Being a victim of a car accident can leave you fighting with insurance companies while trying to heal from your injuries. Most insurance companies have experienced agents who can make you go in circles. Having an experienced car accident attorney by your side can help deal with these agents. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, you can find the best car accident attorney here. Hale Law has experienced car accident lawyers who can handle your case and try to get you the best possible outcome.
Tips for Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer
Below are tips to help you choose a reliable car accident lawyer:
Research Online and Get Referrals
Online research can be one way of searching for a reliable car accident lawyer. Do a Google search and check out the different lawyers that show up. You can even ask your family and friends if they know any good car accident lawyers. Even if your circle has not worked with anyone, they might know someone who has used the services of the lawyer in the past. The recommendations can help you narrow down your choices.
Hire a Lawyer Who Works on Personal Injury Cases Exclusively
Personal injury cases can be complicated. You need someone who knows the complex rules and regulations of the law in-depth. Attorneys who handle cases from different streams of law may not have as much in-depth knowledge as someone who specializes in personal injury law. Any lawyer juggling cases from different streams of law will also not be able to give your case undivided attention and can miss out on important details. Hiring someone who has exclusive experience in personal injury cases will give you a higher chance of getting the best possible outcome for your case.
Ask the Attorney If They Will Take the Case To Trial If Required
Most lawyers who say they can handle personal injury cases may have handled out-of-court settlements and not taken cases to trial. You need a lawyer who is ready to take your case to trial and experienced enough to handle it in court. Ask the potential lawyer upfront if they can take your case to trial if the situation arises.
Speak to Old Clients
Any reliable car accident attorney will not hesitate to provide you with details of their previous clients. If you can, speak to previous clients of the potential attorney and understand what their experience was. Ask as many questions as possible and find out what they have to say about the attorney’s working style and ethics.
Hire a Lawyer Who Communicates
A reliable car accident lawyer will keep all channels of communication open with you during the case. They will patiently explain all the details to you, so you understand the nuances of the law. They will be clear about their process, values, and fees. They will not hesitate to answer your question and will be available to you during your case. Evaluate the potential lawyer’s communication skills when you speak to them. Ask them who will be your point of contact when they work on your case. See if the lawyer is easily available to you during your initial evaluation. This will give you an idea of how they will communicate with you during your case.
Schedule Consultations with Multiple Attorneys Before Choosing One
Most car accident lawyers may not charge a fee for the initial consultation. Unless you need immediate legal advice, meet multiple lawyers before choosing one you are comfortable with. You may have to speak to the lawyer or their staff members for at least a few weeks before you narrow down on the lawyer of your choice. Find out about the attorneys’ work styles, experience, costs, and more. Once you have all the information, you can compare the details and select the lawyer that suits your requirements and budget.
Discuss Fees Upfront
Don’t hesitate to discuss fees during your initial meeting. You may like an attorney and their working style, but if you cannot afford them, then it will be of no use. Find out how the fee structure works. Some lawyers may not take a fee unless they get a positive outcome for you. Some other lawyers may need you to pay them before they start working on the case. Ask these questions during your initial meeting itself so that you have a fair idea of how the finances will work.
Ask the Lawyer for a Contract
Once you discuss finances and other details, hire a lawyer that will sign a service contract with you before they start working on the case. Ensure the contract explicitly states all details about you, the lawyer, and the case. Put down payment methods, any fee that is agreed upon, and any other conditions and clauses.
Looking for a lawyer after you or a loved one has been in a car accident is not an easy task. The sheer number of people you may have to meet and discuss your case with can overwhelm you. Following the above tips can make it a little easy to narrow down your choices and choose a car accident lawyer that you are comfortable with.