Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of our modern world, and injuries often result despite substantial gains in safety mechanisms. In addition, factors such as rising speed limits and increased vehicle traffic make car accidents more dangerous, making them more likely to result in injury. If you’re injured in an auto accident, you’ll need an experienced car accident lawyer to help you navigate the complex legalities of a personal injury case. However, the period following an accident tends to be exceptionally emotional. That makes hiring the right attorney difficult.
Before you hire a car accident lawyer, there are several factors to consider. We lay them out in simple terms below to make the process a little easier.
1. Reputation
There are many law firms out there, and some aren’t as reliable or reputable as they should be. When hiring a personal injury attorney, looking for someone with a good reputation is crucial.
Finding a reputable car accident lawyer takes a little research. Start by asking friends and family for recommendations. Then, look at online reviews. The lawyer you choose should have a lengthy list of successful cases and a history of winning large settlements.
2. Experience
Every law firm has different specialties. Some specialize in divorce cases, others in taxes, and still others in personal injuries. It’s essential to choose one with a lot of specialized experience in personal injuries rather than another area of the law.
A knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney will know how to deal with insurance companies. To find out if the lawyer you’re considering has this sort of experience, ask them a few questions:
- How many car accident cases have you handled?
- Have you dealt with a car accident case similar to mine?
- How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
3. Personality
Your car accident lawyer is someone you’ll need to work with closely. That means you must feel comfortable with them and their communication style.
Your attorney needs to utilize the communication method you feel most comfortable with, whether by call, email, or text message. And they need to respond to your messages promptly.
If you find your messages going unanswered or don’t like your attorney’s tone, your case is less likely to be successful. So, ensure you ask how your attorney plans to communicate your case details before hiring them. Also, be sure you’re comfortable with your attorney’s style and personality.
4. Fees
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee. That means you only pay for services if your case is successful, using a specified percentage of your net recovery.
However, every law firm and every case is different, and sometimes other fees apply. Be sure to ask your attorney about applicable fees before hiring them to avoid surprises.
5. Firm Size
There are pros and cons to large and small firms alike. For example, a small firm may be willing to do more legwork, and you’re less likely to have numerous paralegals working on your case. In other words, you may get more one-on-one attention.
However, small firms tend to lack the resources that large firms have. Large firms may have nurses, private investigators, and accident reconstruction specialists that will work for you. That may mean that a large firm is more likely to get you a successful settlement.
Of course, choosing a large or small firm is up to you. Just make sure you know which one you prefer before making your hiring decision.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an experienced car accident lawyer is a difficult decision. When you’re injured in an accident, everything can feel overwhelming, and you may not be doing your best thinking.
However, if you choose a car accident attorney with experience, a good reputation, and a personality you mesh well with, you’re on the right track. Just ensure they don’t have hidden fees and that the law firm is big enough to have the needed resources.
