While the numbers of drunk driving related car accidents have been decreasing nationally as a whole, the number of fatalities is still in the thousands, with thousands more still getting behind the wheel while under the influence. If you have been in an accident and you suspect that the driver was intoxicated, your first step should be to call the police, and then contact a personal injury attorney who works with DUI victims. A drunk driving accident attorney is equipped with the experience to handle your case thoughtfully and plan the way forward.
However, not everyone is familiar with how to go about hiring an attorney, let alone a qualified DUI accident lawyer. Therefore, once you have a prospective lawyer in mind, here are three important questions you should ask to help you get the best results from your case.
- What is your background? – Ask your DUI lawyer about their background working with victims of drunk driving accidents. You also want your lawyer to open up about their experience representing victims of drunk driving accident cases. The more experienced the lawyer or the firm is, the better things are going to be in the event your case goes to court.
- What may happen to my case? – Only facts can determine the direction of your case. You’ll want to ask your lawyer about what to expect and the plausible turns your case may take depending on available facts – such as, is there a possibility of a trial or a plea agreement? Additionally, if the attorney is working for a large firm, you need to know and if possible, work closely with, the person that will be representing you in court.
- What are your fees? – Fees are a significant part of your relationship with an attorney and knowing in advance what to expect will save you from frustrations later on. You want to know how you will be charged, and if there are any payment options you can agree on. Some attorneys and law firms such as The Dinelli Law Firm offer a free consultation to help you answer these and other questions with no obligation.
As a victim, it is in your best interest to gather as much information as you can in your initial consultations; this will help answer any questions you have before committing. If you’re searching for a qualified Albuquerque car accident attorney that fights for the victims in drunk driving accidents, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Dinelli Law Firm today!