Nearly 6 million motor vehicle accidents occur in the United States each year. Considering that, a car accident is not a rare occasion. While you have to try to avoid it as much as you can, when it happens, you need to hire an expert road accident lawyer.
Look for an attorney who offers free consultation and offers an honest opinion. You need to look for a lawyer who is experienced, has a solid success record, and is available to start right away. Also, previous client feedback, the firm’s resources, connection to insurance companies, and fee structures should be considered.
Without a good attorney, you won’t be able to win the case. Therefore, you have to be wise and considerate when choosing a lawyer for a road accident case.
10 Tips to Consider When Hiring A Road Accident Lawyer
You may have different options when it comes to choosing a lawyer. Take into account the following factors to find the best option:
1. Experienced Attorney Who Handles Frequent Similar Cases
Road accident cases, despite being common, can be tricky. Whether you are the accused or the victim, you need someone who handles such cases regularly. They know how to save you from different situations. From their experiences, they can help you build a strong case so that you can get a better settlement.
Make sure they have not only handled road accident cases but also ones similar to yours. For example, look for Maryland DUI lawyers if your accident involves alcohol or other driving under influence factors.
2. Availability and Accessibility
You need a lawyer who maintains regular communication. If you have anything to share or to say, they have to be available to listen to. If they are too busy to listen to you, the final outcome may not come in your favor.
Different concerns can come to your mind during this time, especially if you are the victim. You will need frequent suggestions and advice from them. Without thorough communication, this can become a mess.
3. Check Their Record of Success
When you are hiring a lawyer, make sure they have a decent success rate. While a 100% success rate is rare, you need at least a good track record. It’ll be even better if you can find similar case track records. A higher success rate shows their ability to provide professional legal support.
4. Check on Client Feedback and Reviews
Visit different websites and online forums and see what others are suggesting. If a client receives good service, they will share their experience on the Internet. This will give you more confidence.
Check as many reviews as you can. Look at the pros and cons people are mentioning. More positive reviews mean more satisfied customers, which is an indicator of their success.
5. Opt for an Open and Friendly Attorney
Any legal cases require proper cooperation between the client and the attorney. You must not hide anything from the lawyer, and the lawyer must not give impossible hopes. Share your condition, how the accident happened, and how much responsibility you share.
Some lawyers are open-minded and encourage their clients to open up. You can even admit your fault, if it is, to a friendly motorcycle injury lawyer when you are accused of a bike accident. This improves your chance to avoid excessive compensation.
6. Who Can Start Right Away
The reputation, experience, or all other positives fall short when the lawyer is not available. Make sure the lawyer is free or has enough time to give your case proper build-up and collect resources.
Consult with an attorney and check on their dates as well. You can also shortlist available attorneys before further research. This will save you time and make the search more convenient.
7. Consider Resources of the Law Firm
Law firms often have access to resources that help them gather evidence, interview witnesses, and collect information. Firms with skilled investigators, access to expert witnesses, and strong legal teams can gather better evidence.
Large or well-equipped firms often have the ability to negotiate effectively and handle complex legal challenges. This increases your chance of winning the case or getting a more convenient settlement deal.
8. Receive a Free Initial Consultation
It won’t be wise to hire an attorney without meeting them. However, many firms ask for fees for their consultation. This limits your option to meet multiple lawyers and find the most friendly one.
Thankfully, many firms and attorneys offer free initial consultation. You can discuss your chances, what to expect, and the cost with them. During this initial consultation, you can also get an idea of whether the attorney is a friendly and easygoing person.
9. Discuss Fee Structures
Attorney charges often become a financial issue, especially when you are the victim of an accident. While some lawyers charge you by the hour, many offer a contingency fee structure. The latter is more suitable for personal injury and accident cases.
You will only pay the attorney if the case is successful. The fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or award. It means you are paying nothing upfront. This will help you stay stable financially and get better service from your lawyers.
10. Make Sure They Communicate with the Insurance Companies
After an accident, you have many things to settle with the insurance companies. They have skilled and expert staff who will try to mitigate the insurance money. With different techniques and fear, they will want to settle it with you paying less than you deserve.
So, choose a lawyer who will also communicate and handle insurance affairs for you. From phone calls and emails to occasional meetings, their support is needed. Their presence will give you more confidence, and they will know how to handle and bring the most out of the insurance.
Final Words
The support and collaboration with an expert and experienced lawyer can make you confident during a road accident case. They ensure you get a better deal and your rights are protected. Be mindful of the above tips and follow them to find the best attorney in your area.
Source: Jezic & Moyse, Attorneys, Maryland
