Choosing the Right Auto Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in a car accident and want to pursue damages, it is important to make sure you have the right team. An auto accident attorney can be the factor that makes or breaks the case. Choosing the right auto accident attorney is an essential first step in the process.  There are several factors to consider when choosing the right attorney.  Trust, affordability, and experience are just some of the factors to consider.

Why use an Auto Accident Attorney?

An auto accident attorney specializes in cases around car accidents.  They become your number one ally to help you get the damages you may have lost as a result of the accident.  Such loss can be medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work, car repair, or other costs related to the accident. An auto accident attorney is also a valuable asset when the car accident results in a death, to make sure you are justly compensated.

Before you begin your search for the right attorney, make sure you have handled any medical issues that arose from the car accident.  Keep good records of the costs, time, and effort it takes for you to get the help you need as this is valuable information for your case.

Insurance companies maintain crack teams of lawyers to combat auto accident cases.  They are sure to use every legal tool at their disposal to try to limit the damages you receive. Adequate representation is the key to ensuring you are able to get the damages due to you as a result of your car accident.

That being said, it is very important you thoroughly research any potential lawyer as you want to have only the best people in your court.  Next, we’ll take a look at what essential qualities to look for in an attorney.

Qualities to Look for In an Auto Accident Attorney

These are just some of the most important things to look for when searching for the right auto accident attorney.

Experience and Proven History

You want to be sure that any potential auto accident attorney you hire has the right experience and proven history to give you the best chances to win your case. Reputation is everything, and you want to go with a lawyer who is well known for success. If you have friends who have needed the services of an auto accident attorney in the past, feel free to ask them. But don’t base your decision on recommendations alone. Look into their credentials and history. You are hiring them to be your advocate in court, and a track record of helping other people in similar situations is a good sign that they are good at what they do.

You also need to look into their credentials, like, peer ratings from other lawyers, legal awards, board certifications, or other recognition’s from the legal community.  Before committing to an attorney, ask some important key questions to make sure you are a right match:

• How long they have been handling auto accident cases, and how successful they have been in the past?
• How involved do they want you to be in the handling of your case?
• How will they keep you up to date about the progression of the case? Are they easy to reach?
• How are their fees structures and is it presented to you in an easy to understand way?

You can even ask to speak to past clients to see how their experience was. A good lawyer would be happy to allow you speak with past clients, unless the details of the case are extremely sensitive. Consider that past clients might have been unhappy with the service they received if a lawyer disallows speaking with past clients.

You also need to find out if your potential lawyer is willing to take your case to trial should it be needed. A good lawyer won’t back down when a case merits a trial. While many cases do and should settle, some require further litigation. You need a lawyer who is willing to take a stand for you and fight for the damages you deserve. Ask for specific examples of past cases where they have done just that.

Specialization

You want to make sure that you are choosing a lawyer who specializes in auto accidents litigation. Personal injury law is complex and requires a lot of specialization to master and thoroughly understand. Your family lawyer who handles your will, or other matters, may not be equipped to deal with the intricacies of personal injury law. A specialist is always a better choice. You wouldn’t trust a heart surgery to a general practice doctor, would you?

Signs of specialization include any articles or presentations given by the lawyer on the topic. Are they involved in educating the public? Being able to give detailed presentations or write on a topic are a sign of thorough knowledge and skill in the field.

Inquire about their education and licencing. Just because they have a licence to practice law doesn’t mean the attorney is qualified to handle the case with the precision and professionalism it deserves.

Great Communication

A good lawyer should be a good communicator. Ask if they are able to use your preferred method of communication, whether it be by email, text, or phone.  Ask about the frequency of communication and make sure they give prompt replies. A good lawyer is quick to reply and clear and accurate about the case.

Most importantly, consider how well you get along with the lawyer. Having a good interpersonal relationship is very important to you being able to explain your needs clearly and have the attorney understand them. While you don’t have to become best buddies with your attorney, having a good rapport, and clear and easy communication is essential. An attorney that dismisses what you say, or tells you how you feel or what you want are not listening to you and can do more harm than good.

Your attorney is a member of your support team. You deserve to have them work well with you and to keep you informed about any changes in the case. Even the best and most well-qualifies attorney will do you little good if you can’t effectively communicate with them.

Has the Resources to Handle your Case

Make sure your attorney has the resources and money to handle your case. Are their offices nice and well-maintained? Do they seem desperate for a case, or eager to settle? The costs associated with any case are expensive and you want to make sure your lawyer is able to manage and handle those expenses with ease.

A good place to start to see if the lawyer is successful is their office. Is it in a nice building, with enough space and good staff?  A lawyer who can afford these things is a lawyer who can help you get the damages you deserve.