According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, men cause approximately 6.1 million accidents in the United States each year compared to the 4.4 million accidents caused by women each year.
Auto accident attorney Bruce D. Jacobs says that car accidents are the most common type of motor vehicle accident. If you are a victim of a car crash, it must be thoroughly investigated to obtain full compensation for your injuries.
This article will look into the factors that you should look at when trying to find the right auto accident attorney for your case.
Assess Your Needs
Identify your specific needs for your case before selecting an auto accident lawyer. Knowing your legal goals will help you look for the legal expertise and specialization that you need for your case.
Pasadena car accident attorney Carl D. Barnes says that any car accident can lead to overwhelming insurance claims and financial difficulties for victims and their families. Consult a car accident lawyer to assist you with these claims and guide you throughout the legal process.
Ask yourself whether you would like to achieve a quick resolution of your case or if you are prepared for a long-drawn-out court battle.
Observe the lawyer’s communication style and listening skills before finalizing your decision. You need to check and prepare your budget for all the relevant legal costs.
Research Potential Attorneys
Create a list of possible candidates. You can get information about lawyers through a number of ways, such as references from friends or family. You can use Google, Safari, and other web browsers to simply search for an auto accident specialist near you.
Visit the websites of your candidates and take a look into their online profiles. Their websites should provide you with information about the kinds of services they offer along with client testimonials, contract awards, and published verdicts.
Before making a decision, schedule a free online consultation or an individual appointment with each of the lawyers on your list to see how they work in person.
Evaluate Experience and Expertise
Evaluate their experience in handling auto accident cases. Lawyers who have handled several auto accident cases are quicker to understand simple details in legal matters. Experienced lawyers are familiar with the usual techniques implemented by insurance companies to minimize payouts. You need an attorney with a proven track record of winning cases.
Check if they have membership in some prestigious societies or if they have received awards or certifications. These are indications of their commitment to excel in their practice even more.
Consider Communication Style
When choosing an auto accident lawyer, it is important to choose someone who is a good listener and knows how to simplify complex legal terms.
Inquire about their preferred communication style, whether it is through formal or informal channels or modes of communication. You should find someone whose values align with your preferences.
A lawyer who is responsive will be beneficial for your case. You need someone who can quickly respond and address immediate legal questions and concerns.
Review Fees and Payment Structures
The cost of hiring a lawyer varies and depends on several factors. The majority of accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means they will only be paid if they win the case. This type of payment method reduces financial pressure on the client. Depending on how challenging your case is, the lawyer’s percentage of the settlement amount normally ranges from 25% to 40%.
Document your discussion about payment methods to have an official record of your agreement with the lawyer. This will be useful to counter any potential pay disputes that may arise later on. Don’t hesitate to clarify and ask questions for anything that you are confused about.
Being open about your financial situation and payment structure will improve your professional relationship with your lawyer. Transparency in all aspects will help avoid any financial surprises that can harm your case.
