Being involved in a car accident can present physical, emotional, psychological, and even financial implications. For instance, if you have suffered serious injuries that require extensive medical care, that may cause you financial strain.
One of the ways to deal with this is to claim compensation from the insurance company. Getting a good car accident attorney may determine whether or not your claim will succeed.
That is why knowing how to find the best lawyer is important. At WHG, our team has ably handled numerous car accident cases, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to your claim.
If you or your loved one has suffered injuries and incurred damages due to a car accident, call us at (800) 320-HELP or submit this contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with our car accident attorneys.
Here are some of the considerations you should make when it comes to selecting the best car accident attorney to pursue your claim.
Do I Really Need A Car Accident Lawyer?
You may be wondering whether there is any need to hire an attorney after a car accident. These are some of the common instances where the services of a car accident attorney are quite necessary:
- You have suffered serious injuries with high medical bills.
- You have lost wages due to injury, disability, or condition arising out of the accident.
- There has been significant property damage as a result of the car crash.
- Your insurance claim has been denied or the offer by the insurance company is insufficient to cover all damages.
- The insurance company and/or the other driver are disputing or denying fault for the collision.
- Car crash cases where you have lost a loved one (wrongful death).
- The insurance company is dismissive of the real extent of your injuries.
You may not need a car accident attorney if there are no injuries, or significant property damage, or your insurance has offered a fair settlement. However, it’s important to get a medical check-up as some car accident injuries might not be immediately apparent.
If you accept an insurance settlement and later discover serious injuries, you may be stuck with that settlement. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to consult with a car accident lawyer.
Why Legal Representation Is Important in Personal Injury Cases
Legal representation matters because as an ordinary citizen, you may not fully comprehend the ins and outs of the legal system. On the other hand, a qualified car accident attorney has comprehensive knowledge of the relevant laws applicable to your case, including the strict timelines for filing your claim.
An experienced auto accident attorney also understands the complexities of the legal system and will help you comply with the necessary processes as you focus on your recovery.
While you may find it challenging to sufficiently prove your injury for compensation, a skilled lawyer knows the type of compelling evidence to present and how to persuasively argue your case. They will help in gathering such evidence and filing the proper documentation in court and on time.
Experienced car accident lawyers bring their expertise on board, therefore increasing your chances of a successful claim.
They will also inform you of damages you may not even know you are entitled to after reviewing your car accident case. Where the insurance company has presented a lowball offer, a seasoned lawyer will strategically negotiate to maximize compensation for your car accident claim.
How Do I Know I’m Getting the Best Car Accident Injury Attorneys Near Me?
Merely browsing ‘how to find the best car accident injury attorneys near me’ may not always find you the right attorney for your case. You need to intentionally consider several factors before settling on who to hire. These factors include:
Practice Area/Experience
How long have they been in practice? How long have they been handling car accident claims? What types of car accidents have they handled? Hiring an experienced attorney gives you confidence that they are familiar with handling your type of claim effectively to increase your chances of success.
Location
It is advisable to consider a car accident injury attorney whose location is convenient in relation to yours. Although virtual meetings and email or phone call correspondence may render frequent physical meetings unnecessary, you may need to run a few things by your attorney in person.
A lawyer whose offices are reasonably easily accessible saves you the stress of having to plan long travels to access them in person when you need to.
Reputation
Everyone wants to work with an auto accident attorney with a good reputation. Check out client testimonials and the overall reputation of the attorney before hiring them. Credible client reviews or even awards can help you in this regard.
Referrals
Sometimes, a credible referral does it. Friends, colleagues, or even family members may refer you to a car accident lawyer they enjoyed working with in the past. A good auto accident attorney will also have reliable professional referrals, so look out for those too.
Legal Fees
The last thing you want is to hire an attorney that you can’t afford! Always inquire first about the anticipated legal fees you will have to pay if they take your car accident case. Are the fees based on a contingency basis? Do you have to pay upfront? An attorney without transparency regarding fees is a red flag.
Resources
If you are taking up a big insurance company with financial muscle, then an experienced car accident attorney whose firm has sufficient resources to pursue your claim is your best bet.
Success Rate
How many car accident cases have they won in the past? A credible success score may not guarantee that you will win too, but it helps you assess how diligently the auto accident lawyer will represent your interests.
Questions To Ask Your Potential Car Accident Attorney
Here are some of the questions that you can ask the car accident lawyer to find out whether they are the right choice for your personal injury claim:
Ask About Their Skills and Experience With Car Accident Claims
How long have you been practicing personal injury law and how many car accident cases have you handled?
A firm with a significant number of car accident cases suggests experience and expertise in this area.
Has your firm successfully handled car crash cases that are similar to mine in the past and how many?
While a competent car accident lawyer should be able to deal with car accident cases generally, your best bet is a lawyer who has handled similar cases in the past. For instance, if you have lost a loved one, you may want to consider an attorney who has handled wrongful death claims successfully.
Establish Expectations With Your Personal Injury Attorney
What is the typical car accident settlement amount for a case like mine?
A good car accident attorney will quote a figure backed by a sound assessment of the evidence. An experienced attorney will also know what to expect from insurance companies based on previous experience. However, beware of attorneys who quote unreasonably high figures to bait you in as a client.
How involved will you be in my case, and what level of support can I expect throughout the process?
Understanding the firm’s level of involvement and support can help ensure your needs are met.
How often do your firm’s car accident cases go to trial and what are my chances of going to trial?
Most car accident claims settle out of court. Many car accident victims and insurance companies alike prefer it that way because of how long and expensive the trial process can get. Discuss with your car accident lawyer how likely it is for your car accident case to go to court and the possible implications of the same.
How often will you communicate with me, and what is your preferred method of communication?
Clear and consistent communication is essential for a positive attorney-client relationship. Car accident cases can be stressful, and you will need regular and reliable communication from your attorney as the case progresses. Ask about how quickly they will get back to you should you have any questions.
Discuss the Cost and Timeline of Your Car Accident Claim
You may also want to know:
- What is the projected timeline for this case?
- What does the fee structure look like? Is it on a contingency basis?
- What are the estimated upfront costs for my case?
What Information Should Your Car Accident Attorney Provide?
Generally, your car accident attorney should provide you with detailed information about your legal rights and options. This includes the deadline for filing a lawsuit, potential damages you may be eligible for, and your legal options to best pursue your car accident claim.
Your car accident lawyer will also conduct a thorough evaluation of your case. When doing so, they will focus on assessing liability, and potential challenges, and providing an estimated timeline for resolution.
They should keep you informed throughout the process, provide clear communication channels, and explain the costs and fees associated with your case. You should also be at liberty to make any inquiries related to your case.
What Evidence Do I Need To Prove My Car Accident Claim?
The amount and quality of evidence you provide your car accident lawyer has a huge bearing on the outcome of your case.
Critical evidence that supports your claim will help your car accident attorney assess your chances of success. This includes evidence from the accident scene like police reports, witness statements, and photos of the car crash aftermath, as well as documentation of damages.
To strengthen your claim for vehicle damage, you can provide receipts for any repairs. Make sure to keep records of where you have sought medical treatment for your car accident injuries, as well as any medical bills.
Your personal injury lawyer will help you identify what is needed to successfully prove your claim.
Contact the Best Car Accident Attorneys at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia
Dealing with the personal injury claim legal system can be stressful, especially after being involved in a car accident. Our qualified team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia has extensive experience in handling car accident cases.
Let one of our personal injury lawyers assist you by offering expert legal advice, negotiating with insurance companies, and court representation to maximize your compensation.
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, our dedicated car accident attorneys will defend your rights in and out of court. You can contact us online or call us at (800) 320-HELP to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to hire a lawyer before accepting the insurance settlement?
While a car accident settlement may seem fair, running it by your auto accident lawyer is a good idea to ensure you are getting what you really deserve.
What damages can I claim after a car accident?
Depending on the injuries sustained, the impact of the car crash, and other factors, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury case.
Economic damages include financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, cost of repairs, and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of companionship, and disfigurement.
How long can I wait to file my car accident lawsuit?
The statute of limitations differs from state to state so ensure your lawyer informs you accordingly. For instance, in Florida, car accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
