Were you recently in a car crash? There are over 135,000 personal injury lawyers and attorneys in the US. Unfortunately, not every attorney is the right person to take your case.
Rushing to hire the first lawyer you find could hurt your auto accident case. You might fail to receive the full compensation you deserve.
Instead, consider these seven factors before choosing auto accident attorneys to handle your lawsuit. With these tips, you can dig through your options for attorneys with ease. You can find the right lawyer for your case, increasing your chances of a higher payout.
Start your search for the best auto accident lawyer around with these tips today.
1. Experience and Expertise
First, it helps to know that personal injury lawyers handle many different cases. While searching through your options for lawyers, consider the help you need. Personal injury lawyers handle cases involving:
- Auto accidents
- Product liability
- Slander and liable
- Slip and falls
- Medical malpractice
These are only a few examples. You can even break these categories down further. For example, auto accident lawyers handle car, truck, Lyft/Uber, motorcycle, and bike accidents.
Consider the details of your case. What area of expertise does your lawsuit fall under?
Then, head online. Google “auto accident lawyer near me” or specify the type of help you need. You can also check your local bar association website or the Martindale-Hubbel law directory.
Once you have a few options for attorneys, look into their professional history.
How long has the attorney practiced law? Have they always specialized in auto accidents?
Maybe you need someone with experience handling uninsured motorists. Read more at https://halelaw.com.
Make sure their experience and expertise are relevant to your case. Otherwise, they might not know the laws and procedures relevant to your lawsuit. They could make a costly mistake when filing your case as a result.
Ask each lawyer how many auto accidents they’ve handled overall. Ask how many they’ve handled in the past year, too.
You don’t want to end up with a lawyer who took a 10-year break.
Finding someone who’s handled plenty of cases like yours will give you peace of mind.
Courtroom Experience
While vetting your options for attorneys, consider each lawyer’s courtroom experience. Not every lawsuit will go to trial. Still, it helps to prepare yourself, just in case.
Ask each lawyer on your list how many of their cases end up before a judge and jury. Determine the outcome for those cases, too.
Some lawyers are nervous about going to court. They might accept a lowball settlement to avoid a courtroom.
These attorneys won’t have your best interests in mind. Instead, make sure the lawyer you choose has the skills necessary to handle your case.
2. A Strong Track Record
Before choosing auto accident attorneys, ask each lawyer about their most recent cases. What was the outcome for each case? How much were they able to win for their clients?
Asking about their recent cases can help you learn more about the attorney’s abilities. It can also help you maintain realistic expectations for your case.
Ask each lawyer about their overall track record, too. How many cases have they won over the years? How many cases did they settle, and for how much?
Choose a lawyer with a strong track record. You’ll feel confident in their ability to handle your case.
3. A Positive Reputation
While exploring your options for lawyers in the area, make sure to check out your local bar association website. Make sure each lawyer on your list is licensed to practice in the state.
Some laws can vary based on your location. If they lack experience practicing in the area, scratch them off your list.
While you’re online, check the law firm’s BBB or Google My Business listings, too. There, you can find references and reviews from people who were once in your shoes.
What do the attorney’s previous clients have to say about them? Was the lawyer about to accomplish their goals? Were they satisfied with the services they received?
Make sure the lawyers on your list don’t have any formal complaints filed against them.
4. Availability
Around six million car crashes occur every year. Chances are, most of the lawyers on your list are already busy handling cases. Make sure they’re not too much to handle your case.
Ask each lawyer how many clients they’re currently juggling. Will they hand your case off to someone else at their firm? If so, make sure to thoroughly interview that lawyer instead.
If the law firm is handling too many clients at once, they may struggle to dedicate time to your case. Instead, choose someone with availability.
5. A Reliable Network
When handling your lawsuit, your lawyer might need to call on help. For example, a medical expert can prove the extent of your injuries. They could indicate how your injuries will impact your quality of life.
A crime scene investigator can learn more about what happened on the day of the crash.
Choose a lawyer who has a strong professional network. The evidence they gather could benefit your case.
6. The Right Skills
Don’t start choosing auto accident attorneys yet. First, schedule a consultation with at least three lawyers on your list. Meeting them in person will help you determine if they have the right skill set.
For example, is the lawyer a strong communicator? Are they confident?
Ask what outcome they expect for your case, too.
Make sure they’re ethical, professional, and an active listener, too.
7. The Right Price
Before choosing a lawyer, ask at least three attorneys on your list about their fee structure. Review the details of their contract, too.
Comparing attorney fees can help you determine the local average. If their prices are about the same, review your notes. Choose the lawyer most capable of handling your case.
Start Searching: 7 Factors to Consider When Choosing Auto Accident Attorneys
Don’t make the mistake of hiring the first lawyer you call. Instead, use these seven tips before choosing auto accident attorneys. These tips will help you make the best choice for your auto accident case.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing an experienced attorney is on the job.
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