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25 Mar, 2024 by Grow us
I highly advise you research before taking on this firm. I was hit 5 times in 1 year by negligent drivers. The officers in 4/5 cases stated that these incidents were completely unavoidable! Meaning these cases are an EASY target for an attorneys office. 2 vehicles were utterly totalled out of 5 wrecks. Mine and my children's bodies were severely affected. My Chiropractor referred me to this firm saying "he is a fellow believer, he will take care of your family Clifton". Patrick took VERY little notes throughout the whole process, he settled 1 out of 5 cases. That incident I was STOPPED in a Taco Bell drive through and a Uber driver SLAMMED into me at 20mph. Admitted that he was "sorry for not paying attention", with a witness present that I have access to! My neck and waste was heavily injured! It took Patrick and his team 6 months to resolve that 1st case. I rarely heard from him and he would NOT communicate with me. And the amount, we'll just say I was NOT compensated for my injuries and loss. Then I was hit head on with the 2nd wreck 1 month later that destroyed my classic Rolls-Royce Phantom edition of Lexus LS600HL. It was a "no fault" situation, and State Farm is to pay me back pay am the way to that wreck April 21 2023. Patrick and his team did NOTHING to get that ball rolling. State Farm said that they never even spoke to Patrick's office! To this day 'Nothing'. 3rd wreck in my new VW hybrid Jetta driving down town Minneapolis on a 1 way, DRUNK DRIVER turned left from the MIDDLE LANE and "t-boned" my passenger side! And the police refused to come to the scene 1 block from the station after I reported smelling alcohol on his breath. And although I got his i.d. and insurance, this driver fled the scene when he found out I called the police! Patrick has done NOTHING on this case!!! Simple in and out case! This happened June 2023. 4th wreck my children and I were headed to the Chiropractor office. We were getting into highway 10 headed east from Hanson Blvd. A vehicle who admittedly reported she was traveling OVER interstate speeds of 78 MPH dove across 3 lanes and NAILED my daughters and I where her S.U.V. CLIMBED UP MY DRIVER SIDE! Where I had to do ridiculous tactics to keep us all alive! And the state Patrol yelled at her for her reckless action!!! 'EASY' case!!!! Yet Patrick and his team have neglected taking care of this literally saying this is difficult on his firm. Like, ummmm isn't this your career? This was in August 2023 Anywho, if that's not enough, my children and I were in Robbinsdale, I was parked on the side of the road, and a driver in a F150 was nearly 75 feet away at a stop sign SUDDENLY decided to drive in REVERSE upwards of 25 mph RECKLESSLY not only backing into my car, but DROVE OVER my car line a monster truck nearly crushing myself and my 7 year old daughter on our way home from school and grocery store! Patrick then said to me that it is very difficult for he and his team to resolve these matters. This was 1 month ago. Thriving these indecents, Patrick stated utterly un responsive through all 5 cases unless I pressured him for not communicating. It became too too much for me! Ask the way to the point where he wrote me this morning saying "I think you should talk to other attorneys" ... and "I don't like having unhappy clients. If you are unhappy, it might be best for both of us if you discuss your situation with other attorneys. Maybe you will have a better experience "... Take it from me. Research 1st! My Chiropractor said "Clifton, I am disappointed in how you feel about Pat. I have worked with him for over 20 years and he and his son have been wonderful. I hope you two can work things out. You are my patient and I will continue to serve you if you want that". So out of 20 years, ask of a sudden? Lastly, when I was needing to hear about my cases, Patrick messaged me "I'm on vacation". I said can you please have someone from your office inform me of the status (after being silent for 3 months) and he did NOT put me in contact with anyone from his firm...
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What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

A car accident lawyer specializes in representing individuals who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents. These lawyers help victims secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from a car crash. They also negotiate with insurance companies, investigate the cause of the accident, and, if necessary, represent clients in court to ensure they receive fair compensation.

If you've been injured in a car accident - whether as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian - a car accident lawyer can help protect your rights, navigate the insurance claims process, and ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to.

When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Consider hiring a car accident lawyer in several situations, especially when the accident results in injuries, property damage, or disputes with the insurance company. Key situations include:

  • Serious injuries: If you’ve suffered significant injuries, such as broken bones, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, a lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, future treatment, and pain and suffering.
  • Disputes with the insurance company: If your insurance claim has been denied or the insurance company offers an unreasonably low settlement, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get fair compensation.
  • Liability disputes: If the other driver’s insurance company is disputing fault or claiming you were partially at fault, a lawyer can gather evidence to prove the other party’s negligence.
  • Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a car accident, a lawyer can help the family pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
  • Uninsured or underinsured driver: If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage, a lawyer can help you explore other compensation options, such as filing a claim with your own insurance company.
  • Complex cases: Accidents involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or complicated circumstances require legal expertise to manage complexities and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

A car accident lawyer provides various legal services to help injured individuals pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Investigating the accident: Gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, photos, and video footage to determine how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
  • Filing insurance claims: Assisting clients in filing claims with their insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer to ensure all necessary documentation is submitted correctly.
  • Negotiating settlements: Working with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Calculating damages: Determining the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
  • Handling medical bills: Coordinating with healthcare providers to ensure your medical bills are paid and helping you avoid financial hardship during the claims process.
  • Filing lawsuits: If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, the lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
  • Representing you in court: Presenting your case before a judge and jury, providing evidence and witness testimony to prove negligence and your right to compensation.

How Are Car Accident Lawyers Paid?

Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win or settle your case. The key aspects include:

  • Contingency fee: The lawyer’s fee is typically between 25% and 40% of the total settlement or award. You won't pay upfront fees; the lawyer's payment comes from the compensation they recover for you.
  • No fee if no recovery: If the lawyer doesn’t secure compensation for you, you generally don't owe any legal fees.
  • Case expenses: You may be responsible for certain costs related to your case, such as filing fees or expert witness fees. These are usually deducted from the settlement after the lawyer's fee is paid.

Discuss the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how much you'll owe if your case is successful.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer is generally based on the contingency fee arrangement. General estimates include:

  • Contingency fee percentage: Lawyers typically charge between 25% and 40% of the total settlement or award. For example, if you receive a $100,000 settlement and the lawyer's fee is 33%, the lawyer would receive $33,000, and you'd keep the remaining $67,000.
  • Case expenses: Additional costs such as court filing fees, expert witness costs, and administrative fees can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the case complexity.

Ensure you get a clear explanation of fees and expenses during your consultation.

Top Questions to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer

Before hiring a car accident lawyer, consider asking the following questions:

  1. What experience do you have with car accident cases?
    Confirm the lawyer has handled cases similar to yours, especially involving serious injuries or complex liability issues.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Understand the contingency fee percentage and any additional costs you may incur.
  3. What is the likelihood of success in my case?
    Seek an honest assessment of your case's strengths and potential challenges.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Get an estimate of the timeline for settling or taking the case to trial.
  5. Will you handle my case personally?
    Ensure you know who will be managing your case and their level of involvement.
  6. What kind of compensation can I expect?
    Ask about the types of damages you may be entitled to, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How to Check the Credibility of a Car Accident Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable lawyer, take the following steps:

  • Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
  • Review their experience: Look for specialization in personal injury and car accident cases.
  • Read client reviews: Consult platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell for testimonials and ratings.
  • Ask for references: Request contact information of previous clients willing to discuss their experience.
  • Check professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Association for Justice (AAJ) indicates a commitment to the field.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:

  • Police report: A copy of the accident report filed by the police.
  • Medical records: Documentation of your injuries, treatments, and medical expenses.
  • Photos and videos: Any visual evidence from the accident scene and of your injuries.
  • Insurance information: Copies of your insurance policy and any correspondence with insurance companies.
  • Witness information: Contact details and statements from any witnesses.
  • List of questions: Prepared questions about your case and the legal process.

Being well-prepared helps the lawyer assess your case accurately and advise you on the best course of action.

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