Find A Car Accident Lawyer Near You

Sustaining injuries as a result of a vehicle collision may lead to a struggle with insurance providers in obtaining the necessary coverage for your medical expenses. Having the support of a top-tier car accident attorney ensures you have a legal representative fighting on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation rightfully due to you. The best part is, you won't be required to make any payments until they successfully secure funds from the opposing party

Finding the Best Car Accident Attorney

A car accident attorney is a type of personal injury attorney. You can be overwhelmed by the number of options there are in your area. It seems like every commercial, bus bench and billboard is offering the services of another attorney. By asking the right questions and looking for the right credentials, you’ll be able to narrow the field down to one that is right for you.

What Is Their Experience?

Many personal injury attorneys focus on a particular type of case. Some handle workers’ compensation cases, others handle class action lawsuits against manufacturers and others handle car accidents. You want to find an attorney that has a lot of experience with car accidents. Look for a lawyer who has taken cases all the way to trial, in the unlikely event your case doesn’t settle before then. Of course, with this experience, there should be a winning track record of getting appropriate settlements and judgments from insurance companies.

What Are the Fees?

It’s no secret that attorneys cost a pretty penny. You want to find an attorney who works on contingency, meaning they don’t make any money until you get your settlement or judgment. Most personal injury attorneys work for a percentage of the final award amount. This is typically around 33%, and potentially more if your case goes to trial. You’ll also probably be responsible for costs such as filing fees and expert witness fees. Read the lawyer’s fee agreement closely so you understand what you’re responsible for. Don’t make the decision solely on the fee. If they’re the best, they may be worth the extra money.

Are They Able To Communicate Clearly?

You’ll have a lot of questions in the course of your case. You want to have an attorney who can speak to you in a way that you understand what is going on. A lawyer sticking to legal jargon may seem impressive but you will find yourself confused in the process.

Are They Respected by Their Peers?

Do some research online to see what other attorneys have to say about them. Don’t be afraid to ask them what percentage of their business comes from other attorney referrals. The higher the percentage, the better. Referrals mean that other attorneys have a high amount of respect for the person you’re talking to—enough respect that they risk their own reputation on a recommendation. A good attorney is also willing to provide references that speak to their abilities.

You can also contact the state bar to find out whether the lawyer has been subject to any disciplinary actions.

Do They Have a Professional Office?

You need an attorney who has the resources to handle your case. This means that they have the staff capable of doing investigative work and addressing issues as they arise. It’s likely that you’ll be interacting with some of these staff members as your case progresses. An organized office space is also a good indication that the attorney is running a professional business. It’d be hard to trust an attorney who is flipping through files trying to find your case when you come in for a meeting.

Why Do I Need an Auto Accident Lawyer?

It’s possible to handle an auto accident injury case on your own. You don’t necessarily need to hire a lawyer. That begs the question, why should you?

The reason that you should get an auto accident attorney is you will likely be given the bare minimum by an insurance company if you handle the case on your own. Insurance companies are in the business to make a profit and they do this, in part, by keeping claims costs down when possible. You might not be aware of certain legal rights to compensation for things like emotional trauma. An auto accident attorney knows the ins and outs of the process and, as a result, is able to get you the most for your accident. That’s their job.

When is the Ideal Time to Seek an Auto Accident Attorney?

Although you can involve an attorney in your case before the insurance company closes the settlement, it's advisable to seek legal representation as soon as you sustain injuries. An attorney can recommend specialized medical professionals to properly diagnose your case and ensure you receive the best possible care. Engaging an attorney promptly also reduces the risk of making statements to the insurance company that could harm your chances of a favorable settlement. Most clients find that the earlier they secure legal representation, the better their car accident settlement outcomes become.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to obtain a car accident settlement?

Having an attorney is not mandatory, and you can negotiate directly with the insurance company on your own. However, an experienced attorney can assist with settlement negotiations or pursue your case in court if no settlement is reached, potentially resulting in a higher settlement for you. Keep in mind that a settlement offer is just the starting point for negotiations.

Prospective attorneys should provide examples of car accident settlements they have secured for past clients, giving you insight into their performance. It's also crucial to ensure that the attorney has experience handling similar types of crashes.

Should I hire a lawyer if the accident was my fault?

It's advisable to hire a lawyer for accidents in which you are not at fault, seeking a settlement or judgment from the other party's insurance carrier. However, if you believe your own insurance company is mishandling your case, you can retain an attorney to advocate on your behalf.

What constitutes a fair settlement for pain and suffering?

The severity of your injuries largely determines the compensation you may receive for pain and suffering. Several factors are considered when calculating a pain and suffering settlement, and the amount awarded will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. On average, car accident claims often result in pain and suffering settlements ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the specifics of the case.