- Asking questions of prospective attorneys will be critical to your ability to obtain the compensation you deserve.
- Find out the experience of the pedestrian accident attorney you’re considering, as well as how they go about determining liability.
- Also, ask what type of compensation you might obtain and how the attorney handles negotiations.
- Find out what kind of courtroom experience the attorney has in case negotiations don’t result in a fair settlement offer.
Choosing the right pedestrian accident attorney will be one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. If you make the right choice, you’ll have an excellent chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve. However, if you don’t, you might face financial burdens for years to come.
How do you find the best lawyer for your case? Asking the following questions will help. These questions will go a long way toward understanding their expertise and approach to handling cases like yours. Don’t feel nervous about asking them. You want to be sure about how you choose as your legal representative.
A pedestrian accident attorney with Sand Law will happily answer any questions you have. We’ll also offer tenacious representation designed to help you get every dollar you have coming. Schedule a free consultation by calling 651-291-7263 or contacting us online.
1. What Is Your Experience with Pedestrian Accident Cases in Minnesota?
There were 46 pedestrian deaths in Minnesota in 2022. On average, 225 pedestrians in our state either die or suffer severe injuries yearly. The vast majority of these deaths and injuries – 150 – occur in Minneapolis.
Whether you suffered a severe injury or tragically lost a loved one, you must choose a pedestrian accident attorney with significant experience in this area of the law.
It would be best to have an attorney with a deep knowledge of the intricate web of laws and regulations specifically designed for pedestrian accidents. This familiarity must extend beyond textbook knowledge; it includes a real-world understanding of how local courts apply these laws.
An experienced attorney will be comfortable with all the complexities of pedestrian accident cases. They’ll know all the subtle details of local traffic laws and be acutely aware of Minnesota court precedents.
This familiarity allows them to anticipate challenges before they arise, identify opportunities others might overlook, and craft a legal strategy tailored to your unique legal needs.
2. How Do You Determine Liability in Pedestrian Accidents?
Determining liability is essential to helping a victim obtain maximum compensation. In Minnesota, laws surrounding pedestrian right-of-way are very complicated.
A seasoned pedestrian accident attorney doesn’t just know these laws. They also know how to use them to a client’s benefit. An effective lawyer will give you a clear understanding of how they influence your case.
You also want an attorney who knows how to investigate an accident. Your lawyer should meticulously examine the accident’s circumstances, pore over witness statements keenly, and sift through any available evidence like a seasoned investigator.
Their ability to unravel the complexities ensures they’ll do their best job. Whether negotiating on your behalf or passionately presenting your case in a courtroom, their interpretation and application of these legal principles become the backbone of your defense.
3. What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect in My Case?
Pay close attention to the way an attorney answers this question. If they immediately promise you’ll receive a certain amount of money, scratch that lawyer off your list. No ethical attorney would ever make that kind of promise without knowing the facts of your case.
However, once the lawyer has those facts, they can provide an educated opinion of how much you’ll likely get. Many different factors go into determining compensation in a personal injury case. In Minnesota, recoverable damages encompass immediate medical expenses and lost wages. They also include compensation for intangible aspects like pain and suffering.
A skilled pedestrian accident attorney won’t just throw numbers at you. They’ll paint a comprehensive portrait of how courts calculate damages. They consider the severity of injuries, precisely project long-term medical costs, and weigh the impact on your quality of life.
4. How Do You Handle Settlement Negotiations and Trials?
Negotiation is an art. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney isn’t just a legal expert but a master negotiator. Asking about their approach to settlement negotiations will give you an idea of their strategic mindset. It’s not just about knowing the law; it’s about communicating effectively, understanding the psychology of the opposing party, and strategically positioning your case for success.
Equally important is their stance on trials. Even though more than 90% of cases settle, a skilled attorney will be prepared to passionately advocate for your rights in a courtroom if negotiations fall short. Ask about their trial experience and determine their commitment to pursuing the best possible outcome for your case.
5. What Are Your Fees and How Are They Structured?
Most pedestrian accident attorneys in Minnesota operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything unless you win your case. You need to know an attorney’s fees upfront. The attorney shouldn’t just explain the contingency fee structure. They must also clarify any potential additional costs or expenses that might arise.
This transparency ensures that there are no hidden surprises along the way. You can make informed decisions about pursuing your claim without financial uncertainty. It’s not just about the legal journey; it’s about embarking on it with a clear understanding of the path ahead.
Contact a Skilled Pedestrian Accident Attorney About Your Claim
A skilled pedestrian accident attorney will be your advocate, legal compass, and strategic ally. They’ll help you navigate the twists and turns of the legal system with confidence.
When you contact a skilled pedestrian accident attorney, you’re starting a conversation that goes beyond the surface details of your case. They’ll listen intently to your story to have the best idea of how to protect your rights and pursue justice.
Effective legal representation isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s a tailored plan crafted to determine why your accident happened and how you can obtain compensation. Your lawyer must personalize their approach to ensure they explore every legal avenue and anticipate every potential challenge. The best attorneys will seize every opportunity for a favorable outcome.
That’s what we do at Sand Law. We won’t rest until we’ve done everything possible to help you recover financially. If you would like to schedule a free evaluation of your case, use our online form or call 651-291-7263.