Choosing The Right Lawyer for Your Car Accident Case

Although you can take care of minor car crashes on your own, it’s better to hire an experienced lawyer if the crash was severe. Most severe car crashes result in serious injuries and significant damage to vehicles and personal properties. They’re also often followed by the development of emotional distress, which can exacerbate into a full-blown trauma. During this period, you’ll need to focus on rehab and recovery; you shouldn’t have to deal with the negotiations with the other party and insurance companies. That’s why you’d better have an experienced lawyer by your side – but how can you choose the right lawyer? Here are 6 things to look for:

1. Field of Specialization

Car accidents fall under the jurisdiction of personal injury. However, personal injury law also includes a myriad of other specialties, including, but not limited to, medical malpractice, wrongful death, product liability, and even dog bites. Instead of merely settling for a personal injury lawyer, you’ll want to look for one specialized in car accidents. Furthermore, you want to make sure that the lawyer has experience in dealing with cases similar to yours. For instance, if you’ve suffered from a hit-and-run accident, you’ll want a lawyer who can get you the compensation you deserve even if they couldn’t find the culprit.

2. Experience

The experience of the attorney includes more than their specialization. The experience should account for the years of practice, the kind of cases they’ve taken, and the number of states or jurisdictions they operate in. as it turns out, car accident laws differ according to state. For instance, the State of California follows the pure comparative negligence law; you’ll be able to sue the at-fault party even if you were partially at fault. Car accident victims in Oakland and other regions in CA can visit KerleySchaffer.com to find a local lawyer who’s well-versed in their state’s law, and you can do the same as well. These lawyers will be able to investigate the claim and create a well-rounded legal argument to increase the odds of winning.

3. Reputation

The reputation of a firm will give you a lot of insights regarding the quality of their work. Thanks to their experience and track record, they’ve managed to gain the respect of their peers, and thanks to their work quality, they’ve earned the trust of their clients. When doing your research, don’t forget to look for client testimonials. You can also look for peer reviews, but it will be better to search for trial attorney association lawyers. While you’re at it, look for the rewards and certifications they’ve acquired throughout their years of legal practice.

4. Professional Record

Keep in mind that some personal injury lawyers may have the specialization, experience, and reputation, but may still have a poor professional record. Just because their websites showcase the number of cases they’ve taken doesn’t mean this proves their success record. When you set out to narrow down your list, you’ll want to call each candidate and start inquiring about their professional record. Be sure to ask them about the last case they’ve taken and its outcome, and then the overall success rate they’re holding. Ask them if they’d taken any cases to court and, if so, what was the outcome.

5. Pricing Options

You want to ensure that the cost of hiring a lawyer won’t add to your financial stress, especially if they lose the case. Most reputable lawyers only charge their clients contingency fees, which means that they won’t charge you unless they win your case. Meanwhile, some lawyers charge per hour or per service, so be sure to check their pricing options and look for hidden fees you may endure.

6. Individual Attributes

You may find a greatly qualified lawyer yet feel uneasy in dealing with them. Since you’ll be dealing with the lawyer extensively, you want to find someone you can open to and share your worries and concerns with. They should be good at listening to and calming you down. They should also establish clear communication means and be reachable whenever you need to contact them. Preferably, look for a law firm that has many experienced lawyers yet take on an adequate number of cases, so you can be sure you’ll have their undivided attention.

If you want to improve the odds of winning your car accident claim, hiring the right lawyer is a crucial first step. The right lawyer will not only be highly specialized in your case, but they’ll also have the experience, reputation, and professional record to back it up. Once you narrow down your options, you can look into their pricing options and personal attributes to find the most suitable lawyer.