People who have been injured in a car crash caused by someone else’s negligence should consider whether they should hire a car accident attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you get enough compensation to pay for your medical treatments and replace your lost income. Read on to find out how you can spot a good attorney.
5 Signs of an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
1. They Work for a Reputable Firm
Because of the high volume of car crashes and work-related accidents, there are thousands of personal injury lawyers in the US. But not all of them are reputable, and many won’t be able to get you the results you want. To find the best lawyer possible, you should research reputable companies in your area. A personal injury law firm that has been successful for many years is unlikely to hire inexperienced lawyers.
Once you’ve found a firm you like and checked that they have good reviews or testimonials from previous clients, you should get in touch and speak to the staff. Check that they pick up the phone during working hours and that they are friendly. If the customer service is good and the employees are welcoming, it’s likely that they will provide you with a great service.
2. They Have a Good Track Record
Almost 5 million Americans get injured in car crashes every year, but the vast majority of them never get the compensation they’re entitled to, even if their accident was caused by someone else. This might be because they attempt to file a lawsuit on their own or because they choose a subpar attorney. One of the best ways of finding an experienced lawyer is to ask about past cases.
If the attorney you’re speaking to has helped many clients get five, six, or even seven-figure compensation, it’s likely that they can do the same for you. However, if they can’t produce any evidence of past victories, you might need to look for someone else.
3. They Have Good Communication Skills
With every case they work on, lawyers improve their communication skills and their ability to deal with different kinds of people. An experienced attorney can treat you with respect and compassion while also defending your rights fiercely. To find out whether the lawyer in question is good at communicating, you should book an initial consultation. Many of the best law firms offer these meetings for free, so you don’t risk losing money if your case isn’t accepted.
During the consultation, pay attention to how your lawyer speaks to you. Are they friendly and encouraging? Do they meet your gaze? Are they able to explain complex legal concepts in a way you can easily understand? If so, it’s likely that they will be easy to work with and that they will have the necessary skills to lay out your case clearly.
4. Their Attitude Is Professional
Successful car accident lawyers are never impatient, rude, or condescending. Instead, they behave in a professional manner, no matter the situation. Remember, your lawyer is the person representing you in court, so they shouldn’t have a negative attitude or display any behavior that could reflect badly on you.
Fortunately, there are some ways of spotting unprofessional behavior before you hire a lawyer. Aside from your first impression, you should consider the billing structure. Make sure that the attorney’s fees are fair and in your best interest. Read the small print to find out whether there are any hidden charges. If so, the lawyer might employ unethical business practices, and you should look for someone else.
5. They Consider Various Factors Before Accepting You as a Client
The potential payout varies depending on the type of crash you’ve experienced. If your vehicle was damaged but there are no injuries, it’s unlikely that you will receive more than $10,000. However, if someone became disabled due to the accident, the average economic cost is over $100,000: and if the driver or one of the passengers died, the accident might set the family back $1.75 million in lost income, loss of affection, and end-of-life costs.
An inexperienced personal injury lawyer might be quick to accept your case because they don’t have many requests. In contrast, a top car accident attorney in Houston will do their research before taking you on. They will ask you to provide photos or videos of the crash, explain how the accident has affected your life, and show proof of your medical bills. That way, they can make sure that you have a good chance of winning your case.
There are many personal injury lawyers out there, and it can be hard to determine which one is a good fit. Some of the things you should keep in mind are the attorney’s track record, their behavior during the initial consultation, the firm they work for, and their attitude towards you and your case. The best lawyers are always professional and fair, no matter the situation.