Business

Seven Questions to Ask Your Car Crash Attorney

Published

3 years ago

January 5, 2022

If you look around, you’re bound to come across a lawyer or two, right? And, believe it or not, that number is on the lower end of the scale. It begs the question: How do you go about choosing one who’ll be a suitable fit for you?

Picking a Car Crash Attorney

Finding yourself in a car accident is among the worst things that could happen to anyone. You’ll likely want to get out of that fix, and fast. What you should do in such a situation is meet and ask an accident lawyer some questions to determine suitability. This article sheds light on what questions you can ask a lawyer before retaining them.

1. What Is Your Legal Specialty?

While many attorneys are generally equipped to handle your car crash claim, some are specialized in particular legal areas. To win your case, it would be best to select a lawyer that is well-versed in car accident cases.

2. Will You Personally Handle My Case?

It baffles many clients that, after a long period of vetting potential lawyers, they end up being represented by the junior staff. This is not to say that these paralegals and junior attorneys are not qualified, just that it would be better to know what you are getting yourself into from the get-go.

3. Do I Have a Good Chance of Success?

It is the norm for most car accident claims to bear the burden of proof to show the extent of the other party’s negligence. This can be due to their breach of duty of care toward you that resulted in the accident.

Supposing the chances of winning the civil claim are low, it would be advisable to simply accept a settlement from the insurers rather than proceeding to trial. Always ask for the genuine opinion of your lawyer before biting off more than you can chew.

4. What Is Your Fee for My Case?

Many car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they will only receive a payment if you win or settle with the insurers. Attorneys who work on such a basis are typically compensated with a percentage of the total compensation. Suppose you cannot afford an attorney’s retainer. In that case, a contingency fee may be a better option for you.

5. What Fees and Costs Will I Be Responsible For?

If you choose to retain an attorney who agrees to accept your case on contingency, you may still be obligated to pay any associated costs and fees, including attorney fees, that were incurred while your case was being investigated and prepared for filing.

To prepare better, be aware of the specific expenses that you may be liable for.

6. How Long for My Case to Be Resolved?

Suppose you sustained severe injuries resulting from your automobile accident. In that case, you might be alarmed to discover that your hospital expenses are piling up. You may find yourself in an even more precarious financial situation if you cannot go back to work due to your accident. It is critical to inquire about how long the attorney anticipates it to take to settle your case.

7. What Can I Do to Ensure Success?

Many injury victims mistakenly believe that their only task is to sit back and wait for reimbursement after they employ an attorney. The truth is, however, that your lawyer will want you to take the initiative and see more doctors, meet with investigators, and stay completely involved in the case until it is resolved.

Stay Well-Informed

Make a list of questions you’d like addressed with your personal injury lawyer. You want to get an attorney who can answer all of your questions and make you feel at ease. At the end of the day, you should be confident that you chose the best specialist for the job.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.