How To Choose The Best Car Accident Lawyer: When you are injured in a car accident you may find yourself battling insurance companies to obtain the coverage you require to pay your medical bills. If you have one of the best car accident lawyers on your side you will have an advocate working for you to ensure that you receive the compensation you are due. Best of all you don’t have to pay them until they collect payment from the other party.
Here’s a guide to locating the best car accident lawyer for your needs.
Finding the Best Car Accident Attorney
A car accident lawyer is a type of personal injury lawyer. The number of options available in your area can be overwhelming. Every commercial bus stop and billboard seems to advertise the services of another attorney. You can narrow the field down to one that is right for you by asking the right questions and looking for the proper credentials.
What Is Their Experience?
Many personal injury lawyers specialize in a specific type of case. Others handle class action lawsuits against manufacturers while others handle car accidents. You should look for a lawyer who has a lot of experience with car accidents. In the unlikely event that your case does not settle before trial look for a lawyer who has taken cases all the way to trial. Of course with this experience there should be a proven track record of obtaining appropriate insurance settlements and judgments.
What Are the Fees?
It’s no secret that attorneys are expensive. You want to find a lawyer who works on contingency which means they don’t get paid until you get your settlement or judgment. The majority of personal injury lawyers work on a percentage of the final award amount. This is usually around 33% but it could be higher if your case goes to trial. You’ll also be responsible for expenses like filing fees and expert witness fees. Read the lawyer’s fee agreement carefully so you understand your responsibilities. Don’t base your decision solely on the cost; if they’re the best the extra money may be worth it.
Are They Able To Communicate Clearly?
Throughout the course of your case, you will have a lot of questions. You want an attorney who can explain things to you in a way that you understand. A lawyer who uses legal jargon may appear impressive but you will become confused in the process.
Are They Respected by Their Peers?
Conduct some online research to see what other attorneys have to say about them. Don’t be afraid to ask how much of their business comes from attorney referrals. The higher the proportion the better. Referrals indicate that other attorneys have high regard for the person you’re speaking with—enough respect to put their own reputation on the line for a recommendation. A good lawyer will also provide references that speak to their abilities.
You can also inquire with the state bar about disciplinary actions against the lawyer.
Do They Have a Professional Office?
You require an attorney with the necessary resources to handle your case. This means they have personnel capable of conducting investigations and dealing with issues as they arise. As your case progresses you will most likely interact with some of these staff members. Organized office space is another sign that the attorney runs a professional business. When you come in for a meeting it’s difficult to trust an attorney who is flipping through files looking for your case.
Why Do I Need an Auto Accident Lawyer?
You can handle an auto accident injury case on your own. You are not required to hire a lawyer. That begs the question of why you should.
The reason you should hire an auto accident attorney is that if you handle the case on your own the insurance company will most likely offer you the bare minimum. Insurance companies exist to make a profit which they do in part by keeping claims costs as low as possible. You may be unaware that you have legal rights to compensation for things like emotional trauma. An auto accident attorney understands the process and as a result, can get you the most money for your accident. That is their responsibility.
When Should You Look for an Auto Accident Lawyer?
While you can hire an attorney at any time before the insurance company closes the settlement it is best to do so as soon as you are injured. The attorney may recommend specialist doctors to assist in diagnosing the case and getting you the best care possible. And retaining an attorney right away reduces the likelihood that you will make a statement to the insurance company that will jeopardize your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Most clients discover that the sooner they hire an attorney the better their payment.
FAQ
Do I need an attorney to get a car accident settlement?
You are not required to hire an attorney and can deal with the insurance company on your own. However, if no settlement can be reached, an experienced attorney can assist you in negotiating a settlement or pursuing a case in court and may be able to obtain a higher settlement for you. Remember that a settlement offer is only the starting bid in negotiations.
Crash victims should request car accident settlement examples from potential attorneys in order to understand how the attorney has performed for previous clients. It is also critical to ensure that the attorney has prior experience with similar types of accidents.
Should I get a lawyer for an accident that was my fault?
When you are not at fault in an accident, it is best to hire a lawyer and seek a settlement or judgment from the other party’s insurance carrier. If you believe your own insurance company is not handling your case properly, you may hire an attorney to represent you.
What is a fair settlement for pain and suffering?
The more serious your injuries, the more money you’re likely to get for pain and suffering. Many factors go into calculating a pain and suffering settlement, and the amount you receive will be determined by the specifics of your case. Most car accident settlements for pain and suffering range from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the case.
