When the road suddenly presents challenges, the consequences can arrive quickly and unexpectedly. Medications may pile up, vehicles can get damaged, and your daily routine can be drastically disrupted. Having an experienced car accident attorney can significantly impact your future. The right attorney can make the difference between a lengthy and exhausting struggle with insurance companies and achieving a settlement that fully compensates you for your losses. Before you hire one, consider the following five aspects:
- Experience and Specialization
Law is an expansive practice area, and a lawyer doing little of everything may not be ideal for your case. A lawyer who has seen numerous car accident cases will be more familiar with how the insurance providers work, how personal injury law is unclear, and how to gain control over troublesome procedures.
Specialization is also an added advantage because it will ensure the lawyer is up-to-date on new motor vehicle accident law and court tactics. A lawyer with a consistent flow of car accident victims as clients has a higher chance of getting a good result and guiding you appropriately through each process of the law.
- Fee Structure and Transparency
Most auto accident lawyers operate under a contingency fee arrangement where they will not be paid anything if you succeed in winning your case. This is beneficial to most clients who are already burdened with repair and medical expenses.
A standard contingency fee can be 30% to 40%, which will vary based on how complex the case is and whether the case is taken to court. You can also find a 25 percent car accident lawyer by doing research. Always ensure that the attorney quotes their fee and what is included in the services. Ask if any additional expenses would be incurred and whether they would be for you.
- Reputation and Client Feedback
Word-of-mouth and online reviews can give excellent feedback regarding a lawyer’s professionalism and win rate. Find testimonials in the form of transparent communication, favorable results of the case, and general satisfaction. No attorney can guarantee any result, but consistent positive feedback is a good sign that the attorney is professional and reliable.
Check if the lawyer has any disciplinary record against them in your state’s bar association. A clean record re-establishes integrity, and past violations should be a red flag. Ideally, you would prefer a lawyer who is good at the books of law and ethics in conduct.
- Availability and Communication
Your lawyer should be accessible, promptly respond to inquiries, and explain technical language in a way you can understand. You shouldn’t be kept in the dark regarding what is happening with your case and what lies ahead.
Ensure that the first consultation will make you comfortable with how the attorney speaks. You can safely anticipate how they will pursue your case if they are evasive or aggressive. A skilled attorney will listen closely and keep you informed.
- Trial Experience and Willingness to Litigate
The majority of automobile accident claims settle outside of court, but one must also have an attorney who is familiar with taking a case to court if the circumstances necessitate it. Insurance agencies will offer more favorably when they realize the opposing attorney is court-savvy and not intimidated by a fight on their client’s behalf.
Interview the potential attorneys regarding their presence in court and whether they had a case such as yours and won. Even if your case does not reach court, knowing that you have an attorney who can appear there and is determined to take it as far as you need provides you greater security and comfort.
Endnote
Having the right lawyer is crucial to ensure good outcomes. You need someone you can trust and advocate for your best interests. You must take time in your research and ask questions in initial consultations to make an informed choice.
