About 6 million car accidents occur in the US each year. As a result, about 3 million people sustain injuries, with 2 million experiencing permanent injuries.
The injuries you sustain after an accident could impact your quality of life. You might find yourself out of work while you heal. Meanwhile, you’ll have to consider the cost of property damage and other car crash expenses.
After a car crash, you don’t have to handle the situation on your own. Instead, consider hiring a car accident lawyer. They can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. You should find someone who has experience dealing with similar cases under your local jurisdiction and laws. So for example if you’re in Wisconsin, it’s essential to find a Wisconsin accident lawyer, they will have expertise in handling car crash cases according to your state laws. Often times a legal expert can be your best ally during this challenging time.
Not sure who to hire? Here are eight factors to consider before choosing a car crash lawyer.
With these tips, you can feel confident in your choice. Start your search for the best representation around with these tips today.
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1. Relevant Experience
Head online to your local bar association website or the Martindale-Hubbell directory. Make a list of car crash lawyers in the area. Then, learn more about each lawyer’s experience and area of expertise.
Personal injury lawyers handle many different cases, including:
- Auto accidents (car, truck, bike, motorcycle, Lyft, etc.)
- Medical malpractice
- Product liability
- Slip and falls
- Liable and slander
- Premise liability
Don’t rush to hire the first personal injury lawyer you find online. Instead, choose a personal injury lawyer who specializes in car crashes.
An experienced car accident lawyer will understand the laws, cases, and procedures that are relevant to your lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer who takes on a mix of cases, however, might lack the know-how you need. Their broad focus might leave them unaware of certain laws.
Ask each lawyer you speak with how many car crash cases they’ve handled overall. Consider how many they’ve handled in the past year, too.
You might find a personal injury lawyer who only recently started specializing in car crashes. Find an experienced car accident attorney instead. You’ll feel more confident choosing someone with years of experience.
Check your local bar association website to make sure the lawyer is licensed to practice in the state, too. Laws can vary based on your location.
Choose a car crash lawyer with experience practicing in your area.
2. Courtroom Confidence
It’s not enough to find a car accident lawyer with experience, though. You also need to make sure they have courtroom experience. Otherwise, they might struggle to argue your case in front of a judge and jury.
Ask each car crash lawyer you speak with about their recent trial experience.
How often do their cases go to trial? Ask about the last case they took before a jury, too. What happened?
Was the lawyer able to win the case for their client?
Some lawyers are apprehensive about going to court, so much so that they’ll accept a lowball settlement. These lawyers won’t have your best interests in mind.
Instead, choose someone who is confident they can handle your case, regardless of what happens next.
3. A Strong Track Record
Before choosing a car accident lawyer, ask about their case history.
Determine how many cases they’ve won versus lost overall. Ask how many were car crash cases, too. Make sure you’re choosing a winner.
You can also ask each lawyer how much they’ve won for their clients recently.
Road crashes cost the US over $380 million in direct medical costs. The economic and societal impact costs $871 billion as well. Make sure to choose a lawyer who can fight to win the compensation you deserve.
Your car crash lawyer can accurately calculate your car crash expenses, including:
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
They’ll make sure you don’t leave money on the table.
4. Availability
Before choosing a car crash lawyer, ask each attorney on your list about their current caseload. How many cases are they juggling at the moment? Make sure they’ll have time to dedicate to your case.
Ask them if they intend on handing you off to another lawyer at the firm. If they hand you off to a junior lawyer, ask if someone will supervise the attorney.
Make sure to choose a legal team that won’t push your case around the office.
You can talk to the lawyers at the Lawler Brown Law Firm to discuss the specifics of your case with a reliable legal team.
5. A Positive Reputation
Learn more about each car accident lawyer from people who were once in your shoes. Ask each lawyer for references and reviews.
You can also find reviews on the law firm’s BBB and Google My Business listings.
Make sure the lawyer doesn’t have any complaints filed against them. Reading reviews can help you learn more about their abilities. If the negative comments outweigh the positive reviews, look elsewhere.
6. Their Network
Ask each lawyer if they have a professional network they count on when building cases.
For example, they might call a crime scene investigator to help determine negligence and fault. Perhaps they’ll have a medical expert discuss your injuries.
Choosing a lawyer who has a professional network they count on could maximize your payout.
7. Their Skillset
Schedule a consultation appointment with at least three lawyers on your list. Meeting with them in person can help you learn more about their abilities. First, try to find a lawyer with strong communication skills.
After all, the lawyer will end up speaking on your behalf. If they can’t speak clearly, concisely, and with confidence, look elsewhere.
Make sure they’re an active listener, too. Otherwise, they might struggle to build a counter-argument after opposing counsel makes a point. If the lawyer interrupts you during the meeting, hire someone else.
8. The Price
Ask at least three lawyers how much their services will cost. Make sure you understand what’s included and how the price is calculated.
Some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You’ll only pay them if they win your lawsuit. These lawyers might feel more motivated to maximize your payout.
Start Searching: 8 Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t rush to hire the first car accident lawyer you interview. Instead, keep these eight factors in mind during your search. With these tips, you can find the right car accident attorney for your case.
They can maximize your payout and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
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