Injuring yourself in a car accident can put you in a fight with your insurance company for the coverage you need to pay for your medical bills. If you have one of the best car accident lawyers by your side, you will have an attorney working for you to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Most importantly, you don't pay them until they get their money from the other side.
Here is a guide to help you find the right car accident lawyer to meet your needs.
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Find the best car accident lawyer
A car accident attorney is a type of personal injury attorney. You might feel overwhelmed by the number of options in your area. It seems like every commercial, bus seat, and billboard is offering the services of another lawyer. By asking the right questions and looking for the right credentials, you'll be able to narrow the field to what's right for you.
What is their experience?
Many personal injury attorneys specialize in specific types of cases. Some handle workers' compensation cases, some handle class-action lawsuits against manufacturers, and some handle car accidents. You are looking for a lawyer with extensive experience in car accidents. Find a lawyer who has been handling the case, just in case your case isn't resolved before then. Of course, with this experience, there should be a successful track record of obtaining appropriate settlements and judgments from insurers.
how much is the cost?
It's no secret that lawyers spend a penny. You want a lawyer who does emergency work, which means they won't make money until you get a settlement or judgment. Most personal injury attorneys work for a percentage of the final award amount. This is usually about 33%, and may be more if your case goes to trial. You may also be responsible for costs such as application fees and expert witness fees. Read the attorney's fee agreement carefully to understand your responsibilities. Don't make decisions based on cost alone; if they're the best, they're probably worth the extra money.
Can they communicate clearly?
During the process of your case, you will encounter many problems. You want a lawyer who can talk to you in a way that you understand what's going on. A lawyer sticking to legalese may seem impressive, but you'll find yourself confused along the way.
Are they respected by their peers?
Do some research online and see what other attorneys think about them. Don't be afraid to ask how much business they have from other attorneys referrals. The higher the percentage, the better. Referrals mean that other attorneys have a lot of respect for the person you're talking to - enough respect that they risk their own reputation to accept referrals. A good lawyer is also willing to provide references that illustrate their abilities.
You can also contact a state attorney to find out if that attorney has been subject to any disciplinary action.
Do they have a professional office?
You need a lawyer who has the resources to handle your case. This means they have staff who can conduct investigative work and resolve issues as they arise. You may interact with some of these staff members as the case progresses. An organized office space is also a good sign that a lawyer is running a professional business. When you're in a meeting, it's hard to trust a lawyer who's going through documents trying to find your case.
Why do I need a car accident lawyer?
You can handle car accident injury cases yourself. You don't necessarily need to hire a lawyer. Which begs the question, why are you doing this?
The reason you should hire a car accident attorney is that if you handle the case yourself, the insurance company will likely cover you with minimal fees. Insurance companies are in the business of making a profit, and they do so in part to keep the cost of claims as low as possible. You may not be aware of certain legal rights that require compensation for things like emotional trauma. An auto accident attorney understands the ins and outs of the process and is therefore able to provide the most assistance with your accident. That's their job.
When Should You Seek a Car Accident Lawyer?
While you can hire an attorney to handle your case at any time before the insurance company ends the settlement, it is best to hire an attorney immediately after your injury. A lawyer may recommend a specialist to help diagnose the case and give you the best care you deserve. Hiring a lawyer right away can minimize your chances of making a statement to your insurance company, compromising your chances of reaching a good settlement. Most clients find that the sooner they get a lawyer, the better their settlement.