Archives February 2024

Choosing the Best Car Accident Lawyer for Your Case

How do you choose the right car accident lawyer or law firm for your case with so many lawyers advertising on every billboard and bench?

Auto accidents can leave victims with severe injuries and mounting medical bills, so you’ll need to find a proven and experienced lawyer to represent you and recover the compensation you deserve.

20 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Attorney

To select the best auto accident lawyer for your case, you need to ask the right questions. In each section, we provide questions that will help you gather information about the attorneys you’re considering hiring.

Making an informed decision about your legal representation will give you the best chance for a successful outcome in your case. Here are the key questions to ask a car accident attorney before hiring them to represent you in a car accident lawsuit.

Is the Lawyer Familiar with the Unique Aspects of Your Case

Questions to Determine if a Lawyer is Familiar with Cases Like Yours:

• Are there any unique aspects or challenges in my case that you’ve encountered before?
• Have you worked on cases involving the same types of vehicles that were involved in my accident? (Motorcycles, bicycles, commercial vehicles, semi-trucks, etc.)
• Have you litigated against the insurance companies involved in my case? (Typically the defendant’s insurance company will be representing them in settlement negotiations and trial.)

To find the best car accident lawyer for your case, you’ll need to identify the challenges of your case and your specific needs. Hire a lawyer who has experience handling cases that are similar to yours and who understands your needs.

Consider factors such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, potential liability issues, and financial concerns. Understanding your case’s unique characteristics will help you narrow down your options and find the lawyer that’s best for you.

Ask About the Lawyer’s Experience in Auto Accident Law

Auto accident cases can be complex, and experience matters. Look for lawyers who have a proven track record of handling similar cases and achieving favorable outcomes for their clients.

Questions to Determine an Attorney’s Experience:

• How long have you been practicing law, and how many car accident cases have you handled?
• Can you describe your experience in handling cases involving car accidents and other auto accidents?
• Do you have experience in cases against companies with large legal teams? How much were you able to recover for your client in those cases? (Car accident cases can involve negotiating with and litigating against insurance companies and commercial trucking companies who have powerful law firms representing them.)

Examine the Track Record of the Lawyer and Law Firm

Review the attorney’s track record in auto accident cases, including their success rate in obtaining settlements or verdicts for accident victims. An attorney’s prior results can provide crucial context about whether the attorney is the right choice for your case. Find an attorney who has proven themselves by obtaining great results for their clients in big cases against powerful opponents.

Questions to Ask About Their Track Record:

• How much compensation have you secured for your previous car accident clients?
• What’s your success rate? Have you had good results in cases like mine historically?

Verify Credentials and Qualifications

Verify that the attorney is licensed to practice law in your state and holds any necessary certifications related to personal injury law. While this seems like a no-brainer, some dishonest people pretend to be lawyers and ask for payment upfront. A lawyer asking for payment upfront is a bad sign in most accident cases. You should consider choosing another lawyer if you’re asked for payment or a retainer early in the process.

Questions About Licensing and Certifications:

• Are you licensed to practice law in my state?
• Do you hold any certifications related to personal injury law?

Select a Law Firm with Good Communication and Availability

Effective communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship. Evaluate the attorney’s communication style during your initial interactions.

Questions About the Law Firm’s Communication Methods and Regular Case Updates:

• How often do you typically communicate with clients and provide updates about cases?
• What is your preferred method of communication (phone, email, in-person meetings)?

Are they prompt in responding to your inquiries? Can you easily reach them when needed?

Questions to Ensure You Can Contact Your Lawyer When You Need Them:

• Will I have direct access to you throughout my case? How quickly can I expect responses to my questions and concerns?
• Do you have a support team or staff members who assist with providing case updates to clients?

Discuss Legal Fees and Payment Options

Understand the attorney’s fee structure. Nearly all personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. As mentioned previously, an attorney asking for a retainer upfront for an injury case is generally a bad sign.

Questions About the Law Firm’s Fee Structures:

• How do your legal fees work, and do you work on a contingency fee basis?
• What percentage of recovery do you typically charge as your fee?

Discuss payment options and any potential costs associated with your case. A transparent discussion about fees is essential.

Questions About Payment Options:

• Are there any additional costs, such as court fees or expert witness fees, that I may be responsible for paying?
• Do you offer flexible payment plans or financing options to accommodate my financial situation?

Read Case Studies and Client Reviews

Reading client reviews and testimonials online can provide insights into the lawyer’s reputation and the experiences of past clients. Look for case studies or articles from past car accident cases the attorney has handled. This can help you gauge their expertise.

Questions to Ask About Client Testimonials and Previous Cases:

• Can you provide references from previous clients you represented in car accident cases?
• What are some examples of car accident cases you’ve won in trial?

Make an Informed Decision

Choosing the right car accident lawyer is a critical step in pursuing your claim. By asking these vital questions before hiring an attorney, you can make an informed decision that gives you the best chance of a successful outcome in your case. Take all of the facts into account and trust your instincts. Choose someone with whom you feel comfortable and confident.

Meet with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

Our experienced lawyers are dedicated to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. If we aren’t the best lawyers to handle your case, we won’t waste your time. Our team is honest and transparent and we can help you choose a lawyer that’s better suited to handling your case.

Full Comprehension of Potential Damages

When involved in an accident, the ripple effects can be vast. While the immediate concern might be physical injury or car repairs, the long-term ramifications could include medical costs, disability, disfigurement, and emotional distress. There’s also the very real loss of income if you’re unable to work or the profound impact on your family if they lose your companionship and support. An adept car accident lawyer has the understanding to gauge the entirety of these damages. They ensure that your compensation isn’t merely a fraction of what you rightfully deserve.

Not All Damages Are Instantly Recognizable

The human body and machines have a curious similarity: not all damages are immediately visible. Just as a tiny dent on your vehicle might conceal more significant structural issues, injuries like whiplash might not manifest until days or even weeks post-accident. Having an attorney early ensures a thorough evaluation of both personal and property damages, guarding against future unforeseen complications.

Expertise in Legal Intricacies

While you may have a cursory understanding of the legalities surrounding accidents, car accident lawyers immerse themselves in these laws daily. They are equipped to discern which laws apply to your case and provide insights into how local courts interpret them. This specialization is invaluable, eliminating the need for you to trawl through legislation and legal precedents allowing you to focus on recovery.

Skillful Insurance Negotiations and Courtroom Advocacy

Insurance companies are businesses aiming to maximize profits, often resulting in minimized settlements for claimants. Your lawyer serves as a protective shield, ensuring you aren’t shortchanged. Their expertise is especially crucial if the case escalates to court. Navigating legal procedures, understanding evidentiary rules, and constructing a persuasive argument is an art honed through years of practice. While you might be the victim in the accident, proving liability in court is an entirely different challenge – one best entrusted to a seasoned car accident attorney.

Safeguarding Against Financial Pitfalls

Mistakes in the legal realm are costly. Whether missing the narrow window provided by the statute of limitations, incorrectly addressing a defendant, or mishandling evidence, the repercussions aren’t merely financial. Such missteps could rob you of any chance at compensation, burdening you with expenses from an incident you didn’t cause. An attorney is your safeguard against such pitfalls.

A knowledgeable car accident attorney can assist you in a number of ways after a serious accident caused by another driver. Many accident victims are eligible to receive compensation to help cover medical expenses, lost income and other accident-related expenses. But many people take settlements that are far less than the full value of their claim because they don’t have a forceful lawyer advocating for them. The at-fault driver’s insurance company is unlikely to offer you the full value of your claim unless the insurer sees that you are serious about pursing it—even if that means going to court.

After a personal injury lawyer reviews the specifics of your car accident, you will receive an explanation of your legal options and have a better understanding of the value of your claim. With the assistance of a lawyer, you can improve your chances of maximizing your claim and avoid being pressured into settling for less than you may rightfully deserve. A skilled lawyer can do the following on your behalf:

Investigate All Contributing Factors to the Accident

An experienced lawyer will take the time to investigate all the potential contributing factors to a serious car accident. While the cause of the accident may seem clear, there may be multiple contributing factors, such as driver distraction, poor road conditions, lack of proper signage, or a vehicle malfunction. A car accident lawyer may work with accident reconstruction specialist to understand how the accident unfolded and all the contributing factors.

Determine All Responsible Parties

A lawyer will pinpoint the contributing factors as a means to identify all of the potentially responsible parties who may be liable for compensation. If the at-fault driver was driving a company vehicle, for example, his or her employer may bear some responsibility for your injuries. In cases where a vehicle malfunctions, such as a tire blowout, it could be a manufacturer who is partially at fault.

Deal with Insurance Company Adjusters

Your lawyer can deal with the insurance company adjusters while you concentrate on your recovery. Any information you provide to the at-fault driver’s insurance company adjuster may be used against you to minimize or invalidate your claim. Have a lawyer deal with the adjuster for you to reduce the risk of having your statement misconstrued.

Estimate Future Medical Costs and Accident-Related Expenses

A lawyer can help you assess all accident-related expenses, including estimated future medical costs. This is commonly done by consulting with your doctors and other medical professionals to come up with an estimate on what your future expenses may be based on the injuries you sustained. Without projecting future costs, you could miss out on compensation you are likely to need to complete your rehabilitation and recover fully from your injuries.

Deal with Hospitals or Debt Collectors Trying to Harass You About Medical Bills

After a car accident, your attention should be focused on your health and recovery. The last thing you should have to do following a car accident is deal with hospital staff or debt collectors about the payment of your medical bills. A lawyer can deal directly with the hospital or debt collector and inform them of a pending claims to put an end to harassment

Negotiate with the Insurance Company

An insurance company’s interest is in minimizing the amount its pays out in claims to protect its profit margin. The insurance company’s initial offer is likely to be far less than what a claim is actually worth. The at-fault driver’s insurance company is hoping you will accept the settlement offer and, in doing so, sign away your right to sue for further damages. Never accept a settlement offer from the insurance company without having a lawyer review it.

A lawyer understands the laws pertaining to car accident claims and how to negotiate with the insurance company to get you a fair and just settlement amount. You are at a disadvantage trying to negotiate with an insurance company on your own without a lawyer. A lawyer can help you recover wages from work lost due to your injuries.

If you have been involved in a car accident, particularly one caused by another driver’s negligence, you owe it to yourself to hire a lawyer so you have a dedicated legal advocate fighting to get you the compensation you deserve.