When you get in a car accident, there are a few essential steps to follow immediately. First, seek medical attention and ensure that you and your passengers are safe. Next, contact the authorities and share your information with the other driver. Then, contact a car accident attorney.
Car accident attorneys help you get the best possible settlement from an insurance company and protect you from assuming liability in the event of an accident. Here are some key things to look for when choosing a car accident attorney to handle your case.
Specific Experience in Car Accident Litigation
When choosing a car accident attorney, the most important factor is their specific experience in personal injury and car accident cases. An experienced car accident attorney will know the nuances of this type of case and ensure you’re covered from the moment of impact.
According to Attorney Brian White & Associates, PC, a skilled car accident lawyer will handle all aspects of your case from start to finish while keeping you up to date at all times. Their service should include investigating the details surrounding the accident as well as negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
It’s also important to work with a car accident attorney who has experience in both securing settlements and going to trial.
Clear Communication
Experiencing a car accident can be a traumatic event. It’s essential to work with an attorney who is skilled at communication and offers a listening ear to understand your case thoroughly. You’ll also want to work with someone who will remain in contact and keep you updated as the case develops.
If your attorney (or someone from their team) takes days to get back to you or seems dismissive of your experience, they aren’t the right attorney for you.
A Transparent Fee Structure
Your car accident attorney should be upfront about their fee structure and happy to answer any questions you may have. Many car accident attorneys offer a contingency fee structure in which they get paid a percentage of your settlement. That fee should be clear and negotiated before getting started, with no surprises.
When you have a consultation with a car accident attorney, they should disclose the fee structure and put everything in writing. Avoid working with car accident attorneys who charge an upfront fee.
Local Experience
Another important consideration when working with a car accident attorney is to choose someone with local experience. Road rules and accident laws vary from state to state. Furthermore, having local knowledge of accident data and dangerous routes and intersections in your city will help shape your case.
Choose an attorney that’s well-established in your area and drives the same roads you do.
Reviews and Recommendations
Social proof is powerful when choosing an attorney to represent your case. If your attorney has been successful in this area before, you’ll be able to find reviews and recommendations online. Look at client testimonials and reviews, and don’t hesitate to ask your personal networks for insights.
In addition to online reviews, you can also conduct a quick news search of your attorney’s name or firm. This search should bring up results of notable cases or community engagement to add credence to their claims.
A Skilled Support Team
When talking to a car accident attorney, ask them who will be working on your case. While there are many skilled attorneys who operate with minimal support, there are several benefits to having a legal team on your side. Attorneys with a support team have better time management and are able to delegate tasks like research and communication to serve you better.
It’s also important to understand whether your chosen attorney will be handling your case directly or handing it to a team member to manage.
Keep these key factors in mind when choosing a car accident attorney to help you secure a fair settlement. With the right lawyer on your side, you can get the compensation you deserve.
