How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer?
If you have ever been involved in a car accident, you know there is never a good time for a car accident. In fact, depending on your level of injury, being involved in a car accident can totally derail your day, week, month, or even your future. There are certain things you can do, however, that will change the outcome of your car accident. Contact a highly experienced personal injury attorney as quickly as possible after your car accident. This will allow you the time you need to focus on getting well and recovering from your injuries, while your attorney deals with the legal end, fighting hard for your rights. But how do you choose the right car accident attorney? Ask yourself the following questions:
Is the attorney you choose truly interested in your injuries and recovery?
The first thing you must do following a car accident is to attend to your health. See a doctor, even if you think you are “fine.” Far too many people refuse medical attention because their injuries are masked by the adrenaline that floods their bodies during the accident. When they realize later they are not fine, they may also find the insurance company refuses to pay medical expenses because they did not see a doctor immediately following the accident. Your attorney must truly care about your injuries, your recovery, and how those injuries affect your day-to-day life.
Should you choose an attorney online or get referrals?
While it can be a daunting task to find an attorney, like most things in life, there is a right and wrong way to make the process easier. Since this is a significant event in your life, it requires some thought and effort. One way to find an attorney for your personal injury claim is to ask friends, co-workers, and family for a referral. They may be acquainted with an attorney or have actually used one in the past. Once you have a few referrals, set up appointments with each attorney. These initial consultations are usually free and will give you a good idea of which attorney suits your needs.
How do you choose an attorney once you have referrals?
When you meet with each attorney, be sure to ask how they keep clients informed during the course of the case. Do they answer phone calls promptly? Will you speak directly to the attorney, or to a paralegal or legal secretary? Does the attorney feel your case is viable? How long does the attorney feel your case will take to settle? How many similar cases has the attorney handled? Then, ask yourself the following questions:
- Did the attorney put you at ease?
- Did you feel comfortable talking to the attorney?
- Did you feel as though the attorney was truly interested in your case?
- Did the attorney show compassion for your injuries and your situation?
Should you discuss fees with each attorney?
While asking an attorney straight up what he or she charges can seem embarrassing, it is important that you understand the fee arrangement. You would not take your car to a mechanic without asking for an estimate of costs, nor would you hire a building contractor without obtaining a bid. Attorneys should have no problem clearly explaining the billing process to prospective clients.
Should you check the credentials of the attorneys you are considering?
After you have visited your chosen attorneys, you probably have a good idea of which one you want to hire for your case—or at least have narrowed it down to two or three. Take the time to research the credentials of each attorney you are considering. Check online reviews and make sure there are no significant complaints against the attorney. Remember, while you want an attorney you feel comfortable with and can talk to, you also need an attorney with a proven track record of success, board certifications, peer ratings from other attorneys, legal accolades, etc. Remember, you are not hiring the attorney to be your friend, rather you are hiring him or her to fight for your rights.
At Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers, we believe we have the experience and skill to be your personal injury attorney. We will fight aggressively for your rights, working hard to obtain a fair settlement for your injuries. The Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers personal injury attorneys have compassion for your injuries and for your current financial situation resulting from your car accident and would like the opportunity to help you through this difficult time. Contact Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers today!