerns, many law firms will not provide specific details about past cases without the individuals’ consent. Along those same lines, past results are not indicative of future outcomes, and results vary according to the facts of each case; no two accidents, settlements, or court cases are alike. However, be wary of lawyers who won’t talk about their past at all. Remember: whoever you choose to represent you is in charge of ensuring you receive the compensation you need. You need a person who can stand up for your rights successfully.
Learn more about James H. Brown and Associates’ precedent-setting results here.
6. Does it cost anything to speak with a lawyer?
You probably don’t need to be reminded of this one! Understanding your legal representation’s fee structure is essential. Although there are strict regulations on how lawyers can advertise their fees to the public, a good lawyer will also be an honest businessperson who will be upfront about what they charge for their services.
James H. Brown and Associates offer free, no-obligation initial consultations to get you started. Our injury lawyers are here to answer all of your questions and determine the right course of action for you and your family, obligation-free.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in an Auto Accident?
Contact us today to learn more about how James H. Brown and Associates can help you stand up for your rights.