According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there’s a car accident every 60 seconds. That translates to a whopping 5.25 million accidents each year!
Given the expanse of this problem, you’d think it would be easier to to find the right professional help when you need it. Of course, this is often much easier said than done, especially with so many legal teams specializing in the field of car crashes.
How can you tell what to look for when hiring a car accident lawyer? If you’ve been involved in a collision, here’s what you need to keep an eye out for.
Relevant Experience
One of the first things to look for when hiring an auto accident lawyer is a firm with relevant experience. The field of law is a broad one, which is why it’s important to partner with an attorney who specializes in the legal ramifications of car accidents.
With practical experience representing clients in car accident cases, the right lawyer will know the local court rules and federal procedures. This experience can also help them keep you from settling too early, which is one of the most important benefits of a car accident lawyer.
A Great Track Record
Though experience helps, it’s not enough to justify partnering with a car accident attorney. Make sure that any legal firm you’re considering has a track record of successful verdicts and settlements.
Accessibility and Communication
If you’ll be working with your lawyer in person, a convenient location helps—especially if you’re dealing with injuries and pain that make vehicular travel difficult. You’ll also want to get a feel for how busy your lawyers are: a team with too many cases at once may not be able to give you the access and attention you need. Look for a team that prides itself on effective communication, ensuring that you can reach out and get access to updates and case details with ease.
Limited Team Members on the Job
Though having a team of lawyers, associate lawyers, paralegals, and other staff might seem like a good thing, that’s not always the case. Working with the lawyer you hired as a single point of contact is always ideal, as it makes things less complicated and ensures that your case will be handled with expertise.
Straightforward Fees and Billing
Most personal injury lawyers work on the basis of contingency fees, meaning that they won’t get paid unless they earn compensation for you. When hiring a lawyer, make sure that you won’t owe them money if they don’t recover compensation for you, and ask them about any additional fees and costs.
Partner With the Right Car Accident Lawyer
It’s safe to say that your car accident lawyer will mean the difference between recovering compensation for your collision and struggling with bills for months to come. Finding the right person to help is crucial, so it’s important to keep the tips above in mind during your search. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a few legal offices in your area for a free consultation to see whether or not they’re a good match for your needs!
Want more of the legal insights you need? As you navigate your decision, make sure to check out our other legal content on our blog.
