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Top 6 Factors to Consider When Hiring Car Accident Lawyers
Every year, the U.S. experiences an average of 6 million car accidents. About 6% of them end in fatalities, 27% in non-fatal injuries, and 72% in property damages. Now, if you have been through a car accident, then you know it would be an understatement to say it’s a harrowing experience.
The medical bills can pile up pretty quickly, and it’s only right that you get compensation from the party at fault. Hiring car accident lawyers is one of the most vital aspects of getting the compensation you deserve.
The thing is, though, the market is flooded with so many car accident lawyers, getting the right one can be a daunting task all on its own. So, how do you find the right car accident lawyer? To make this task easier for you, we have narrowed down some of the most critical factors to consider.
Consider Their Experience and Specialization in Car Accident Cases
There are so many areas of specialization in law that you need to find a professional that specializes in auto accidents. A professional that specializes in car accidents knows the ins and outs of the laws involved. They will know exactly what to look for during their investigation and will have experience in deciphering who was at fault.
An investigation is one of the most vital aspects of pursuing justice after a car accident. The lawyer will go to the scene of the accident, interview witnesses, and get the police reports. They’ll compare everything to find out exactly what happened and prepare for a great defense.
Inquire how much experience the attorney has in this field and how many successful car accident cases they have handled so far. The more experienced they are, the higher chances you have of getting the most composition out of it.
After a car accident, you should concentrate on getting well. Your lawyer should handle all matters of law and compensation. See more here on how you can get the best car accident lawyer.
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Consider the Number of Referral Cases They Get
Hiring car accident lawyers is an involved process. You need to consult the most promising ones and ask the right questions. One of the most important things to consider is what percentage of their cases are referrals from other lawyers.
If you want to find a professional and competent car accident lawyer in your area, ask other lawyers for recommendations. In most industries, professionals know each other and know who’s good and who’s not. They know who’s best among their peers and send cases to them all the time.
Have They Sent You Solicitation Letters?
Nowadays, more and more car accident and personal injury lawyers have been hiring gophers or runners. They get traffic reports from police stations to obtain the names and addresses of car accident victims. With this information, they send solicitation letters to the victims offering their services.
It’s not unusual for you to receive up to 20 of these letters depending on where you live. Getting a solicitation letter doesn’t mean that these law firms are the best and that they have your interests in mind. Most of them are just looking to get their hands on the case and get their share as soon as possible.
The vast majority of them are looking for high-volume and quick turnover cases. This way, they get as many as possible and make as much money as possible. They use this approach because they rarely get referrals from other lawyers or satisfied clients.
Even if you do find that some of them may be professional, it’s vital for you to do thorough research on the firm before you make a decision. Check their website, then scrutinize their online customer reviews and testimonials. Reading online reviews can especially be helpful because clients are always willing to leave reviews after a positive experience.
Consider Their Rates and Fees
Comparing lawyer fees is one of the most vital aspects of hiring car accident lawyers. Most car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. Essentially, this means they’ll not charge you anything until they win the case or get the settlement.
Once they win the case, they’ll get a percentage of the settlement amount. However, it’s important for you to understand the difference between lawyer fees and case expenses. Just because a lawyer will only charge you on a contingency basis doesn’t mean the case will be free of any cost.
There are going to be expenses to be paid to prepare the case. These expenses are mostly paid to third parties such as expert witnesses, physician reports, medical records, filing fees, court reporter fees, among so many others. Different legal firms will handle litigation expenses differently depending on the complexity of your case, so you have to be prepared.
Do They Have Enough Resources to Handle Your Case
Catastrophic or severe car accidents can be very expensive if you have to go to court. You may need to hire several expert witnesses who will add to the costs. For instance, if you were involved in a truck accident, you may need to bring in trucking safety experts to testify.
Depending on the complexity of your injuries, you may need medical experts, life care planners, among others. It’s vital for you to find a law firm that has enough resources to handle these costs.
If not, the lawyer is likely to cut corners at your expense. They may also pressure you into taking an inadequate settlement, so find a law firm with enough resources to handle your case.
Do They Try Cases in Court?
Most people think that all lawyers go to court on a regular basis. However, this could not be further from the truth, and you will be surprised to find the number of lawyers who have no court experience. A lot of them have little to no jury or trial experience and may disappoint you if your case ends up in court.
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For this reason, it’s critical for you to inquire before you hire them. Ask how often they go to court and how often they win cases in court. The insurance company you’re up against must believe that you have a lawyer who’s willing to do everything to get the best outcome possible for you.
Hiring Car Accident Lawyers: Everything You Needed to Know
These are some of the most critical aspects of hiring car accident lawyers. There are many lawyers who will try to convince you they’re the best. Avoid falling for their marketing pitches and consider all these factors to find the right one.
Ask as many questions as you may have, and don’t settle for anything less than a lawyer willing to fight for you. Beyond that, if you’d like more informative content, please keep browsing our other articles.