Being injured in a car accident can leave you battling insurance companies to get the coverage you need to pay the medical bills. When you have one of the best car accident attorneys by your side, you have an attorney working for you to ensure you get what you are owed. The best thing is that you don’t pay them until they get you money from the other party.
Here is a guide to help you find the right car accident attorney to suit your needs.
Find the best car accident attorney
A car accident attorney is a type of personal injury attorney. You may be overwhelmed by the number of options in your area. It seems like every commercial, bus bench, and billboard offers the services of a different attorney. By asking the right questions and looking for the right testimonials, you can narrow the field down to what’s right for you.
What is your experience?
Many personal injury attorneys focus on a specific type of case. Some handle workers’ compensation cases, others class-action lawsuits against manufacturers, and still others handle auto accidents. You want to find an attorney who has a lot of experience with car accidents. In the unlikely event that your case is not resolved by then, look for an attorney who has taken cases to trial. Of course, with that experience, there should be a successful track record of obtaining proper comparisons and judgments from insurance companies.
what are the fees
It’s no secret that lawyers cost a lot of money. You want to find an attorney who works on emergencies, which means they won’t make any money until you get your settlement or judgment. Most personal injury attorneys work for a percentage of the final price amount. This is typically around 33% and possibly more if your case goes to court. You will also likely be responsible for costs such as filing fees and expert fees. Read the attorney’s fee agreement carefully so that you understand what you are responsible for. Don’t make the decision based on the fee alone; If they’re the best, they might be worth the extra money.
Are they able to communicate clearly?
As your case progresses, you will have many questions. You want an attorney who can speak to you in a way that allows you to understand what is going on. A lawyer who sticks to legal jargon may seem impressive, but it will leave you feeling confused.
Are they respected by their colleagues?
Do some research online to see what other attorneys have to say about them. Don’t be afraid to ask them what percentage of their business comes from other attorneys. The higher the percentage, the better. Recommendations mean that other lawyers have a high level of respect for the person you are speaking to – enough respect that they risk their own reputation by making a recommendation. A good lawyer is also willing to provide references that reflect his skills.
You can also contact the State Bar Association to find out if the attorney has had any disciplinary action taken.
Do you have a professional office?
You need an attorney who has the resources to handle your case. This means they have the staff capable of investigating and addressing any issues that arise. It is likely that you will interact with some of these staff as your case progresses. An organized office space is also a good indication that the attorney is running a professional business. It would be hard to trust an attorney who is going through files to find your case when you come to a meeting.
Why do I need a car accident attorney?
It is possible to self-treat a car accident injury case. You don’t necessarily have to hire a lawyer. That begs the question, why should you?
The reason you should hire an auto accident attorney is that if you’re handling the case yourself, you’ll likely get the bare minimum from an insurance company. Insurance companies are in business to make a profit, and they do so in part by keeping claims costs low whenever possible. You may not be aware of certain legal rights to compensation for things like emotional trauma. A car accident lawyer knows the ins and outs of the process and can therefore help you get the best out of your accident. That’s their job.
When should you start looking for a car accident attorney?
While you can take your case to an attorney at any time before the insurance company completes the settlement, it’s best to hire one as soon as you’re injured. The lawyer can recommend medical specialists to help diagnose the case and provide you with the best treatment you deserve. And getting a lawyer on board right away minimizes the likelihood of you making a statement to the insurance company that will affect your chances of a good settlement. Most clients find that the sooner they get a lawyer, the better their settlement.
Learn more about car accident laws with our Pennsylvania guide to car accidents.
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