Ready to Call a Car Accident Lawyer? Here Are 4 Things to Know

Ready to Call a Car Accident Lawyer? Here Are 4 Things to Look For | Car Accident Attorneys

Car accidents are among the most common types of personal injury claims, that’s fairly unsurprising to most people. After all, even minor car accidents can leave victims with serious injuries and expenses.

Thankfully, the law entitles car accident victims to pursue compensation. That being said, you don’t want to move forward alone. It is important to work with an experienced attorney, they can help you navigate the complex, and often confusing, legal process.

When Should I Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

One of the most important things you can do after being involved in a car accident is to call an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you secure legal representation, the more likely it is that your right to compensation will be protected. Aside from receiving any necessary medical care, your next priority should be to meet with an attorney to discuss your case. But how do you find a good lawyer?

What to Look for in a Car Accident Lawyer

Finding the right car accident lawyer for your claim can sound stressful. However, this crucial task can generally be approached like hiring any other professional. Here are four things to look for when hiring a car accident attorney.

What Are the Qualities of the Best Car Accident Lawyer?

Experience in the Type of Law You Need Help With

Is the attorney experienced? What type of law are they experienced in? You need a personal injury lawyer if you have been in a car accident. Finding an attorney near you who was great at getting your friend through a divorce or helping your parents plan their estate isn’t likely going to help your car accident claim much. While they may be effective, professional attorneys, they aren’t experienced in the type of law you need help with. Make sure you hire someone who has experience representing car accident victims.

Litigation Experience

You will want to hire an attorney who also has litigation experience, one who isn’t afraid to take your claim to trial if it becomes necessary. Plenty of law firms are simply settlement mills, taking on every case they can, knowing they will settle it and move on to the next client. You want a lawyer who is committed to doing what is best for you. In some cases, doing what is best means refusing to settle and instead going to trial.

Proven Track Record

Does the attorney have a proven track record of obtaining compensation for their clients—either through a negotiated settlement or a court award? While past results are no promise of their future performance, they can give some insight into how your case might end. For example, you want to hire a car accident lawyer with experience getting car accident victims what they deserve for their damages.

Good Communication

There are many outstanding lawyers out there; however, some are severely lacking in the communication department. They forget that they are representing real people with real issues and injuries. Clients call or email to ask for updates; they simply don’t respond or take weeks to respond. No one wants to be ignored during this stressful time of life. You deserve an attorney who will address your questions and concerns in a timely manner. When you meet with a potential attorney, ask them how they handle client communication. Will you be able to speak directly with them? Or will you speak with a receptionist or a paralegal?

Good Standing and Reputation

It’s also essential to ensure that the attorney you want to hire has a good standing and positive reputation. You can check your local state bar organization to ensure their license hasn’t been suspended and they aren’t facing any type of disciplinary action from the state bar. You can also check with other reputable organizations and their peers to determine the attorney’s reputation. Online reviews from previous clients are also a good resource. If necessary, ask the attorney for recommendations. If they want your business, they should be willing to show you their reviews and why you should hire them.

Is It Worth Getting a Car Accident Lawyer?

Far too many injured car accident victims shy away from seeking legal help. They think they can do it themselves, that car accident lawyer fees are too high, that they don’t have the money to pay for them upfront, or that having legal representation for a car accident doesn’t make any difference. However, legal representation can make a substantial difference in your claim.

Even better, most offer free consultations. So, you can meet with them, then find out if you have a valid claim. Most car accident attorneys work on contingency fees only if you decide to hire them. This means you don’t pay them anything to get your case started or during the duration of your case. Once your case is over, they get paid out of any monies they obtain on your behalf. If they don’t obtain any, you don’t owe them anything. Many car accident victims receive more compensation with a lawyer than they would without one, even after the attorney has taken out their fees and services.