TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
Parting Thoughts
Picking a car accident lawyer isn’t that different from picking any other professional. Get recommendations, pick someone with experience who you can also tolerate, and choose someone who communicates well with you.
Pick Someone You Can Stand
It might seem trivial, but legal cases can drag on for a long time. If the thought of dealing with a person you dislike for a long period of time makes you shudder, pick someone you’ll actually get along with. After all, you don’t hire a mechanic or a plumber you dislike or distrust.
Pick Someone Who Plays Hardball With Insurance Companies
Car accidents mean dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies want you leaving with as little as possible, so they will offer the smallest settlement they think you will accept.
Choose A Lawyer Who Communicates
Have you ever dated someone who never seemed to take your calls or answer your text messages? It’s frustrating and can sour the relationship, right? The relationship with your lawyer should never look like this.
Things to Look for When Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer
Experience
Ask the lawyer about their experience. Make sure they have specific experience handling car accident cases. You will also want to be sure they have experience arguing cases in court and have a winning track record.
An organized office space
The more organized their office looks, the more organized they probably are. Keep an eye on how their staff does their work and how tidy the lawyer’s desk is. If they have to shuffle through piles of paper in order to find what they’re looking for while their staff struggles to handle incoming calls, they’re probably not very organized, which doesn’t reflect well on their ability to handle your case.
Willingness to provide references
Always ask a lawyer for a list of references you can contact and speak to. These references should speak to the reputation of the lawyer. Even if you don’t contact their references, you can have confidence in the fact that they provided them to you. A lawyer that doesn’t have references or won’t provide you with any should be avoided.
Choosing an Auto Accident Lawyer
How Much Are Auto Accident Lawyer Fees?
Before you hire a lawyer, it is important that you understand the fee arrangement. You must understand how you are supposed to pay the attorney. It is impossible to tell exactly how much work will be required for a case and because of this attorney’s fees can be more or less than originally expected. If you have any concerns about attorney’s fees, be sure to discuss them with them before signing anything.
How Do I Decide on an Auto Accident Lawyer?
After meeting with a lawyer and discussing your case, you will be better prepared to make a decision on whether or not to hire them. After the meeting, ask yourself the following questions.
What Should I Ask when I Meet with a Lawyer?
When you meet with a auto accident lawyer you should have as much detailed information and facts about the car accident and any injuries or financial losses as possible. It is also important that you feel comfortable with him/her. If you feel that you cannot have a positive relationship with them, find another one. There are many lawyers who are happy and willing to help you so be sure to find the right one. If you feel comfortable with them, then here are some questions you should ask.
Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle
The circumstances of each auto accident will vary almost as much as the resulting damage. Our car accident attorneys handle all types of accident cases. In addition to cases which simply involve violation of traffic laws, we also handle complex cases, such as those resulting from:
- Drunk or drowsy driving
- Vehicle rollover
- Defective roadways or poor signage
- Defective vehicles
- Distracted driving
- Weather conditions
In large cities like Atlanta, Houston, and New York, commuters and pedestrians battle traffic congestion on a daily basis. This increases the chance that even the most careful driver will at some point be involved in a wreck. Getting the right help and advice is the most important thing you can do for your future.
What questions should I ask when I meet with an attorney?
Remember that this is essentially an interview—you are interviewing a prospective contractor to determine if you feel comfortable with this person and whether or not you can trust him or her. Interview several attorneys and law firms as you are searching for a car accident attorney. Ask questions such as:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- Do you handle other types of cases or do you focus your practice on car accidents?
- How many cases do you handle at one time?
- How do you communicate with clients to keep them informed of the progress in the case?
- How can I reach you (i.e. telephone, email, cell phone, text, etc.)?
- Will I always work with you, or will other junior attorneys and paralegals do most of the work on my case?
- What are the terms of the fee agreement? Do I receive an itemized bill for your services?