When you are involved in a car accident, one of the most important decisions you will make is who to hire as your car accident lawyer. There are many lawyers out there who claim to be experts in this field, but not all of them are created equal.
So how do you know which lawyer is right for you? What should you look for when choosing an attorney to represent you after an accident?
Being Truthful in Expertise and Experience
The first thing you should do when looking for a car accident lawyer is to check their experience and expertise. How many cases like yours have they handled in the past? Do they have a good track record of winning these cases?
You should also make sure that the lawyer you hire is being truthful about their experience because many will claim to have more experience than they do. They may also try to downplay the severity of your accident or injuries to get you to sign on with them. This is not something you want to see in a lawyer you are considering hiring.
Knowledgeable of Local Laws and Regulations
Another thing to look for when hiring a car accident lawyer is whether or not they are knowledgeable about the local laws and regulations regarding these types of cases. If you need a Spartanburg car accident attorney, for example, then you want to make sure the lawyer you are considering hiring has handled cases in Spartanburg before and knows the local laws. This is important because the law can vary from state to state, and you want to make sure your lawyer knows what they are doing.
Additionally, your lawyer should also be familiar with the local court system because they will need to know how to file the proper paperwork and where to go for hearings. If they are not familiar with the local court system, it could end up costing them time and money.
Communication is Key
How well they communicate also means a lot. After an accident, you will likely have a lot of questions and you want to make sure your lawyer is available to answer them. Can they explain things to you in a way that you can understand? Do they return your calls or emails on time?
Your lawyer should also keep you up-to-date on the status of your case. They should let you know what is going on every step of the way and what to expect. If they are not communicative, it could be a sign that they are not invested in your case.
Focuses on Your Case
You also want to make sure the lawyer you hire is focused on your case and not spreading themselves too thin. How many cases are they currently working on? Do they have the time to dedicate to your case?
You want to feel like you are a priority to your lawyer and not just another case file. If they are having too much work and it seems they don’t have enough time for you and your case, it could mean that you won’t get the attention you deserve and your case could suffer because of it.
Contingency Fees
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they do not get paid unless you win your case. This is beneficial for you because it means you do not have to pay anything upfront. It also gives the lawyer an incentive to win your case because their payment is contingent on a successful outcome.
Therefore, if a lawyer asks for a retainer fee or any upfront payment, it is likely a red flag and you should move on to another lawyer.
Compassionate and Personable
While you want a lawyer who is knowledgeable and experienced, you also want someone compassionate and personable. This is especially important if your case ends up going to trial because if your lawyer does not have good people skills, it will be difficult for them to win over a jury.
You should also feel comfortable with your lawyer. After all, you will be working with them closely throughout your case. If you do not feel like you can trust or confide in them, it is probably best to find someone else.
Additionally, your lawyer should be willing to fight for you. They should be passionate about getting you the compensation you deserve. If they seem uninterested or apathetic, it could mean they are not confident in their ability to win your case.
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case, so you must take your time and find someone with whom you feel confident. If you have been in a car accident and are looking for an attorney, make sure to keep these things in mind.
