Car accidents are traumatic for everyone involved. On top of the property damage, we often have to deal with injuries and financial stresses, as well. You may receive offers from ambulance chasers and every legal professional you know. However, you need an expert by your side to maximize both the odds of winning your case and minimizing the challenges you face personally. Let’s learn how to find a reliable lawyer for car accident cases.
Understand What You’re Looking For
You wouldn’t hire an estate attorney to handle a personal injury case. You know they don’t have the expertise required to do well with a personal injury case, whether it is related to a dog bite or car crash. If we were faced with a medical malpractice claim, most of us would seek a medical malpractice attorney because the cases are so complex that an attorney who handles more generic personal injury claims like assault and battery aren’t going to be as good as the experienced experts.
For these reasons, you want to find a lawyer who specializes in car accident cases. These are the professionals who know how to deal with auto insurance companies that don’t want to pay for a rental car while yours is in the shop or won’t pay out enough to pay off the note. Car accident attorneys know how to gather all of the necessary records to prove who is truly at fault and secure compensation from them. Another factor to consider is where the accident took place. State laws vary, and someone who doesn’t know the nuances of state law could cost you. If you’ve been in a car wreck in Florida, you need to hire a florida car accident attorney. This may mean you have to hire an attorney in the state you were visiting or only live in seasonally, not the state you live in full time.
Compare the Professionals Based on Their Metrics
What percentage of cases do the car accident attorneys win? Lawyers may improve their odds by not taking the difficult to win cases, but this also means that if they take your case, they’re almost certain they will win. However, you need to check their reviews and determine what percentage of their clients is unhappy with them. You don’t want to hire an attorney who guarantees they’ll settle your case, but that certainty comes with lost money.
For example, they may settle the case quickly for the minimum amount instead of detailing every expense associated with the case. Getting money to pay immediate medical bills and car repairs is a relief, but this is a disservice to you when you’re dealing with lost wages due to missed work, car rentals, childcare costs because you can’t take care of the kids, or physical therapy for your injury.
Understand the Terms and Conditions You’re Agreeing To
Always understand the terms and conditions you’re agreeing to before you hire an attorney. What fee will they charge if your case is successful? Is that a percentage of the settlement? Or will you owe a certain minimum amount even if the settlement is modest? What costs will you have to pay out-of-pocket?
For example, if you pay them an initial retainer, will they take a portion of your settlement on top of that or will the retainer be subtracted from what they’re owed? Always get the service contract in writing before you sign it, and keep a copy for your records. Note that most attorneys will not charge for an initial consultation, and if someone asks you to pay for extensive legal consultation without good odds of winning, find someone else. However, if the lawyer guarantees that they’ll win, that’s also a red flag.
You cannot afford to leave a complex legal case to amateurs. You must have competent, qualified and specialized legal advisors by your side when you’re dealing with a car accident and its aftermath.
