Finding a dependable car accident attorney can be a somewhat daunting task – especially if you’ve never done it before. But with the right approach, you can find someone you trust and lean on them to guide you through this complicated and challenging process.
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Table of Contents
1. Assess Their Experience
Start by looking for attorneys with experience handling car accident cases. An attorney with a specialization in personal injury law and a proven track record in handling similar cases will bring valuable expertise to your situation.
For example, an attorney who has successfully resolved cases involving rear-end collisions or pedestrian accidents might be well-equipped to handle your case.
What you don’t want is an attorney who has years of experience with other cases. An attorney might be an attorney, but the type of law they practice is important. You wouldn’t want a real estate attorney helping you put together a personal injury claim (or vice versa).
A car accident attorney shares: “I emphasize the importance of choosing legal counsel with specialized experience in handling car accident cases. A seasoned attorney with a successful track record in this specific area of personal injury law can offer invaluable expertise, ensuring that your case is managed effectively.”
2. Check Track Record and Success Rate
Review the attorney’s track record and success rate in settling car accident claims or winning cases in court. Ask about their previous cases and inquire about the outcomes. A lawyer with a history of obtaining fair settlements or winning trials for their clients demonstrates their capability in achieving favorable results.
3. Seek Referrals and Reviews
Ask for referrals from friends, family, or acquaintances who have been through a similar situation. Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights into the attorney’s professionalism, communication, and effectiveness in handling cases.
Additionally, explore online reviews and testimonials to gauge the experiences of other clients with the attorney. You can find these on an attorney’s website. For example, attorney Mickey Keenan’s website homepage features quotes and case studies of past clients. This allows you to understand a little more about who he’s worked with in the past and how these clients feel about their experience.
4. Evaluate Communication and Responsiveness
Effective communication is vital when working with an attorney. During your initial consultations, assess how the attorney communicates with you. Do they listen to your concerns? Are they clear and responsive to your questions? A good attorney will keep you informed about the progress of your case and promptly respond to your inquiries.
5. Is There Any Rapport?
Feeling comfortable and building trust with your attorney is essential. It might not be one of those quantifiable elements that you can measure with objectivity, but it matters just as much. You want to choose someone you feel at ease discussing your case with and who shows genuine concern for your well-being. Having an attorney who values your input and respects your decisions will make the legal process smoother and less stressful.
As you evaluate rapport, consider the attorney’s demeanor and personality. Are they approachable or standoffish? Do you feel comfortable discussing details with them, or does it feel like you’re being judged?
A good client-attorney relationship is built on the foundation of trust, open communication, and mutual respect. Without these, it’s nearly impossible to have confidence in your case. With them, you’ll feel at ease.
6. Discuss Fees and Payment Structure
Before hiring an attorney, discuss their fee structure and payment arrangements. Some attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win the case. Others might charge hourly rates or require a retainer.
For the most part, car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This tends to be more fair for all parties involved, and gives the attorney a vested interest in the outcome of your case. (In other words, they have to put in the work, otherwise they don’t get paid.) But regardless of which type of fee or payment structure you go with, make sure you understand the terms and have clarity about potential costs associated with your case.
Find the Right Attorney for Your Needs
The entire idea of finding the “right” attorney is highly subjective. Every individual and case is unique, as is each lawyer. It’s up to you to find an attorney that you feel most comfortable with based on all of the circumstances and details involved.
Thankfully, if you follow the tips outlined above, zeroing in on the “right” attorney isn’t as difficult as it otherwise might be.
